James Craik
Highly driven, practical, and hands-on E-Commerce, Marketing, and Events Professional with over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience. Founder and builder of djkit.com, guiding it from a startup to a leading industry retailer. Possesses a versatile skill set spanning high-level e-commerce management (Shopify Plus), digital marketing, graphic design, and large-scale event production. A natural problem-solver with a highly positive, "can-do" attitude, always willing to roll up my sleeves to ensur
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About
Highly driven, practical, and hands-on E-Commerce, Marketing, and Events Professional with over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience. Founder and builder of djkit.com, guiding it from a startup to a leading industry retailer. Possesses a versatile skill set spanning high-level e-commerce management (Shopify Plus), digital marketing, graphic design, and large-scale event production.
A natural problem-solver with a highly positive, "can-do" attitude, always willing to roll up my sleeves to ensure operational success. Seeking to bring a wealth of commercial acumen, technical expertise, and an infectious team spirit to a forward-thinking organisation.
Experience
Co-Founder & Digital/Marketing Director at djkit.com (2000-01 – 2026-02)
- Spearheaded the evolution of the business from a brick-and-mortar music store into a leading national e-commerce retailer for DJ equipment.
- Self-taught web developer and digital architect; successfully managed the end-to-end setup and ongoing management of Shopify and Shopify Plus storefronts.
- Drove brand growth through innovative experiential marketing at industry shows (e.g., the BPM Show), designing highly engaging concepts such as the "world's smallest nightclub," custom cash-cube games, and writing/designing a daily tabloid newspaper specifically for the trade show.
- Engineered the company's social media presence and integrated modern tools like Meta Business Suite and AI assistance to streamline operations.
Lead Event Director (DJkit Show) at Newbury Racecourse (2020-01 – 2020-12)
- Successfully directed and managed a high-pressure, large-scale industry event spanning three floors with over 80 exhibitors.
- Oversaw all logistics, health and safety, exhibitor communications, and the retail execution for djkit.com at the event.
- Regularly partner with local organisers to supply, manage, and operate PA, lighting, and video walls for various external events.
Co-Owner & Manager at ESP Music Disco Ltd (1990-01 – 2000-12)
- Co-founded and managed multiple secondhand record and CD stores across Newbury.
- Identified shifting market trends and successfully transitioned the business model to include DJ equipment, laying the foundational groundwork for djkit.com.
Co-Founder & Operations Manager at ACS Media Ltd (1995-01 – 1996-12)
- Established a short-run audio cassette and CD manufacturing business.
- Handled all technical equipment maintenance, graphic design, printing, and recording operations.
- Notable Achievement: Managed rapid-turnaround demo tape production and original artwork for the Stereophonics in 1996, working directly with their management during their initial discovery phase.
Recording Engineer at Matinee Sound (1990-01 – 1999-12)
- Engineered and recorded voice-overs for high-profile advertising and marketing campaigns.
Auditor at Green Disk (1990-01 – 1999-12)
- Conducted extensive travel across Europe to audit and coordinate the return of software product boxes to the UK for recycling.
Audio Mastering Engineer at Pre-Production Studio (1990-01 – 1999-12)
- Mastered loop bin master tapes for major audio cassette duplication.
- Worked with high-profile artists including The KLF, The Farm, and Right Said Fred.
Education
Secondary Education – Kingswood School
