Billy Dec
Encyclopedia
Billy Dec is the CEO and Founder of Rockit Ranch Productions, a restaurant and entertainment development company in Chicago that owns and operates Rockit Bar & Grill, Sunda Restaurant and The Underground.
, the Lookingglass Theatre Company
, and Maggie Daley’s (wife of Richard M. Daley
) After School Matters. He is known for his role on the Chicago 2016 Olympic committee as director of cultural relations where he interviewed 60 celebrities to support the Olympics coming to Chicago.
Early life
Dec was born and raised in Chicago and went to St. Clement School for elementary and later, The Latin School of Chicago. Upon graduation, Dec attended the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign where he majored in Economics/Pre-Law. During his time in college, he worked as a bouncer where he learned the ropes of the nightlife industry. After graduation, Dec got offered a full-time job as a promoter but turned it down to attend law school at Chicago Kent College of Law. During his first year of law school, he opened up his first club called Solo. While in law school, Dec went on to open Equinox Wine Bar, Dragon Room, Circus & The Bedroom.Rockit Ranch Productions
In 2002, Dec and business partner Brad Young formed Rockit Ranch Productions, a restaurant and nightclub development and management company specializing in entertainment marketing, promotions, branding, public relations and operations,. Their first nightclub venture was Le Passage Nightclub and their first restaurant was Rockit Bar and Grill, a restaurant that featured rock music along with all American food. The company then went on to open more award-winning venues like The Underground, Sunda, and Rockit Bar and Grill in Wrigleyville.Charity Work
Dec is a supporter of non-profit organizations and charity events throughout Chicago, such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois, The American Cancer SocietyAmerican Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is the "nationwide community-based voluntary health organization" dedicated, in their own words, "to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and...
, the Lookingglass Theatre Company
Lookingglass Theatre Company
Lookingglass Theatre Company is a non-profit, ensemble-based theater company located in Chicago, Illinois. Their pieces tend to focus on the spectacular and the physical.As of June 2011, Lookingglass has won 42 Joseph Jefferson Awards.-Background:...
, and Maggie Daley’s (wife of Richard M. Daley
Richard M. Daley
Richard Michael Daley is a United States politician, member of the national and local Democratic Party, and former Mayor of Chicago, Illinois. He was elected mayor in 1989 and reelected in 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003, and 2007. He was the longest serving Chicago mayor, surpassing the tenure of his...
) After School Matters. He is known for his role on the Chicago 2016 Olympic committee as director of cultural relations where he interviewed 60 celebrities to support the Olympics coming to Chicago.
Awards
| Year | Award | Industry |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Midwest Emmy Award Midwest Emmy Awards Midwest Emmy Awards may refer to the following regional Emmys:* The Chicago / Midwest Emmy Awards - parts of Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin* The Upper Midwest Emmy Awards - encompassing Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota; and parts of Nebraska and Wisconsin... - > Outstanding Achievement for Informational Programs – Single Magazine Program, Program Series, or Segment (Nominated) |
Television |
| 2008 | Nightclub & Bar Magazines USA Operator of the Year (Won) | Nightlife and Hospitality |
| 2009 | Midwest Emmy Award Midwest Emmy Awards Midwest Emmy Awards may refer to the following regional Emmys:* The Chicago / Midwest Emmy Awards - parts of Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin* The Upper Midwest Emmy Awards - encompassing Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota; and parts of Nebraska and Wisconsin... - Outstanding Achievement for Entertainment Programs – Arts/Entertainment Program or Program Series (Broadcast/Advanced Media) (Won) |
Television |
| 2010 | Byrne Piven Byrne Piven Byrne Piven was an influential American stage actor, director, and co-founder of the Playwrights Theatre Club, a forerunner of The Second City.-Life and career:... Community Service Award |
Community Service |
| 2010 | Chicago-Kent College of Law Professional Achievement Award | Law |
| 2010 | Illinois Secretary of State’s Asian Pacific American Business Leadership Award | Business |
| 2010 | Illinois Secretary of State Judy Baar Topinka Certificate of Appreciation for Excellence in Business | Business |
| 2010 | Filipino American TV Asian American Hall of Fame Award | Television |
| 2010 | Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas' Asian Pacific American Entrepreneur Award | Business |
| 2010 | Cook County State Attorney's Asian Pacific American Community Leadership Award | Business |