The Hustle
Years in Tampa Bay
We’re both Michigan-born and raised. However, we spent the past 13 years living and performing overseas on the islands of Saipan and Guam, respectively. When returning to the mainland, we chose to move to St. Pete.
Hustle (job)
Illusionist, Business Owner, Husband, Father
What do you do?
As professional illusionists, we conjure up an exhilarating blend of sleight-of-hand, family-friendly comedy and grand-scale illusions in a performance that captures hearts and imaginations. We are owners of the Zubrick Magic Theatre, located in the EDGE District of downtown St. Pete.
Why do you do it?
We became professional illusionists because we love the experience of awe and wonder. Oftentimes people become disenchanted because of the monotonous, day-to-day routine. Our performance allows the audience, for a moment, to escape reality and experience the impossible. We are passionate about creating a fantastic, one-of-a-kind experience. Our goal is to amaze and entertain people of all ages – and create wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.
What was your Catalyst? (How did you get started?)
We each entered into magic independently. Chris’ first discovery of magic all started from the toy prize found in the bottom of a cereal box, which happened to be a magic trick, and from that moment on he was hooked. Ryan’s interest in magic developed from a magic set he received for his 5th birthday. Both of us knew very early on how much we loved magic. But it wasn’t until we met by accident in 2005 (when coordinators unknowingly double-booked us for the same event) that we got to know each other and found real direction for our careers.
What’s a common misconception or unknown aspect of what you do?
People are too quick to think that magic is just for kids. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Our performance is tailored to both the young and young-at-heart.
What’s the most challenging part of your Hustle?
We’re in show business! That’s two words: Show and Business. Notice which word is longer? Over 75% of our “hustle” is in the day-to-day operations of running a small BUSINESS. Marketing, sales, accounting, hiring, training, ordering supplies, etc. It isn’t until the curtain opens and the spotlights shine that we can take a breath and relax, because we’re finally performing the SHOW. The most challenging part is grinding through the unfavorable business aspects only to appreciate the most rewarding part which, for us, is performing before an audience.
What’s the most valuable piece of business advice/insight that’s helped you?
Author, magician and director Ken Weber, in his book “Maximum Entertainment,” wrote: “Your main opponent in your life as an entertainer is you – your potential. Master your own domain, and eventually your competitors, real or perceived, will fade from your consciousness. You have a limited amount of energy and time. Don’t waste a drop of either on things beyond your control. Be the best you can be, and you’ll eventually find that your only real competition is yourself.”
