Magnolia’s Jody Mallory, a 20-year Army veteran who retired as a sergeant major, has a true servant’s heart when it comes to his community.
Mallory was doing fundraisers for local school athletic programs when he stumbled upon a business idea. He started Top Sarge Entertainment LLC in 2021 and began renting equipment for birthday parties, weddings, and other events.
His wife and children work in the business with him.
In just one short year, Top Sarge Entertainment has expanded to include not only bounce houses and children’s games, but also DJ services, event decoration and set-up, catering, and much more.
Mallory is currently participating in a high-impact learning experience with the Social Media for Business class in the Rankin College of Business.
These students assist in creating, building, and teaching social media to Top Sarge and other local business clients. By allowing students to gain invaluable experience with his business, Mallory has once again taken an opportunity to give back.
Florence Nunn, business consultant at the Southern Arkansas University ASBTDC, recently sat down to visit with Mallory about his business journey.
Q&A with Business Owner and Operator Jody Mallory
Q: What led you to decide to start this business?
A: “I started this business for two reasons. Dealing with PTSD, I needed to do something to keep myself busy. Additionally, I wanted to show my children the rewards you can receive if you put 100% effort into something.
Since they are still young, they won’t remember my time serving in the military. The best way was to show them daily by building a brand they can be proud of.”
Q: Can you tell me a little more about how your time in the service affected your work ethic and your decision to start your own business?
A: “The first thing the Army taught me was discipline. Anything you do in life is impacted by being disciplined enough to make it through the good and the bad.
Dedication was next. This lesson was why I stayed in the service for 20 years.
If you’re dedicated and passionate about what you do, then it really isn’t a job. It makes a person want to show up for work. When others see that you’re well-disciplined and dedicated to your work and theirs, they automatically give you the respect that you deserve and have earned. You never have to demand it.
I knew that I was capable of doing this type of business on my own because that is what they military instilled in me.”
Q: What outcome do you hope to see for your business?
A: “My end goal is to see it become a one-stop shop for all my customers’ entertainment needs. I want it to be something that my children and grandchildren will still be able to hire their kids in.
I love giving back to my community, and this business has become the perfect way to do that. When I see the smiles on my customers’ faces, that is all the confirmation I need to continue to grow Top Sarge Entertainment.
Hopefully we can grow and add in some official philanthropy efforts through our Top Sarge Foundation, which is in the works.”
Q: How has the ASBTDC impacted your business journey so far?
A: “The ASBTDC’s knowledge of what I need, even on a personal level, has been extraordinary. From snippets of guidance, to connecting me to the resources I need to be successful, the SAU ASBTDC has been impeccable.
I love how you all never give up on me even when I’m slow on returning information. You always check, re-check, and triple check to ensure I’m taken care of. For that I am grateful and very appreciative!”
