Wedding season is in full effect, and while the weather may not be heating up as fast as we’d like, the pressure for those in bridal parties set to make a wedding toast are sure to be getting hot and bothered!
We sat down with Laugh Staff co-founder Josh Womack to rap about his popular and funny speech writing services. Josh is also a copywriter at Progressive Insurance. He tried becoming a pro wrestler in his late 20s, but decided writing was a safer route.
CC: When was Laugh Staff founded?
JW: The original idea for Laugh Staff came about in the summer of 2012. The site launched in March of 2013.
CC: What did you start Laugh Staff?
JW: Laugh Staff was started so comedians would have a chance to earn income during the day that didn’t interfere with their gigs at night. Getting paid to do anything creative is an uphill battle so we looked at this as a chance to give back. Comedy has given me a lot and it was time to return the favor. Plus, I can barely work a computer so anything tech-savvy was out of the question. Also, for many best men and maids of honor, a wedding toast is the closest thing to stand-up they’ll do, so we decided to put a stand-up in their back pocket. I’m 5′ 4″, so I can fit in pockets of all sizes.
CC: What’s the story as to how it all began?
JW: Cameron Amigo, my co-founder, had to pinch-hit a best man toast back in the summer of 2012. Later on in the evening a groomsman who was about to be a best man in another wedding that summer asked Cameron for some speech writing advice. The seed was planted and Cameron was sober enough to remember this exchange the following day. He called me with the idea, and I was in. Now it gets emotional. Cameron, like myself, is a part-time comedian. I was with him the very first night he did stand-up and actually went to his condo to help him write his first set. He had one thing in the fridge — a Red Bull. This guy came to party. Cameron won some amateur comedy contest back in 2012 that he constantly reminds people about. It’s like his Al Bundy 4 touchdown Polk high moment.
CC: Why is nailing the speech at a wedding so important?
JW: It’s a direct reflection of your character. It’s that magical moment where you show the bride and groom’s family and friends WHY they picked you and not “Doug,” the groomsmen with hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). The wedding toast is your chance to solidify your bro or bestie position for decades to come.
What is the biggest fumble people make when writing and delivering a wedding speech?
JW: Lack of preparation, inside jokes and stories that don’t have punchlines. Just have a conversation with the person in the cubicle next to you and you’ll see what I’m saying.
CC: Why should a best man, maid of honor, father of the bride, etc. hire Laugh Staff?
JW: You have a mechanic work on your car and chiropractor work on your back so it only makes sense to have a comedian work on your speech. Plus, we’re less expensive then both those two.
CC: What is the selection process for the group of writers on Laugh Staff?
JW: They have to hit the comedy trifecta. Rehab, depression and drugs. Just kidding. We selected the comedians based on our experiences working with them. Curtis Cook, who was originally from Cleveland and now lives in Portland, was one of the first comedians we selected. When he got out to Portland, he told me of this really funny girl named Bri Pruett. So because of Curtis we got to meet Bri and both have them have been absolutely crushing it. We have all the writers do a “test speech” to get a feel of what their style is. I love this group. Comedians who hit deadlines — how about that?
CC: How many speeches has Laugh Staff written?
JW: We’ve written a little over 300 speeches since launching. Most of the speech orders come from the east and west coast.
How many writers in how many states do you have writers?
We have a core of nine writers with a handful of backups. So about 14-15. Our writers live in New York City, Cleveland, Portland and San Diego.
CC: Who should hire you to write a speech?
JW: Anyone who is looking to properly toast the bride and groom and make it heartfelt and hilarious. Don’t let ego and pride get in the way, let us help! I know that time you and the groom pulled your pants down and pissed in Public Square was “sick as hell,” but the bride’s mom and dad may not appreciate it.
CC: What is your favorite part of the process?
JW: The feedback from our clients is extremely rewarding. Getting a laugh doing stand-up is a high that’s hard to describe. We feel like every best man and maid of honor deserves that feeling. Since we are 100% confidential we keep the feedback loop between the comedians and the clients, but it’s an amazing feeling knowing someone you’ve never met is saying words you wrote and that a room full of people is enjoying it. That’s what life is all about right there.
CC: What are some of your proudest moments as co-founder and writer?
JW: Like mentioned before, the feedback is unbelievable. We also offer coaching to clients so we hop on the phone with them and sort of give them a pep talk with pointers. If we can help take away some of the fear that goes along with public speaking, then the battle’s been won. Getting repeat customers and referrals are also proud moments. We’re doing something good here, and when people recognize it and tell their friends — wow.
CC: What speech advice can you give to anyone making a speech?
JW: Start practicing early, avoid inside jokes and don’t get into overcomplicated stories. If you decide to go it alone, have someone look it over and give you some honest feedback, too. Be nice first. Funny second. This allows you to connect with the audience and win them over when it comes time for the jokes. No dick jokes, either. Save those for the casual conversation at the bar with the priest.
CC: Do you write other types of speeches, aside from wedding?
JW: We’ve written dating profiles, blogs and even a eulogy! Our writers are funny as hell but also very adaptable. One of them, Toby Davis, has a comedic mind that blows me away. Every time he writes something I think shake my head and think, “Damm, I should have said that.” I would love to write for a political figure. Maybe one with really great hair …
CC: Anything else you’d like to share?
JW: We’re re-launching the site this fall and are very excited about it. We also saved a bunch of money on car insurance by switching to Progressive J.
[written by Kendall Embrescia-Hridel]