Meet Eric Wheelwright | A.K.A: The Prince of Media. A multi-award nominated film and television producer, director, writer, actor, recording artist, and music producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eric Wheelwright and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eric, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Entrepreneurship has been ingrained in me since childhood. I launched my first business at the age of 12—not out of ambition, but out of necessity. My mother and her twin sister were raising five children while also caring for my grandmother and several other family members. Financial hardship was a constant reality, and I witnessed the sacrifices my mother and her twin sister made firsthand—especially the nights they quietly went to bed hungry to ensure the rest of us had enough to eat. Even at a young age, I couldn’t accept that level of struggle, and I felt a deep responsibility to help in any way I could.

I began taking on whatever work was available—delivering newspapers, shoveling snow, mowing lawns—but I quickly realized that simply earning a wage wasn’t enough. I needed to create something sustainable. With $20, I went to the local penny candy store and purchased 1,000 pieces of candy. The next day at school, I sold each piece for $0.02, doubling my earnings. I reinvested the profits each day, and by the end of the week, I had enough money to help buy groceries for my family.

That experience was transformative. It wasn’t just about earning money; it was about problem-solving, resourcefulness, and understanding how to generate value. More importantly, it reinforced the idea that entrepreneurship isn’t solely about financial gain—it’s about creating opportunities, providing solutions, and making a tangible impact. That foundational lesson continues to shape my approach to business and leadership today.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have always been drawn to creativity in all its forms. As a child, writing and drawing became my earliest forms of expression—partly because they cost nothing but also because they gave me the freedom to create something from nothing. Music, however, became my greatest fascination. I remember the moment it all clicked for me: I learned that by filling drinking glasses with different levels of water and tapping them with a spoon, I could create melodies. That simple discovery opened a world of possibilities, and I wanted to learn everything about music.

Determined to master as many instruments as I could, I began studying the violin, piano, guitar, and drums. In addition to learning to read music, I trained my ear to recognize and replicate melodies. By sixth grade, I could play nearly anything I heard on the keyboard or piano. Word spread quickly, and a classmate mentioned my abilities to his older brother, a recording artist. That conversation led to my first opportunity in a professional studio, where I was invited to play on an album.

By high school, music had become my world. I was first-chair violinist in a quartet, winning multiple awards, while also producing songs for a variety of artists across hip-hop, pop, and R&B. Eventually, I produced my own album, Journey: The Story of Life, which was distributed globally. My love for music led me to open a recording studio with one of my closest friends, William McPhail. Together, we launched a record label and production company.

At the time, the internet was in its infancy, and I knew having a website could help drive business. Unfortunately, hiring a web developer was expensive—basic sites cost around $35,000, which I simply couldn’t afford. Instead of accepting that as a limitation, I saw it as an opportunity. I purchased the necessary software and a tutorial book, then taught myself web design over the course of a month. By the end of that month, I built my first website. A friend in real estate saw it, was impressed, and asked me to build one for him. Just like that, I was in the web design business.

This became a pattern in my journey. Every time my company needed something and I didn’t have the funds to outsource it, I learned how to do it myself. We needed a commercial, so Will and I produced one and aired it on a local CBS affiliate. That commercial caught the attention of a CBS representative, who then invited me to direct and produce a talk show for the network. That opportunity became my entry point into film and television.

Over the years, I continued reinvesting in my company, acquiring equipment and expanding services to stay ahead of industry trends. Today, my company, Wrightway Enterprises (Team WE), produces marketing materials and websites for some of the world’s largest brands. We are also a full-service production company, supplying equipment and crews for films, TV shows, commercials, music videos, and more. I’ve directed and provided production services for projects such as Finding My Romeo (hosted by Romeo Miller) and The Hannah Fletcher Show (hosted by Hannah Fletcher) and have worked with industry legends including Steve Harvey, Faye Dunaway, Andrew McCarthy, Harvey Keitel, Cheech Marin, Berry Gordy, Sinbad, Jay Leno, Marvin Winans, Vickie Winans, Mena Suvari, Brandon Routh, and many others.”

Beyond film and television, I am a member of the award-winning production team PAJAM, whose accolades include:


✅ 5 Grammy Awards (19 nominations)

✅ 1 American Music Award (3 nominations)

✅ 22 Stellar Awards (39 nominations)

✅ 3 Soul Train Awards (39 nominations)

✅ 2 Dove Awards (4 nominations)

✅ BMI Songwriter of the Year (Urban)

✅ 22 #1 singles

My journey has been one of continuous evolution—where necessity became the catalyst for growth. Every challenge was an opportunity to develop new skills, which not only strengthened my business but expanded its services. I firmly believe that a lack of money does not mean a lack of options. If you don’t have financial capital, invest your time and creativity.

This path was far from easy. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that running a business isn’t just about having a skill—it’s about understanding how to manage and grow that business. Adaptability is key. Darwin said, “It’s not the smartest or the strongest that survive. It’s those that are willing to adapt that survive.” That belief is at the core of everything I do.

Ultimately, what I want the world to know about my story is that I started from the same place as many others—with seemingly limited resources. However, I’ve come to realize that there is no such thing as limited resources. God has given us everything we need to succeed. We are the resource. As long as you believe, have faith, and take action, you are never truly limited. Everything you need has already been placed within you—you just have to be willing to use it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting, I’d want to give them an unforgettable mix of adventure, relaxation, and culture. One of my absolute favorite places is Universal Studios Hollywood. I love it so much that I purchased the Platinum Pass, allowing me to visit whenever I want. So, of course, we’d spend a day there, enjoying the rides, catching a show, and exploring Universal CityWalk for great food and entertainment.

Since I also love nature, we’d make time to visit some of Southern California’s beautiful beaches—maybe Malibu’s El Matador Beach for its stunning rock formations or Santa Monica for a classic boardwalk experience. I also appreciate peaceful, scenic spots like Griffith Park & Observatory, where you get breathtaking views of the city and can explore the wonders of space. For a more unique experience, we might take a drive out to Joshua Tree National Park for hiking and some of the best stargazing imaginable.

Of course, no trip to LA is complete without experiencing the energy of Hollywood and Downtown—checking out the Walk of Fame, catching a show at the TCL Chinese Theatre, or exploring the vibrant arts scene at The Broad Museum. Food-wise, I’d take them to some of my favorite restaurants, like Geoffrey’s Malibu for oceanfront dining, Gjelina in Venice for fresh, locally sourced dishes, or Perch downtown for great food with a skyline view.

Whether it’s exploring the entertainment side of LA, enjoying the natural beauty of the coast and mountains, or simply discovering hidden gems around the city, there’s no shortage of incredible experiences to share.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe a great deal of who I am today to my mother, Janet Johnson. She was my loudest cheerleader, my guiding light, and always the first to offer an encouraging word. No matter the challenge I faced, she had a way of putting things into perspective. One of my fondest memories is of her saying, “Don’t worry about it. God will take care of you. He always does.” Her unwavering faith and belief in me shaped my confidence and resilience in ways I can never fully repay.

Speaking of God, I can honestly say that He has opened doors for me that I could not have opened for myself. Having a relationship with God has not only created incredible opportunities, but it has also provided peace and comfort during the most trying times in my life. Knowing that an all-powerful being—who loves me and only wants the best for me—is looking out for me instills hope in what might otherwise seem like hopeless situations.

Another profound influence in my life has been Quincy Jones. I once told him that, of all the incredible people I’ve been fortunate enough to meet, his career was the one I most wanted to pattern mine after. His journey, his creativity, and his impact on the world have inspired me immensely.

They say it takes a village, and I have been blessed with an extraordinary one. From family members who have been there whenever I needed them—my sisters, Kaneta and Kanetra Johnson; my cousins, who are more like a brother and sister, Jerry and Lisa Wells; Dennis and Donald Wheelwright; Janice Wheelwright; Clark and Dianne Bailey; and Sergio McGee—to friends and colleagues who have shared and supported my vision—William McPhail, Leon Isaac Kennedy, Leslie Small, Keisha and Paul Allen, Miles Dixon, Sylvia Ray, and Maika Le, a business partner and visionary for some of the shows I’m currently working on, as well as our company Smart Tech Menu—each of these individuals has played a meaningful role in my journey. Their support, wisdom, and encouragement have made all the difference, and I am truly grateful for each of them.

Website: https://www.ericwheelwright.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericwheelwright

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericwheelwright

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericwheelwright

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCBNoaxcppZXYbL0XUWdZfw

Other: www.teamwe.us
www.smarttechmenu.com
www.thehannahfletchershow.com
www.imdb.com/name/nm4960182/?ref_=fn_all_nme_1