On this episode of Sixty Plus Uncensored, I sat down with Rafe Gomez, a 61-year-old entrepreneur, marketing pro, and professional DJ. Rafe is the co-owner of VC Incorporated Marketing, an award-winning firm that helps CEOs and businesses across the country generate media attention, sharpen their messaging, and drive sales.
But that’s not all. Rafe is also the creator of Danceteria Rewind—a Twitch live-stream that recreates the vibe of New York City’s legendary 1980s Danceteria nightclub. With more than 50,000 followers worldwide, his weekly Thursday night show proves that creativity and passion don’t have an expiration date.
Our conversation covered everything from diner placemat advertising to building credibility in the media, reinventing yourself after setbacks, and why being an entrepreneur over 60 may actually be your superpower.
From Diner Placemats to National Media
Rafe’s entrepreneurial journey started humbly—selling ads on diner placemats in New Jersey back in the 1980s. Far from glamorous, the experience taught him two lifelong lessons:
- Persistence matters. Success requires eating “massive spoonfuls of rejection” and moving forward anyway.
- It’s about the client, not you. By focusing on what his advertising could do for local businesses—not what he wanted to sell—he learned how to craft messaging that resonates.
These skills carried him through multiple reinventions: composing music for MTV, hosting a nationally syndicated radio mix show (The Groove Boutique), writing a bestselling career audiobook on Audible, and ultimately launching his PR and sales consultancy, VC Inc. Marketing.
Why Media Attention Matters for Entrepreneurs
One of Rafe’s key insights is that media coverage isn’t about bragging—it’s about educating and differentiating yourself.
“If your goal is, ‘I’m awesome, focus on me,’ you’re dead,” he said. “But if you’ve devised a solution that helps people, the media will lean forward and say: Tell me more.”
For small business owners—whether you’re 65 and starting fresh or decades into your career—being quoted in the right article, writing a bylined piece, or appearing on a local TV segment can instantly boost your credibility. That third-party validation (“As featured in Forbes…”) moves prospects closer to saying yes, because it’s not you claiming expertise—it’s a trusted outlet doing it for you.
The Underrated Advantage of Older Entrepreneurs
Rafe and I talked at length about why being over 60 can actually make you a stronger entrepreneur:
- Experience and Credibility. You’ve lived through industry shifts, downturns, and successes—and know what really works.
- Relationships. Decades of networking give you connections younger entrepreneurs can’t replicate overnight.
- Problem Spotting. After years in the trenches, you’ve seen inefficiencies everyone complains about—and you’re uniquely positioned to solve them.
- Emotional Intelligence. Older entrepreneurs stay calm when things go wrong and measured when things go right. That steadiness is invaluable.
As Rafe put it: “Your age is an attribute. Don’t think of it as a liability.”
Building Local and National Visibility
So, how can small businesses actually get noticed? Rafe recommends a mix of strategies:
- Educational content. Write op-eds, how-to guides, or seasonal checklists that offer real value (e.g., “3 Things to Do Before Leaving Home for Vacation”).
- Short-form video. Use TikTok or Instagram Reels for quick, visual, useful tips—even if your audience is local.
- Local media outreach. Pitch your expertise to booking producers or news directors. Come prepared with a portfolio of articles, videos, or tips that show you’re camera-ready.
- Leverage coverage. Don’t just get featured—use it. Add “As Seen In…” to your website, email signature, and prospect outreach.
The DJ Side Hustle That Became a Global Community
Of course, no conversation with Rafe would be complete without talking about Danceteria Rewind. Every Thursday night on Twitch, he mixes reggae, punk, hip hop, Latin, and electronic tracks in true 1980s style.
For listeners, it’s transportive—like walking into the iconic New York club where Madonna, LL Cool J, Keith Haring, and the Beastie Boys once hung out. For Rafe, it’s creative expression and another example of how passion projects can build global communities, even in your 60s.
As he put it: “There’s no expiration date on doing what you love.”
Key Takeaways
- Older entrepreneurs aren’t past their prime—they’re perfectly positioned to succeed.
- Persistence and rejection tolerance separate winners from everyone else.
- Media attention is fuel for credibility, visibility, and sales.
- Differentiate through education, not self-promotion.
- Creative outlets like DJing or writing keep you energized—and can create unexpected business opportunities.
Where to Find Rafe
- VC Inc. Marketing: vcincmarketing.com
- Danceteria Rewind: Thursdays, 8–10 PM EST on Twitch
Final Thoughts
Talking with Rafe Gomez reminded me why I started Sixty Plus Uncensored: to highlight people who refuse to fade quietly into the background. At 61, he’s building businesses, spinning DJ sets, and proving that the best entrepreneurial years might just be ahead of you.
If you’ve been thinking about launching a business in your 60s—or reigniting one—take Rafe’s story as proof: age isn’t a limitation. It’s leverage.