MCSB 50 Companies to watch Awardee

DSDT

In a lead-up to the 2020 Michigan Celebrates Small Business Gala Celebration Jeffrey Mosher spoke with several winning companies from this cycle. Due to the COVID-19, this year’s gala will take place online July 28th! Please visit michigancelebrates.org/

Here, he speaks with Jamie Kothe who is the Founder and CEO of DSDT. DSDT was nominated as a Michigan 50 Companies to Watch for 2020.

To Listen to their full interview please click on the embedded SoundCloud PodCast shared below!

DSDT is a technical training center located in southwest Detroit. The facility’s original name is Astute Artistry, LLC, which opened its doors in 2011 in Farmington Hills, Michigan. The school is a licensed proprietary trade school through the State of Michigan. Astute Artistry, LLC Specialized in Film Production and Creative Visual Effects. Additional curriculum was added throughout the years to enhance the traditional Film Production curriculum by adding more Digital Media, Digital Graphics and Technology. As a result, a name change to DSDT was imperative for re-marketing and re-branding purposes. DSDT opened a new facility at 1759 West 20th Street in Detroit near the Ambassador Bridge in the former Detroit Police Departments 3rd precinct. DSDT executives felt a calling to be in the city of Detroit to assist residents of Detroit and the surrounding suburbs more efficiently.

DSDT, Michigan 50 Companies to Watch
DSDT, Detroit, MI
Jamie Kothe, Founder and CEO, Karlos Harris COO and Chief Digital Strategist
Date Founded: 2009
Educational Services
Sites in Michigan: 2
Full-time equivalent employees: 20
Website: Http://www.dsdt.edu
Questions:
1. Describe the company in one sentence.
DSDT trains Detroiters in high-paying tech jobs.
2. What is the next major accomplishment planned by the company?
We expanded our facility adding nine new training rooms and we are adding a satellite campus in 2021.
3. What makes the company truly unique?
We train in a fast-paced hands on environment in less time than a 4-year degree and help individuals with gainful
employment barriers.
4. What small business trend is impacting you the most?
Information Technology and the high-demand for talent consortium
5. Describe the company culture in three words.
Train, Employ, Empower
6. How is the company engaged with the community?
We are a training organization helping our community by providing training in high-growth technology sectors and
employment opportunities; which, wouldn't otherwise be available.