I’m sure everyone is familiar with Facebook and its origins. Mark Zuckerburg, owner of Facebook, was able to build a successful business online because he was able to pinpoint what the people wanted from a social networking website. Tom West, on the other hand, was able to determine what employers and service providers of the entertainment industry need to make it easier for both parties to find each other, negotiate pricing and get payed securely. That being said, Tom West will certainly become Zuckerburgh of social and career interaction in the entertainment industry. Tom West is the creator and founder of Modelfuse.com, Musicianfuse.com, and Moviesfuse.com. These are highly addictive social networking/Job Hiring sites which cater to the needs of entertainment freelancers and employers. You canfind models, musicians, actors and everyone between by posting a job in these websites. On the other hand, these websites become the stage for entertainment freelancers to showcase and network their talents. You might be wondering who Tom West is after learning how he bridged the gap between employers and service providers of the entertainment industry. To know him better, I spent my Saturday morning on the phone with him and I would like to share my conversation with Tom here. Lynette:I’ve noticed that your websites are focused on helping the entertainment industry. Why is that? Tom: When I was a child, I formed a band together with my childhood friends. We were able to secure a contract with Island/Universal Records and Maverick Records. Because of my band, I’ve met cool people across the world and got to release an album. Although our popularity didn’t last long, I learned so much and the experience was unbelievable. Lynette: You’re pretty amazing for a kid. What was the best moment that you can remember during your time with the band? Tom: Well, we were able to tour with major acts such as Duran Duran. An experience of a lifetime! Lynette: When your band broke up, you started dabbling in Entertainment Business right? Tom: Ha ha yea I had to figure out how to put bread on the table! That’s kinda how I learned to make a website for my recording studio business. Tom and his best friend partner had many business ideas that were almost successful but nothing really stood out until Tom’s recent realization of the entertainment industry’s need for service providers. When I asked Tom how he figured it all out, his answer was funny and so true in the entertainment industry. Lynette: How did you come up with the idea of making a website for both employers and freelancers? Tom: Well,for a few years, I’ve been trying to hustle new clients and find people who need music related work done. And man it was a struggle, plus chasing money down to! So when I was sitting replying to an advertisement on craigslist, I thought why isn’t there a site for this? I mean most people these days are freelancers anyway. So, I scheduled a meetingwith GarrettO’Neill, my business partner, for a coffee. He loved the idea and we started planning the business. That’s pretty much the story on how the three websites are born. Musicianfuse.com is the first website that was planned by Tom but Modelfuse.com was created and released first. Wondering why, I asked Tom the reason behind his actions. Lynette I know you started with Musicianfuse.com but Modelfuse.com was out first, I wonder why. Tom Well, when we were developing Musicians Fuse, my girlfriend was a pretty successful model at a large international modelling agency at that time. I mean everyone has heard horror stories about agencies but I saw it firsthand. Mine and my partner’s plan was always Musician Fuse first but because of the situation, I thought of creating a website that caters to the needs ofthe models, hairstylists,photographers, and the clients. Ironically, my girlfriend left me for a photographer shortly after I started developing Model Fuse. Anyway, I decided to hurry and release Modelfuse.com as soon as possible . I decided not to delve deeper into that topic because it’s personal and might make Tom feel uncomfortable. Tom suggested that I try one of Modelfuse.com apps called paparazzi which I did and I thoroughly enjoyed playing with it. I created an account on Modelfuse.com to use this app which will come out this month. Out of curiosity, I asked Tom if he is dating anyone and his response is understandable. Tom : Not as of yet, I just got out of a 5 year relationship so I’m a bit jaded at the moment. Also, I work 24 hours a day so I’m not sure if anyone would be in to sitting next to me and our teams on the computer (laughs). Having met Tom personally, I think he is such a nice guy with lots of brilliant ideas. With his company’s vision, he’ll surely help a lot of people in the entertainment industry. I wish Mfuse LLC. success which they so much deserve for helping both employers and service providers. You can visit http://www.mfusellc.com/ to learn more about Tom and his websites. By, Lenette Rice