Tell us about your business or the work you do. 

I design and produce events for client’s special occasions in their lives that will create a lasting memory.

What year did you join NACE? 

May 24, 2000

How do you define success?

Everyone measures success differently and life is a series of successes…and sometimes failures.  However, no one is a success on their own.  It takes the support of friends and family that gives you the positive drive to be successful.  In the hospitality industry you have to have the best and most reputable industry contacts on your “team” when designing and producing special events for you to be known as  a success in this industry.

What would the title of your autobiography be?

The Nobelist Art is That of Making Others Happy!

Tell us your favorite NACE memory.

While I have been blessed with so many great moments and memories the favorite has to be hearing my name announced as the 2011 National Caterer of the Year Award recipient and to have my Dallas NACE family with me for the presentation.

Advice for newer members of NACE?

Passion…Perseverance…Patience!  Have a deep passion for the industry and what you do…Persevere through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in order to stay grounded as a person…Have Patience while building your foundation of industry contacts as well as your reputation as a leader in the industry. 

Over the years what is the most important thing you have gained through NACE?

Overall NACE does an incredible job with education.  Anyone can find a speaker or topic of interest no matter at what level of experience you are at in your career.  However, I find the most important thing that I gain through NACE is the many relationships I have through NACE, both in Dallas and throughout the nation!  These are not only people that I work with on events but people that I get counsel from as well as people that are like family…no matter how infrequently we see each other.

Tell us about your business or the work that you do.

I’m the Regional Sales Manager for AFR Furniture Rental – We provide soft seating solutions for conferences, events, and sporting events.

What year did you join NACE? 

2005

How do you define success.

I define success as being a benefit to your community and the world around you.  Setting goals that make the world a better place then utilizing your skills and network to achieve them. 

What would the title of your autobiography be? 

One day at a Time

Tell us your favorite NACE moment or memory.

My favorite NACE moment was when we raised over 2,500.00 for Cafe Momentum to support them – it was amazing! The membership really rallied to the cause. 

Advice for newer members of NACE

Get involved!  You definitely get back what you put into it.  Join a committee – any time spent is well worth it.  

Over the years what is the most important thing you have gained through NACE? 

Leadership skills and friendships that last a life time. 

Tell us about your business or the work that you do.

Director of Sales for Shag Carpet Prop Rentals.  We are a rental company that provides unique props and décor to create fabulous events

What year did you join NACE? 

June of 2006 – wow, it has been a long time

How do you define success.

When you feel fulfilled in both your personal and professional life

What would the title of your autobiography be? 

Planning for Others:  A Life in Events

Tell us your favorite NACE moment or memory.

Winning the NACE National Member of the Year award.  I was up against some pretty amazing others in the industry and wasn’t expecting to win.  I felt so honored to be recognized in that way on a National level.

Advice for newer members of NACE

Don’t under estimate the power of connections.  When you know people and you help each other out and can count on each other you can achieve just about anything for your clients.

Over the years what is the most important thing you have gained through NACE? 

Friends and Colleagues all over the US that I can reach out to for advice, guidance, friendship and a good laugh

Tell us about your business or the work that you do.

I am a musician with Center Stage Band. I play with my jazz group of 2-6 players with the options of keys, bass, drums, guitar, sax, trumpet, trombone, violin.  I also play solo piano/keyboard. We play for parties, weddings, private events

What year did you join NACE? 

June 1988

How do you define success?

Success is certainly different to everyone, but for me, success is doing what you like or even love and earning enough money to support this. That doesn’t mean you are always in the best place, but if you are creative, and not afraid, you can get there.

What would the title of your autobiography be? 

Never Think You Are Less

Tell us your favorite NACE moment or memory.

So many!! At one of the national conferences Kevin [Brandt] and I were setting on the ground watching fireworks and I remember saying “Do you believe this-we are the luckiest people in the world.”

Advice for newer members of NACE

Never be shy-approach all of us-tell us what you do and why we should work with you. Get on committees and be visible. Be confident! Spend money—go to the National Conference. It is an investment in your connections with us.

Over the years what is the most important thing you have gained through NACE? 

Confidence. I am never afraid to meet new people, I am never afraid to be rejected—it’s ok,  and I am never afraid to “ask for the order.”