I started in the industry with my own video editing company, creating memory slide shows for weddings, birthdays and memorials. I attended a bridal show and met the president of a local networking group, which I joined. Networking there led me to ISES (now ILEA), where I met the founder of my current company, Pyrotex. He took me on as sales and marketing director and urged me to join all of the industry networking groups in the region, which led me to MPI.
I am extremely star struck, so the most memorable part of my career has been meeting all of the famous people we have worked with over the years. Since I started with the company, we have produced shows for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Vanilla Ice and KC and the Sunshine Band. I have also had the pleasure of meeting Romona Keveza, the very talented designer of my wedding dress.
The founder of our company passed away two years ago, and having a million-dollar year was always on his bucket list. I have been close a few years, but would love to achieve this goal for him and to show a substantial growth in our company.
Being a supplier, I think the biggest challenge is always competition and proving how your product or service excels above your competitors. It is challenging to show potential customers that more expense isn’t always a bad thing when it comes with professionalism, years of experience in design and execution and adhering to state and local regulations when it comes to fireworks.
I have worked in various fields throughout my life, and the event industry is by far the most rewarding. We get to help our clients with milestone celebrations, improve personally through educational speakers and giving back to the community through volunteer programs. I have found my niche through networking and love helping new and expanding companies grow their businesses through local networking opportunities.
As MPI Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter president, I look to the past presidents, not only of MPI but also of the other industry organizations, as mentors with their years of experience in their companies and in volunteering as leaders. I hope that I can be viewed in such high regard when my term is complete.
Being a member of MPI has impacted my career tremendously. Networking with corporate meeting planners and having access to programs like the Sales Blitz has increased our corporate meetings business. Being a member of the board has increased my visibility throughout the industry and given me the confidence and tools to expand our business.
With the availability of online searching and social media referrals and reviews, clients are more equipped to learn about the company they are looking to hire as well as the local regulations surrounding their event. I have been pleased to see clients making wise, educated decisions on the vendors they choose rather than picking the least expensive option.
The industry needs to see that the way it has always been is not the way it always has to be. Times change, generations change, and new ideas need to be embraced rather than shot down by traditional methods.
I am passionate about being a mom. I serve as the leader of my daughter’s Girl Scout troop, pageant mom, school volunteer, taxi driver for both of my children’s extracurricular activities and cheerleader at their meets and performances. I love watching them change and grow as they enter their teenage years and discover who they are as individuals. I am in awe every day at funny quips they say and how they love to help others. I can’t wait to see how they will impact this world in the future.
