National Association of Catering Executives: The Detroit NACE Blog

(Kurt is pictured in the middle w/ the black shirt, large medallion, and red plastic cup.)

Who are you, where do you work, and what is your position?
My Name is Kurt Colone, I am the General Manager of Mike Staff Productions. We offer Award Winning DJ, Photography and Videography Services.

How long have you been in the business?
Personally, I have been a part of Mike Staff Productions for close to 7 years. Mike Staff Productions is now 20 years old!
 

What do you love about it?
What I love about my career is simple: I truly get to do what I truly enjoy. On a day to day basis I get to work with my friends, work with music and be hands on in running a cool business.
 

How has NACE helped you along your journey?
NACE has been a big stepping stone for the growth of Mike Staff Productions. NACE puts you face to face with other business owners, sales professionals and decision makers every month. I say this often but it is one of the truest business philosophies I know, “The most successful people are everywhere, every time, where everyone is.” – Jeffrey Gitomer. That is what NACE is all about.
 

What advice would you have for someone looking to hire a company that offers what you do?
First and foremost: do your homework. I offer products and services that people don’t shop for that often, I know it can be challenging to shop for things you don’t have experience with. I suggest shopping several vendors: go meet them, sit down with them and see where they do business. I would say that the majority of my clients are young professionals. I want them to see that we have passion in our craft but we also work extremely hard to run a professional business.
 

What are 10 things people might not know about you and/or your company?
1. I am elated to announce that we just hired 8 award winning photographers!
2. MSP has won the Channel 4 WDIV Best of 2 years in a row. 
3. MSP has won The Knot Best of for the past 2 years.
4. We make it a BIG priority to take our employees on company vacation each year as well as Tigers games, Pistons Games and Concerts.
5. Mike Staff Productions is the official entertainment provider of Palace Sports Entertainment. 
6. This year, Mike Staff Videography has won 3 national awards.
7. We just moved to a great new office in Troy.
8. I will be newlywed on 11/29/09!!!
9. When I have free time I enjoy playing guitar.
10. Halloween is my favorite Holiday!!!!!!!!

This begins our new series on the blog where we’re going to highlight members. If you would like to be “spotlighted”, you must be a NACE member from the Detroit chapter and in good standing.

Our first guinea pig - excuse me - our first member we’re going to highlight is Todd Lloyd from Chair Covers and Linens.

Where do you work/what is your position?
Chair Covers & Linens, President and CEO. The Nation’s largest source for chair covers.

How long have you been in the business?
As a separate company, Chair Covers & Linens has been in business for 12 years.

What do you love about it?
That’s easy – I get to party for a living. We get to be involved with some of the most joyous times in peoples lives. It’s a blast.

How has NACE helped you along your journey?
Sometimes we get so busy in our daily business life we forget to make contact with people. NACE allows me to contact our customers and prospects at least once a month. The educational and networking aspect is also very beneficial.

What advice would you have for someone looking to hire a company that offers what you do?
First and foremost is product offering. Do they have what you want? Second, do they have the resources to pull off your event? What kind of backup plans and staff do they have if there is an unforeseen emergency like someone gets sick or a vehicle breaks down? Often we are very restricted with the time we have to do our job. Make sure the company you choose can deal with anything that is thrown at them.

What are 10 things people might not know about you and/or your company?
1. We offer more than just a chair cover company
2. We have the largest selection of linen in Michigan.
3. We have offices in 9 states.
4. We carry battery operated LED Lighting.
5. We have just under 200 employees
6. We have over 70 different styles of chair covers.
7. We offer over 100 different sash colors/styles.
8. We own a company plane
9. My partner and I collect cars (we have 9 of them).
10. I get to work with my youngest sister everyday.
 

Chair Covers and Linens staff

Pictured left to right: Todd Lloyd (Detroit NACE Secretary), Joan Kacir (past President), Rachel Torok, Brennan Donnovan

Website: www.chaircovers.net