National Association of Catering Executives: The Detroit NACE Blog

Where do you work/what is your position? Aristocat Transportation, owner

How long have you been in the business? 22 years

What do you love about it? The people

How long have you been a NACE member? Since February but attending for over 5 years

How has NACE helped you along your journey? The synergy of this group is what attracted me to join. Everyone I have met is so helpful and knowledgeable about business and I have gotten some great advise that has helped my business tremendously-especially Sue Keels, Janet Engelhardt and the entire Royal Park Hotel staff along with Kurt Cologne from Mike Staff -they have been extremely accomodating and helpful. I have also received some new business and referrals already!

What advice would you have for someone looking to hire a company that offers what you do? Get references, do an onsite visit to check out their operation and vehicles, make sure they are insured, go with a bigger company that can accommodate you with another vehicle if there is a problem, shop rates, ask the year of the vehciles, ask how long the chaeuffeurs have been employeed with them, get a signed contract when you agree on the service, make sure they are fully licensed and insured and comfirm the service a few days before.

What are 10 things people might not know about you and/or your company?
1. We offer worldwide transportation
2. I was elected to a 4 year term on the board of directors for the National Limousine Association-it is a lot of work and very rewarding
3. I love boating
4. We offer a fleet of over 70 vehicles
5. We offer our clients a wide range of referrals to our business partners we have developed over the years
6. I’ve written 4 national published articles this year
7. I’m a firm believer of the law of attraction-like attracts like
8. I don’t like peas
9. I love animals
10. I am a Detroit certified woman owned business

Where do you work/what is your position?
Imago Salon and Spa
Bridal/Spa Events Manager

How long have you been in the business?
I have been with Imago since it opened in September 2006, but have been in the wedding/events industry for about 8 years now.

What do you love about it?
I love being able to help a bride achieve her perfect day. From the salon standpoint, that means making sure the bride and her bridal party look perfect with their hair and makeup, but also making sure they have a wonderful experience on the wedding day. Knowing that I helped reduce some of the stress that comes along with planning a wedding makes me very happy as well!

How long have you been a NACE member?
I am a new member to NACE! I just joined in December 2008 and am also the Hospitality co-chair for 2009!

How has NACE helped you along your journey?
NACE has already helped me by introducing me to so many great people in the catering and events industry. So many of our salon/spa clients ask us for referrals for either their weddings or special events. NACE has provided me the opportunity to meet these great people and given me the confidence to refer one of our clients to another great vendor who happens to be a NACE member too!

What advice would you have for someone looking to hire a company that offers what you do?
We are a full service salon and spa catering to weddings and special events. Not all salons/spas cater to the bridal industry like we do. Meet with one of our service providers, talk to them about their work and experience, check out our facility, and you will realize that we are one of the best in the area!

What are 10 things people might not know about you and/or your company?
1. We are a full service salon and spa in Shelby Township.
2. We offer airbrush makeup and our senior makeup artist is one of the first makeup artists in Michigan to offer airbrush makeup!
3. We have over 4000 square feet of space for our salon and spa.
4. We offer couples massages, pedicures and facials – great for the bride and groom to relax and de-stress before the big day!
5. We had over 100 brides become Imago Brides last year!
6. We have a private bridal suite in our facility equipped with a lounge area, wet bar and mini fridge – great for hosting Bridal Parties, Spa Parties, Bachelorette Parties, Girls Night Out, and even Birthday parties!
7. Our salon won Best Overall Hair and Makeup at “The Really Big Hairball” show in October 2008
8. We were voted in the Top 5 in WDIV Vote for the Best in 2008.
9. In my previous life, I used to be a Project Manager for an IT consulting firm, so I am very organized and detailed oriented!
10. You can find our salon on Facebook and soon to be on Twitter!

NACE Member: Rachel Cytaciki

Where do you work/what is your position?
All Things Creative Wedding Coordination and Event Design and I am the owner

How long have you been in the business?
I have been in the wedding industry for over a decade now. I started ATC last year.

What do you love about it?
OH MY GOSH… WHERE DO I START!!! I love everything about what I do. The fact that each bride is so different and has her own vision, is the best part. I get to be creative on so many different levels. Where one bride may want a small intimate garden wedding, another bride may want a huge wedding with all the works, lighting, linens, floral arrangements with crystals, etc. I love to see a good plan come together. I also LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it when a bride thanks me and says I have lifted a weight. That is what I am here for, that is what makes my day!

How long have you been a NACE member?
I have been coming to the meetings for years, but just joined this year. I love it.

How has NACE helped you along your journey?
In my business referrals and quality vendors are HUGE! When I refer a vendor to a bride, that puts my reputation on the line. If I refer someone and they don’t perform as they should, I would feel awful.. NACE has given me the opportunity to meet quality vendors in the industry and be picky about who I refer to my brides.

What advice would you have for someone looking to hire a company that offers what you do?
That is a great question. Make sure you feel comfortable with them and you like them. Other than the photographer, your coordinator is the only other vendor you will spend the entire day with. Trust your instincts.

What are 10 things people might not know about you and/or your company?
1. I have been in the wedding industry for over a decade.
2. One of my favorite meals is a combination of mashed potatoes, tomato soup, turkey meat, and corn… mmmm!
3. I have the best daughter in the world, I am addicted to her!
4. We do northern Michigan weddings and have a northern Michigan intern as well as a metro Detroit intern.
5. We have just introduced linen rental and floral design.
6. I used to work at Quicken Loans, that’s where I met my husband!
7. I started riding horses at age 2.
8. I cry at most acceptance speeches for the Oscars, Grammys, Golden Globes, etc.
9. I used to be a karaoke queen.
10. My dream car is a 73 Corvette.

If you would like to be highlighted in our NACE Member Spotlight, please contact Ryan Koral - our NACE Communications Chair - at ryan@epicmotion.com for more info.

NACE Member: Janet Engelhardt

Janet Engelhardt

Where do you work/what is your position?
Royal Park Hotel / Social Catering Manager

How long have you been in the business?
5 years at the Royal Park – but in Catering all my life!  My family owned/operated a restaurant.   I was in my baby swing in the middle of the dining room!  When I could walk, I would go table to table begging for French fries!

What do you love about it?
Every person and every event is different.  Each day we learn something new about people.   Despite all the differences in the world, everyone comes together around the table.

How long have you been a NACE member?
Going on my 3rd year

How has NACE helped you along your journey?
The people I have met and their dedication to their craft is the most amazing inspiration!  Willingness to share ideas and work together toward the successful outcome of each event is unparalleled.

What advice would you have for someone looking to hire a company that offers what you do?
Please let your Catering Manager know what your “dream” is so that she/he can do everything possible to make it come true!  I truly appreciate guests who “tell it like it is” and are not afraid to tell me what they want.  This takes the guessing out of the equation and allows us to put all our efforts into making each aspect of the event EXACTLY what the guest would like.

What are 10 things people might not know about you and/or your company?
1. the Royal Park Hotel works with EVERY budget to offer all our guests a “Luxurious Experience”!
2. the Royal Park Hotel believes that Vendors are our Guests
3. the Conservatory was made in Belgium and shipped over to be rebuilt on our grounds
4. all the chandeliers in the Hotel are Murano crystal
5. the Royal Park Hotel is located along the Paint Creek Trail
6. I have two wonderful sons
7. My husband is an Executive Chef
8. we have had a Bride and her Bridesmaids jump in the Creek at the end of her reception!  The Groom soon followed!
9. we experienced our first-ever wedding fireworks this November, 2008, with the help of Laura Davis Events, fellow NACE member
10. every menu is custom designed for each wedding to make it exactly perfect

NACE Member: Linda Savage

Linda Savage

Where do you work/what is your position?
The Toledo Country Club in scenic Toledo Ohio; Private Events Director

Toledo Country Club

How long have you been in the business?
I have been in some aspect of food service for 20 years but I have been Planning Events for 12 years now.

What do you love about it?
Meeting different people and making their visions become reality.

10 things people might not know about me or Toledo Country Club:
1. I collect sock monkeys.
2. Toledo CC is the only event site in Toledo that is on the River and can provide the loveliest views that the town has to offer.
3. I am working on my CPCE certification. Yea NACE professional certification!!
4. I love to do centerpieces for the club occasionally. It’s a great creative release. Thanks, Mayesh!
5. I like to take road trips. Obviously, since I sometimes have to drive quite a ways to make our meetings.
6. I love to cook and entertain.
7. I am a fan of Red Carpet events and critiquing celebrity dresses.
8. I cry at almost all the weddings I host at the club.
9. Toledo Country Club has, in my opinion, the best Chef in the area.
10. I LOVE BACON!

(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