The Venue Success Podcast

Tirzah Caffee
  • 0.0 (0)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED FORTNIGHTLY
The Venue Success Podcast

While owning a wedding venue has its amazing perks, the reality is that daily life is often exhausting, frustrating, and lonely. The wedding industry is constantly changing and it’s a challenge to stay relevant and successful. The goal of The Venue Success Podcast is to introduce you to venue pros across that nation that will help you think outside the box, share their stories, bring you education, tools, and a place where you can feel a little less alone. Join host and venue owner, Tirzah Caffee, for a fun-filled, authentic, and sometimes overly transparent peek behind the veil of venue life.

Episodes

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    Introduction to Season Two // Tirzah Caffee

    In this episode, Tirzah Caffee introduces Season Two of the Venue Success Podcast, sharing her excitement and plans for the upcoming season. She recounts a humorous and chaotic wedding story, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of events in the wedding industry. Tirzah discusses the importance of community support for venue owners and introduces the theme of the season, which focuses on providing valuable resources and connections to help venue owners succeed. She highlights the necessity of investing in professional services to enhance business success and expresses her commitment to authenticity throughout the podcast. @tirzah_thevenuecoach @venuesuccesspodcast Apply: venuesuccesspodcast@gmail.com

    17 min

  2. 4 DEC

    Team Culture 101 // Tirzah and Bradley

    In this final episode of Season One of the Venue Success Podcast, the hosts, Tirzah and her husband (and co-owner), Bradley, reflect on their experiences managing a venue, focusing on the importance of staff culture, hiring practices, and creating a positive work environment. They share a personal story about addressing inappropriate behavior from a wedding guest towards an employee, emphasizing the need for managers to stand up for their staff. The conversation then shifts to effective hiring strategies, scheduling practices, and the significance of accountability and training in maintaining a cohesive team. The episode concludes with insights on fostering a supportive workplace culture and the importance of trust among team members. (This episode includes discussions of racism) www.tirzahcaffee.com @venuesuccesspodcast @bradleycaffeeauthor

    35 min

  3. 20 NOV

    A Deep Dive into the All-Inclusive Model // Jeff and Sheila Caddell

    In this episode of The Venue Success Podcast, host Tirzah Caffee talks with Jeff and Sheila Caddell from Mountain View Farm Weddings to explore the all-inclusive wedding model. They share personal stories about the challenges of managing weddings, particularly the unpredictability of children at events, and discuss how their journey led them to adopt an all-inclusive approach. The conversation highlights the benefits of this model, including stress reduction for couples and improved vendor management, while also addressing misconceptions about what all-inclusive truly means. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the intricacies of running an all-inclusive wedding venue, focusing on pricing strategies, vendor relationships, and the importance of customization in the wedding planning process. They explore the challenges and benefits of transitioning to an all-inclusive model, emphasizing the need for differentiation in a saturated market. The discussion also touches on the changing trends in weddings and the realities of managing a venue business. @mountainviewfarmsweddings www.mountainviewfarmsofashville.com www.tirzahcaffee.com @venuesuccesspodcast To be on the podcast, email venuesuccesspodcast@gmail.com

    50 min

  4. 6 NOV

    Vendor Agreements and Multi-Venue Management // Kalli Doubleday

    In this episode of the Venue Success Podcast, host Tirzah Caffee interviews Kalli Doubleday, PhD, who shares her unique journey from academia to becoming a successful wedding venue owner. The conversation covers various themes including the challenges of managing wedding venues, the importance of vendor relationships, and the balance between family life and entrepreneurship. Kalli emphasizes the significance of creating systems, educating clients, and fostering community relationships, all while maintaining a focus on personal well-being and flexibility in her work. About Kalli: "In 2011, where to get married in small town Graham, TX was very limited. Begrudgingly, I agreed when my dad suggested we go ahead and build my parent's tractor and car barn on their property where they planned to build and retire. Fast forward nearly 13 years later and they never built that home, but my dad and I did go into the venue business unexpectedly! All the while, creating and building the business side of Sparrow Creek Ranch, I was also a full time academic. I worked in India on human-tiger (and other big cat) conflicts helping find solutions to ensure tigers are part of the next decade. My strength is listening and identifying underlying resentment, fears, and truths that other scholars overlooked. For me, a large discovery was the connection to domestic abuse and tiger reintroduction to places where they had gone extinct and then reintroduced by the government. That is a long discussion and you can look up my body of work on Google Scholar, but the point being I love to lean in and listen. I do this in my business daily. Listening to couples, their families, vendors, and others to hear what is an underlying struggle that is being misidentified and solving that problem ahead of time is my venue owner's super power! I'm the director for two venues, Sparrow Creek Ranch and Shiraz Garden, which continues to center on ever-updating systems to ensure our clients have great experiences during the planning process. As a social scientist I love building out "codes" and "pipelines" and I would never want to operate my venue-only spaces without Honeybook.com which allows me to create 15-23 step automated pipelines for each type of event inquiry. Outside of my systems I will always preach that the greatest joy I find in the wedding industry is its unique place in small town economic growth and community support. With the struggles of small business the last four years I have seen several friends close their restaurants, wine bars, event venues, and more. As a wedding venue in small towns I get to advocate and bring in business directly to our local economies. The 7,000+ out of town wedding guests each year to my venues patron our hotels, restaurants, and gas stations, and of course our couples are a huge part of local wedding vendors' business like florists, bakers, caterers, bar, getaway cars, and more. This is my favorite part - the small business advocacy and community. I am in the process of purchasing a Boutique Resort Ranch and look forward to continuing to expand into new areas of the event and hospitality world on an international scale!" @sparrowcreekranch @wildcatterranch @shirazgardentx www.shirazgardentx.com www.sparrowcreekranch.com www.tirzahcaffee.com @venuesuccesspodcast Email to be on podcast: venuesuccesspodcast@gmail.com

    46 min

  5. 23 OCT

    Creating a Welcoming Environment and Working with Family // Alissa Pekrul

    In this episode, Tirzah Caffee and guest Alissa Pekrul discuss the challenges of working with difficult vendors and the importance of establishing preferred vendor lists. They also talk about Alissa venue, The Barn at Farrington Hollow, and the process of designing and building the venue. They touch on the challenges of pricing, living on-site, and working with family. Alissa shares her vision for the venue's legacy as a welcoming and family-oriented space. Alissa Pekrul is the Chief Operating Officer of her venue located in Cherry Creek, NY. The Barn at Farrington Hollow has been in operation since 2021. Her venue journey began when she and her husband moved from Florida to their family-run farm at the beginning of Covid in 2019. Since moving to NY, she has overseen the day-to-day operations, maintenance and staffing of the venue. She has also focused on transforming the venue to cater to community needs and various events such as weddings, corporate meetings and social gatherings. Her passion for event planning started when she was little girl when she would help her mom host events at her business. www.farringtonhollow.com  @barnatfarringtonhollowny www.tirzahcaffee.com @venuesuccesspodcast To apply to be on the podcast, email: venuesuccesspodcast@gmail.com

    36 min

  6. 9 OCT

    Setting Up Your Venue for Success and Managing Vendor Relationships // Kelly Ewell

    In this episode, Tirzah interviews Kelly Ewell, owner of 48 Fields in Virginia. They delve into the complexities of running a business, focusing on the challenges of obtaining permits, staffing issues, and navigating various difficulties while exploring future opportunities. Tirzah and Kelly "nerd out" about barns and the renovation process. Additionally, Kelly shares wisdom about her management style and how she handles relationships with vendors. Also, listen to find out the fun way Kelly has some fun while having a high-stress job! Kelly Ewell is the owner of 48 Fields, a century-old farm estate set in the heart of Virginia wine country. The venue focuses on working with couples who want to give their guests a relaxed but thoughtful countryside wedding experience. Having previously been a wedding photographer for 10 years, Kelly has experienced a lot when it comes to weddings – from the highs of seeing a surprise return of a loved one from deployment to the lows of no-show vendors and dropped cakes. She can pin a boutonniere in record time, is a master of logistics, and still tears up every time a bride walks down the aisle. Especially if it's to the classic Canon in D. Played by a string quartet. When she’s not involved in all things weddings, Kelly can be found visiting local wineries with her husband, Steve, or on the ice practicing with her figure skating team. @48fields www.48fields.com www.tirzahcaffee.com @venuesuccesspodcast To apply to be on the podcast: email venuesuccesspodcast@gmail.com

    35 min

  7. 25 SEPT

    The Necessity of a Dynamic Website and Embracing Your Venue's Aesthetic // Sarah Narcus

    In this episode, Tirzah interviews Sarah Narcus, owner of Olio, a venue in Peabody, Massachusetts. Sarah and Tirzah discuss the experience and hard work required to run a successful venue, especially when working with family. They emphasize the importance of an ever-changing, compelling website and encourage venue owners not to cut important corners. Sarah explains how to attract her ideal clientele and the importance of being upfront with prospective couples. Sarah, a Boston native, has been planning events of all sizes for more than 20 years. She is the owner and founder of Without A Hitch, a premier New England event planning company focusing on day-of coordination. Since starting the company in 2013, Sarah has worked with more than 500 brides, grooms, celebrants, and their families. Her background in planning events started in the nonprofit industry in 2004, when she was responsible for coordinating the annual Shake it for Shelter fundraising event at COMPASS for Kids. Later, at national nonprofit Cradles to Crayons, Sarah oversaw all of the organization's signature events, including the 700-person annual Backpack-a-thon and the largest annual fundraiser, the "Un-Gala". Sarah also worked at Facing History and Ourselves, where she planned the annual 900-person benefit dinner and advised their ten company offices on event strategy and execution. In 2016, Sarah recruited her mom Ellen to be her business partner in looking for and securing a property, which took several years. They purchased the historic building at 43 Main Street in the fall of 2018 and did a complete renovation to bring it up to code and opened for events in the summer of 2019. Although the extended closure in March of 2020 through June of 2021 was very challenging on the business, they have bounced back and are looking ahead. Sarah has recently joined the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors to further support the local community. www.oliopeabody.com  @oliopeabody @venuesuccesspodcast venuesuccesspodcast@gmail.com www.tirzahcaffee.com TO APPLY TO BE ON THE PODCAST: https://forms.gle/ZamTiLekeLX7jAmM6

    49 min

  8. 11 SEPT

    The Beauty of Conservation and the Power of All-Inclusive Models // Scott Davies

    In this episode, Tirzah Caffee interviews Scott Davies, owner of Ridgefield Weddings in Arcata, California. They discuss the challenges and rewards of venue ownership, including the importance of empathy and compassion when working with couples. Scott shares the origin story of Ridgefield and their commitment to conservation. They also discuss the benefits of SEO and the transition to becoming an all-inclusive venue. Scott offers advice for new venue owners, emphasizing the need for capital investment and the value of seeking guidance from experienced professionals. www.ridgefieldweddings.co @ridgefieldweddings @venuesuccesspodcast venuesuccesspodcast@gmail.com www.tirzahcaffee.com TO APPLY TO BE ON THE PODCAST: https://forms.gle/ZamTiLekeLX7jAmM6

    32 min

  9. 28 AUG

    Adjusting to Market Trends and the Reality of Venue Ownership // Amelia Holder

    In this episode, Tirzah Caffee and guest Amelia Holder discuss their experiences as venue owners and the challenges they face. They share crazy stories from their venues and talk about the importance of adapting to changes in the market. They also emphasize the need to understand and cater to the preferences of the younger generation, who are looking for unique and personalized wedding experiences. The conversation highlights the hard work and dedication required to run a successful venue. Amelia Holder and her husband, Steve and are the designers, builders, and owners of Emerson Fields. They focus on full weekend wedding experiences and provide on-site lodging for the wedding party. Since opening in 2018, They've consistently been blessed by the couples we serve and our calendar has been booked. They close Emerson Fields in the months of January and February because Missouri winters can be brutal, plus this gives them some downtime for R&R! They also own Holder Construction company, have three married daughters, and enjoy spending time with their six grandchildren. When you choose Emerson Fields, you become part of their family. And in their family, marriage is a big deal. They want couples to enjoy every minute of their once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Their venue is considered a premium venue in their market, yet it feels like home to couples and their guests. Elevated, yet warm & welcoming. Personally, Amelia photographed weddings for over a decade before building our venue. She took lots of notes along the way and was honored to capture love stories from Arizona to Florida. All of that photography experience and attention to detail is wrapped into her commitment as the visionary for Emerson Fields. @emersonfieldsvenue  www.emersonfields.com @venuesuccesspodcast venuesuccesspodcast@gmail.com www.tirzahcaffee.com

    37 min

  10. 14 AUG

    The Importance of Passion and Drive in Venue Ownership // Aleah Chilleen

    For the second episode of The Venue Success Podcast, Tirzah talks with Aleah Chilleen, owner of the Venue at Chilleens. They talk about renovations, training staff, passion, work life balance, and more. Aleah Chilleen is a dynamic entrepreneur and philanthropist known for her significant contributions to the wedding and event planning industry. Born and raised in Arizona, Aleah took over her family’s restaurant, Chilleen’s on 17, at the young age of 23. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of her journey into entrepreneurship and hospitality. Aleah's creative vision led to the transformation of a neglected area behind the restaurant into The Venue at Chilleens, an enchanting wedding venue known for its rustic charm and all-inclusive packages. Established in 2013, the venue has become a sought-after destination for weddings, hosting over 100 events annually. Aleah’s commitment to providing comprehensive event planning services has set her venue apart, offering everything from catering to photography, ensuring a seamless experience for her clients. In 2022, inspired by her success and a desire to give back, Aleah founded The Chilleen Dream Foundation. This non-profit organization is dedicated to granting dream weddings and vow renewal ceremonies to couples facing significant hardships, such as life-altering illnesses, disabilities, and injuries. The foundation reflects Aleah’s belief in the transformative power of love and her commitment to creating memorable experiences for those in need. Aleah’s innovative approach and dedication have not only made The Venue at Chilleens a popular wedding destination but also positioned her as a respected figure in the hospitality industry. Her efforts continue to inspire and impact the community positively, showcasing her resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and philanthropic heart. @thevenueatchilleens thevenueatchilleens.com @venuesuccesspodcast venuesuccesspodcast@gmail.com www.tirzahcaffee.com TO APPLY TO BE ON THE PODCAST: https://forms.gle/ZamTiLekeLX7jAmM6

    50 min

  11. 31 JULY

    Tirzah's Story

    Tune in to the first episode to hear more about your host and her extensive experience in the wedding industry! She talks about her journey as a venue owner and operator, starting with her family's purchase of a historic home in 1992. She discusses the renovation of the home into a wedding venue and the success they achieved with their all-inclusive model. Tirzah also emphasizes the importance of faith in her life and business and her desire to create a podcast that serves and encourages venue owners.  www.tirzahcaffee.com @venuesuccesspodcast @tirzah_yourvenuecoach TO APPLY TO BE ON THE PODCAST: https://forms.gle/zwUZgNvdHFZg7uLL7

    19 min
  12. Trailer

    TRAILER

    Trailer

    Welcome to The Venue Success Podcast! Tune into the trailer to get to know more about the podcast.

    2 min

Trailer

About

While owning a wedding venue has its amazing perks, the reality is that daily life is often exhausting, frustrating, and lonely. The wedding industry is constantly changing and it’s a challenge to stay relevant and successful. The goal of The Venue Success Podcast is to introduce you to venue pros across that nation that will help you think outside the box, share their stories, bring you education, tools, and a place where you can feel a little less alone. Join host and venue owner, Tirzah Caffee, for a fun-filled, authentic, and sometimes overly transparent peek behind the veil of venue life.

Information

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign-in or sign-up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada