The Wedding Biz - Behind the Scenes of the Wedding Business Andy Kushner

Join Andy this week as he sits down with Susan Lacz, the CEO of Ridgewells Catering. With a career spanning over three decades, Susan has been a pivotal force in the catering and events industry, steering Ridgewells Catering through significant transformations and challenges.
Listen in as Susan shares her inspiring journey, starting with her early influences, notably her grandmother, whose culinary skills and hospitality left a lasting impression on her. She discusses her initial foray into the food business, from working at a deli in Wyckoff, New Jersey, to bartending in Washington, D.C. Her passion for sales and marketing, paired together with her love for food, set the stage for her ascent in the catering world.
In this candid conversation, Susan recounts the challenges and triumphs of taking over Ridgewells Catering in 1997, a company with deep roots dating back to the 1920s. She describes her mission to restore the company’s former glory by emphasizing quality, creativity, and fresh culinary approaches. She reflects on key milestones, such as firing her former boss to initiate positive changes and hosting an innovative rebranding event at the Halcyon House.
Susan emphasizes the importance of culture in her company, highlighting the sense of ownership and appreciation that permeates the workplace. She and Andy also touch upon the broader shifts in the catering and events industry, from the increasing focus on decor and presentation to the critical role of staying ahead of trends.
Susan’s insights into navigating the saturated market, her strategic decision to divest from rental equipment, and her recent exclusive venue management agreements offer valuable lessons for industry professionals, and Andy hopes that you enjoy listening to this conversation with her! If so, then please don’t keep it to yourself! He would appreciate it if you were to share it with a few good friends and industry colleagues who might also enjoy it! Andy would also appreciate it if you were to leave a top review wherever you listen to the show because that really helps the show out! Lastly, don’t forget to follow The Wedding Biz on Instagram and subscribe to the podcast so that you never miss a new episode when it drops!
 
Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don't forget about Sean Low's podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network.
 
SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ
Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute!
 
Time Stamps
[1:01] - Today’s guest is Susan Lacz, CEO of Ridgewells Catering.
[1:57] - Susan's grandmother, an immigrant from Poland, was her strong role model and inspiration in cooking.
[3:16] - Susan explains that she is a salesperson first and enjoyed selling food and beverages, including pastrami sandwiches and drinks.
[4:18] - Susan wanted to restore the company's original quality and allure after multiple ownership changes.
[5:19] - Hear about some of Susan's milestones, such as firing her boss, focusing on quality, hiring new culinary leaders, and creatively rebranding Ridgewell.
[6:54] - Susan prioritized creating a strong, appreciative culture, guided by mentors including her entrepreneurial father.
[9:34] - Hear about some of the challenges Susan faced, especially during COVID, and how she credits her team.
[11:25] - Susan noted the shift from food to decor in the industry and evolved by focusing on culinary excellence.
[13:35] - Susan is excited about managing the iconic Mellon Auditorium, now a preferred caterer there, which opens new opportunities for her team.
[14:53] - Prioritizing balance and ment

Andy welcomes Kerry Bracken and Jennifer Rocher of Lavender & Rose this week! Lavender & Rose is an exclusive event planning company based in the enchanting French Riviera. Join Andy as he explores their captivating journey and how they have crafted bespoke weddings in the stunning locales of Southern France and Paris!
Listen as Jennifer and Kerry share personal stories of how they first got into wedding planning, with Jennifer bringing her local French expertise and Kerry contributing her British flair after moving to France in 2007. They reveal how their partnership began organically, evolving over time as they discovered their complementary skills and shared passion for creating unforgettable wedding experiences.
Kerry and Jennifer offer valuable insights into the unique aspects of planning high-end weddings in France. They discuss the allure of the French Riviera and Paris as prime wedding destinations, emphasizing the luxurious venues, from coastal estates to historical buildings. They also highlight the typical budgets for these lavish celebrations and the seasonal considerations crucial for planning.
Jennifer’s and Kerry’s aesthetic and dedication to guest experience shine through as they describe their approach to wedding design, and Andy is so honored to have had them on The Wedding Biz! He hopes that you enjoy this interview, and if so, please don’t keep it to yourself! Share it with a few good friends and industry colleagues who might also enjoy it! Andy would also appreciate it if you were to leave a top review wherever you listen to the show because that really helps the show out! Lastly, don’t forget to follow The Wedding Biz on Instagram and subscribe to the podcast so that you never miss a new episode when it drops!
 
Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don't forget about Sean Low's podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network.
 
SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ
Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute!
 
Time Stamps
[0:34] - Today’s guests are Kerry Bracken and Jennifer Rocher of Lavender & Rose!
[2:25] - What was Kerry doing before partnering with Jennifer?
[3:14] - Learn what Jennifer was doing prior to partnering with Kerry.
[6:52] - Jennifer's and Kerry's partnership surprises people because we're very different, with unique backgrounds in France and America.
[9:22] - The ultra-luxe wedding market focuses mainly on the French Riviera, Provence, and Paris.
[10:59] - Learn what the approximate budgets are for ultra luxe weddings in France.
[12:09] - The ideal wedding season is late April to early October, avoiding peak tourist times and events.
[15:03] - Jennifer explains that the south of France has a short wedding season, from late April to early October, with many venues closed the rest of the year.
[17:38] - The high cost of labor in France, including staffing and delivery fees, surprises many international planners.
[20:39] - In France, modifying contract clauses can be slow due to limited legal resources and translation needs.
[22:55] - How would Kerry and Jennifer describe their signature and style?
[24:14] - Lavender & Rose focuses on bespoke designs, emphasizing intricate details and prioritizing the guest experience.
[25:29] - Hear about the challenge of limited availability of decor in France compared to the United States.
[26:35] - We learn that, furthermore, limited furniture options and storage space in France significantly impact event production.
[29:01] - Andy reveals where Lavender & Rose can be found online.


LINKS AND RESOURCES
Videos:
Vimeo - Chlo

Andy is so honored to bring Tori Williams of Tori Williams Events onto the show today! Tori is a world renowned luxury event curator who has showcased her work on major television networks such as Lifetime, Bravo, and The Food Network, and she is even the star of the VH1 original series My Celebrity Dream Wedding! She joins Andy today to discuss everything from childhood influences to pivotal moments that shaped her career!
Tori shares her journey from cosmetology to becoming a sought-after event curator and designer. With a client list featuring names like Tyler Perry Studios and the Atlanta Ballet, Tori's expertise extends beyond simply planning events; it's about crafting unforgettable experiences!
Listen in, and discover the secrets behind Tori's rapid success as she sheds light on the importance of client experience, the creative process, and the challenges of balancing business with creativity. From TV appearances to hosting workshops, Tori's passion for her craft shines through as she discusses her plans for the future, including a focus on large-scale productions and education initiatives.
Join Andy for an inspiring conversation filled with insights into the world of high-end event planning and the dedication it takes to create magic for clients. He hopes that you enjoy this conversation, and if you do, he would really appreciate it if you didn’t keep it to yourself and were to share it with a few good friends and industry colleagues who might also enjoy it! He would also appreciate it if you were to leave a top review wherever you listen to the show because that really helps the show out! Lastly, don’t forget to follow The Wedding Biz on Instagram and subscribe to the podcast so that you never miss a new episode when it drops!
 
Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don't forget about Sean Low's podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network.
 
SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ
Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute!
 
Time Stamps
[0:04] - Andy announces that, to catch up on past interviews, two new episodes per month will be released temporarily.
[0:50] - Andy’s guest today is Tori Williams of Tori Williams Events!
[2:17] - Tori reflects on how her grandma's influence shaped her love for hosting events and how pursuing cosmetology led to a master license.
[4:41] - Why and when did Tori transition into event planning?
[7:26] - Tori’s focus is on the experience, making clients feel special in their milestone events.
[10:14] - Tori never actively pursued television opportunities; they found her through social media or referrals.
[12:40] - Balancing regular job duties with TV filming was stressful but valuable for Tori's brand.
[14:28] - Tori reveals that she is expanding beyond weddings and is focusing on larger productions and diverse events.
[17:56] - From where does Tori get her inspiration?
[20:20] - Tori shares how, last year, she organized an award show for entrepreneurs, embracing creativity without client direction.

[22:25] - Tori also gives an example of having coordinated a wedding for a friend, putting trust into the design process.

[25:11] - Tori argues that strong business ethics, a dedicated team, and structure are crucial for success.
[28:00] - Tori restarted hosting workshops post-COVID, attracting 32,000 subscribers through webinars and challenges.
[30:47] - Tori reveals that she often speaks on event production, luxury industry entry, celebrity clients, television, and business insights.
[31:39] - In her current career, Tori aims for a few large productions anually and

Tune in to this episode of the podcast as Andy talks with Christina Matteucci, executive director of David Beahm Experiences! Christina has actually been on the podcast before in episodes 188, 307, 346, and 214, and she joins Andy in this episode to discuss how everything that we do in business has an element of performance involved and how we can best understand and use performance when dealing with clients and giving presentations.
The main focus of Andy’s and Christina’s conversation is the importance of using storytelling – especially storytelling that employs effective imagery – when engaging in a sales pitch, corresponding with clients, and with public speaking. Storytelling is an interwoven part of what it means to be human because we love to both tell and hear stories. Stories draw us in, and, in fact, Christina even recommends starting a sales pitch with a story even if the story isn’t relevant to what you’re selling or proposing!
Christina talks about what techniques that she has learned as far as storytelling and preparation are concerned, techniques that she learned having been a student of Storytelling School. She stresses the importance of understanding who your client is and that your performance might be different depending on the demographics of your audience. She and Andy also reflect on current times and how the need for meeting virtually via tools such as Zoom has been on the rise. They discuss how to make use of the techniques upon which Christina elaborates when meeting virtually and how meeting virtually differs from meeting in person.
Performing and telling stories is not a skill with which we are all born, nor is it something that we all necessarily enjoy. Some of us are not predisposed to it, but, as Christina assures us, it’s not rocket science! You can seek help and advice and can learn. Christina says more than once that it’s important to prepare rather than plan, and she and Andy also talk about how important that it is to not only prepare practically but to also be well rested and hydrated!
Andy hopes that you will enjoy listening to his chat with Christina Matteucci as much as he enjoyed chatting with her. She offers a wealth of helpful information and tips from which listeners can definitely benefit! If you enjoy the episode, reach out to at least three really good friends who might also enjoy and benefit from it, and also be sure to leave a review!
 
Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don't forget about Sean Low's podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network.
 
SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ
Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute!
 
Time Stamps
[2:03] – Today’s episode is a revisit of Andy’s May 2021 interview with Christina Matteucci, executive director of David Beahm Experiences.
[2:14] - Andy posits the idea that there is a level of performance involved in business situations, and Christina clarifies that the performance is authentic.
[3:20] - Christina emphasizes how important imagery and storytelling are for her when she prepares a presentation.
[6:27] - Christina recounts a couple of the storytelling techniques that she has learned.
[8:10] - Christina shares that she learned that she should start a sales pitch with a story.
[10:41] - We learn what Christina does to prepare for a sales pitch.
[12:54] - Christina discusses how she also considers choreography when she prepares for a speech, using her TED Talk as an example of when that was important.
[15:12] - It’s very important, as Christina advises, to listen to hear rather than listen

Join Andy in welcoming Kathleen Deery, the creative force behind Kathleen Deery Design and the Chief Creative Officer of Paula LeDuc Fine Catering & Events, to The Wedding Biz! With a childhood steeped in floral admiration, Kathleen recounts her journey from a small town in New Jersey to the bustling design studios of San Francisco. She shares insights into her role as a tastemaker within the prestigious catering company, highlighting her knack for infusing events with innovation and creativity.
From collaborating with renowned planners to crafting immersive environments, Kathleen's expertise shines through. Listen in as she offers insights into the intricacies of event planning, emphasizing the importance of understanding clients' visions and creating memorable experiences. Drawing on her experience with high-profile events, Kathleen also shares anecdotes, including a whimsical Bridgerton-themed wedding set amidst lush gardens.
Kathleen also reflects on the demands of her multifaceted role and the perpetual quest for balance, yet amidst the whirlwind, she finds solace in cultivating her own flower garden and nurturing her team's creativity. Looking ahead, Kathleen expresses optimism for the future of Paula LeDuc, fueled by a commitment to excellence and a collaborative spirit.
Andy had a great time sitting down with Kathleen and really hopes that you enjoy the conversation. If you do, then he would appreciate it if you didn’t keep it to yourself! He would love it if you were to share it with a few good friends and industry colleagues who might also enjoy it! He would also appreciate it if you were to leave a top review wherever you listen to the show because that really helps the show out! Lastly, don’t forget to follow The Wedding Biz on Instagram and subscribe to the podcast so that you never miss a new episode when it drops!
Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don't forget about Sean Low's podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network.
 
SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ
Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute!
 
Time Stamps
[0:03] - Andy shares how he has found renewed passion in podcasting and revitalized his music business.
[1:46] - Today’s guest is Kathleen Deery of Kathleen Deery Design and Paula LeDuc!
[2:58] - Kathleen reveals how her lifelong love for flowers, nurtured by her mother, led to her successful design company.

[5:09] - Hear how Kathleen's role as a tastemaker and co-owner revitalizes Paula LeDuc.

[7:16] - Kathleen emphasizes the importance of relationships in event planning, focusing on personalized, theatrical experiences.

[10:11] - Kathleen thrives on building heartfelt connections with clients, adding value to event planning experiences.

[12:51] - Hear Kathleen reminisce about a Bridgerton-themed wedding, showcasing meticulous details and personalized touches for 350 guests.

[15:56] - Kathleen touches further upon the dramatic touches of the event.
[18:25] - Listen as Kathleen shares an anecdote about resourcefulness in event planning, highlighting the importance of a reliable team.

[20:22] - Kathleen recounts a fabric mishap at a wedding, saved by the timely intervention of a friend in the tenting business.

[22:36] - Despite having initial doubts, Kathleen embraces the opportunity for growth and learning in her new role.

[24:50] - Kathleen relishes her decision despite challenges, including balancing responsibilities and missing hands-on floral work.

[27:40] - What does success mean to Kathleen?

[28:58] - Andy reveals where Kathleen can be found online.

Andy is so pleased to be bringing Jacin Fitzgerald of Jacin Fitzgerald Events onto The Wedding Biz this week! Join Andy as he and Jacin discuss the world of event planning and hospitality, with Jacin sharing her journey from working in corporate events to launching her own business in 2009. Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, Jacin developed a strong work ethic and a passion for hospitality, and she emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and making clients feel welcomed and valued.
The conversation also involves Jacin's approach to event planning, which prioritizes getting to know clients on a personal level. From handling unexpected challenges like sprinkler mishaps at events to orchestrating last-minute Super Bowl parties on yachts, Jacin shares how she navigates the complexities of destination weddings and high-profile events with grace and adaptability.
Andy's and Jacin's discussion also touches on pricing philosophy, marketing strategies, the transformative power of meditation in maintaining mental well-being amidst the demands of the industry, and more! Listen in to discover how Jacin's blend of meticulous planning and “unreasonable hospitality” sets her events apart and ensures unforgettable experiences for her clients.
If you enjoy this episode, then Andy asks that you not keep it to yourself! He would really appreciate it if you were to share it with a few good friends and industry colleagues who might also enjoy it! He would also appreciate it if you were to leave a top review wherever you listen to the show because that really helps the show out! Lastly, don’t forget to follow The Wedding Biz on Instagram and subscribe to the podcast so that you never miss a new episode when it drops!
 
Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don't forget about Sean Low's podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network.
 
SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ
Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute!
 
Time Stamps
[0:03] - Andy reveals today’s guest to be Jacin Fitzgerald and reflects on having invested in his band's growth by treating them to dinner and a concert.
[2:41] - Jacin emphasizes the importance of maintaining calm energy as event planners facing various challenges.
[4:27] - Jacin shares a funny anecdote from a chaotic wedding event, reflecting on her entrepreneurial family background.
[6:33] - Jacin highlights her strong work ethic, sharing experiences of teamwork and inclusivity from her upbringing.
[8:19] - How did Jacin get involved in the wedding business?
[9:21] - Jacin explored various jobs, including event planning, through temporary work, ultimately founding her own wedding planning business.
[12:07] - Jacin's team focuses on two weddings annually, prioritizing hospitality and accessibility while also setting boundaries.
[13:57] - Learn how Jacin prioritizes understanding clients' preferences to create events where they feel at home.
[15:36] - Jacin reveals how she adapted to clients' true preferences, shifting to meaningful simplicity.
[18:05] - Jacin's team smoothly turns mishaps into memorable experiences, like a spontaneous water party.
[19:59] - Hear how Jacin's team swiftly relocated an event to avoid clashes,
[22:14] - Engage revolutionized Jacin's networking, fostering a global community for idea-sharing and support.
[24:07] - Jacin discusses her pricing philosophy.
[26:50] - Social media is not Jacin's forte, as she prefers authentic sharing and traditional networking for reputation building.
[29:56] - We learn that Jacin values resilience and meditation, learning to balance wor