The Venue RX

The Venue RX Podcast

We document and share best practices for owning & operating profitable world class venues! Welcome to the Venue RX podcast where we provide your weekly prescription of tips, tools, tactics, and inspiration to start or grow your venue business. Follow along with our listeners as we delve into the exciting world of events, and make sure you check out our growing Youtube channel and social pages where you can engage with our show host and guests! No matter if you are brand new to the business of weddings, or an event pro, our mix of mindset and mechanics will challenge and inspire you!

  1. Sep 16

    From Planner to Venue Owner | The Venue RX

    On this week’s episode of The Venue Rx Podcast, our host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Britt Schrader, owner of The Colonial at Sunset, to explore her unconventional journey from a career in sports management to becoming a successful wedding venue owner. Britt shares what it was like navigating family dynamics while renovating and building the venue, the lessons she learned from launching a wedding planning company in 2020, and how those experiences shaped the way she operates The Colonial today. She also dives into creating all-inclusive wedding packages, building an experience that makes planning easier for couples, and the hiring and leadership challenges that come with growing a venue and building the right team.  About Our Guest:  Britt Schrader is a wedding and event professional, entrepreneur, and a driving force behind The Colonial at Sunset, a family-owned private estate wedding and event venue located just north of Tampa, Florida. After taking an unconventional path into the wedding industry, Britt helped bring to life a vision for the historic Schrader family property that she had dreamed about for more than a decade. In addition to her work at The Colonial, Britt is the founder and lead designer of Elle Gray Events, a wedding and event planning company that serves as the venue’s exclusive planning partner. Her experience on both the planning and venue sides of the industry has helped shape The Colonial’s approach to creating seamless, highly personalized celebrations, including its all-inclusive wedding experience. A multi-passionate entrepreneur with a love for people, design, and hospitality, Britt brings together her experience in planning, sales, marketing, and venue operations to create memorable experiences for couples while continuing to grow The Colonial at Sunset as a wedding and event business. Find Here Here:  Website: thecolonialatsunset.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colonialatsunset/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thecolonialatsunset/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecolonialatsunset/

  2. Aug 25

    Navigating Venue Ownership with Two Kids Under Two | The Venue Rx

    On this week’s episode of The Venue Rx Podcast, our host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Caroline and her husband, Kyler, the owners of The Firehouse Event Venue in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Together, they share their story of building and operating The Firehouse while also growing Brooks & Reid Events, and what it has looked like to manage multiple businesses in the wedding and events industry. Caroline and Kyler open up about the challenges, unexpected costs, and wins they’ve experienced along the way, including the true costs and surprises couples face when booking a venue, how they balance planning, rentals, and venue ownership while raising a growing family, and the lessons they’ve learned from buying an established business versus building one from the ground up. They also discuss the importance of avoiding the comparison trap, staying focused on your own goals, and finding your unique lane in an increasingly competitive wedding and events market. About Our Guest:  Caroline and Kyler Parker are wedding and event industry entrepreneurs based in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Caroline is an owner of Brooks & Reid Events and Rentals, a full-service event planning and rental company serving Eastern North Carolina and beyond, while together Caroline and Kyler are behind The Firehouse, a historic event venue in downtown Goldsboro. Their experience spans multiple sides of the events industry, from wedding planning and rentals to venue ownership and operations. Through Brooks & Reid, Caroline and her team provide event planning and an extensive collection of rentals, while The Firehouse offers a distinctive setting for weddings and celebrations with indoor and outdoor event spaces, a rooftop lounge and bar, and in-house access to Brooks & Reid’s planning and rental services. Find Them Here:  Website: https://thefirehouse.co/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefirehouse.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefirehouse.co/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefirehouse_events Phone: 919-714-4599

  3. Aug 19

    Boosting Bookings with Better Marketing | The Venue Rx

    On this week’s episode of The Venue RX Podcast, host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Kelsey Correia, COO and Lead Planner at Floriana, an elegant historic estate wedding venue in New England. Kelsey shares the inside story of how Floriana transformed its brand and operations, including how a strategic rebrand and new website helped quadruple their lead flow. Kelsey dives into the business behind running a successful wedding venue, from financing and staffing to managing inherited bookings and transitioning existing events. She also discusses the decision to bring catering in-house, how greater control over the guest experience impacts operations, and the systems needed to manage a growing venue effectively. Kelsey also shares Floriana’s approach to increasing bookings, planning for capacity, and making thoughtful decisions about future growth while staying competitive in an evolving wedding market.  About Our Guest:  Kelsey Correia is the COO and Lead Planner at Floriana, a historic estate wedding venue in Ipswich, Massachusetts. Her career in events began with a work-study job in college, eventually leading her to professionally enter the events industry in 2018. Since then, Kelsey has planned and executed weddings throughout New England, led event teams for North Shore hospitality groups, worked directly with full-service planning clients, and launched her own planning company, Beach Rose Events. Today, Kelsey brings both a planner’s perspective and an operator’s mindset to Floriana, where she has played an integral role in transforming the historic property into a thriving wedding venue. Her work has included rebranding the business, rebuilding operational systems, bringing catering in-house, and creating a more intentional guest experience. Known for her creativity, practical problem-solving, and ability to anticipate the needs of both clients and teams, Kelsey brings a unique perspective to the intersection of hospitality, event planning, and venue operations. Find Them Here:  Website: www.florianaipswich.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/florianaipswich/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556700051209 Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/events2360/ Email: sales@florianaipswich.com

  4. Jul 13

    Funding Your First Venue Project Without Personal Capital | The Venue RX

    On this week's episode of The Venue Rx Podcast, host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Hannah Corbacio, the visionary behind The Rosalia Hotel, a beautifully restored boutique hotel and wedding venue in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. Hannah shares how an unexpected start in real estate investing evolved into an ambitious hospitality project, offering an honest look at what it takes to breathe new life into a historic property while building a thriving wedding venue business. Hannah opens up about the realities of working alongside her spouse, raising capital for a large-scale renovation, and having the confidence to book weddings before the venue was even complete. She also shares how setting clear expectations with couples helped build trust during construction and why taking calculated risks has been essential to her success. She also breaks down how she's leveraged organic social media, especially TikTok to generate awareness, build excitement, and consistently attract new wedding bookings without relying on a massive advertising budget. About Our Guest:  Hannah Corbacio is an entrepreneur, real estate developer, and the co-founder of The Rosalia Hotel, an ambitious boutique hotel and wedding venue project in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. Alongside her husband, Hannah is leading the transformation of a historic bank building into a one-of-a-kind hospitality destination, blending luxury accommodations, weddings, and community revitalization. Before entering the world of hospitality and real estate, Hannah built a successful career in marketing, experience that has played a key role in launching and growing The Rosalia Hotel's brand. Through creative storytelling and organic social media particularly TikTok and Instagram she has generated excitement for the project and attracted couples long before the venue officially opened. Find Them Here:  Website: https://therosaliahotel.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therosaliahotel/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therosaliahotel

  5. Jul 8

    Transforming a Nursery Into Florida’s Dream Wedding Venue | The Venue RX

    In this week's episode of The Venue Rx Podcast, Jonathan sits down with Mary Luz Rodriguez, co-founder of Living Sculpture Sanctuary, to hear the incredible story behind a venue unlike any other. Mary shares how a vision rooted in nature, wellness, and intentional design evolved into a destination where couples and families can celebrate life's most meaningful moments. Mary reflects on the unconventional journey of building Living Sculpture Sanctuary from the ground up while balancing a successful legal career. She opens up about the challenges, risks, and lessons that came with creating a venue from scratch, as well as the importance of staying true to her mission and values every step of the way. She also discusses how Living Sculpture Sanctuary has carved out its own niche by offering experiences that go far beyond the traditional wedding day. From wellness and mindfulness to immersive outdoor experiences, Mary explains how creating genuine connection has become the heart of the business. She also shares practical insights into marketing a one-of-a-kind venue, building strong relationships with vendors, maintaining high standards, and her vision for the future of the sanctuary. About Our Guest:  Mary Luz Rodriguez Alvarez is the co-founder of Living Sculpture Sanctuary, one of South Florida's most distinctive wedding and wellness destinations. Alongside her husband, Robert J. McKee, she transformed a shared passion for nature, environmental stewardship, and meaningful human connection into a handcrafted sanctuary where thousands of couples have celebrated life's biggest milestones. The venue was built by hand with the vision of creating more than just a beautiful event space, it was designed to be a place of peace, healing, and transformation.  An environmental trial attorney by profession, Mary Luz brings a unique perspective to venue ownership, blending her commitment to protecting the environment with a heart for creating intentional experiences. Originally from Mexico, her journey through law, personal development, and holistic wellness has shaped her philosophy that the most memorable celebrations are rooted in authenticity, purpose, and service.  Find Them Here:  Website: www.livingsculpturesanctuary.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingsculpturesanctuary/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LivingSculptureSanctuary/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3bsViVrsujsS_qWj00OdlA TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livingsculpturesanctuary?lang=en

  6. Jun 30

    Wedding Venue Baptism by Fire | The Venue RX

    In this episode of The Venue Rx Podcast, Jonathan Aymin sits down with Wes Sytsma, owner of Bowery Barn, to discuss what it was really like stepping into the venue industry without any previous experience. From navigating a complete leadership transition to rebuilding a team and creating a culture people genuinely want to be part of, Wes shares the lessons he learned along the way and how those experiences shaped the business today. Wes dives into what it takes to build trust with a team, why transparency and honest feedback are essential for growth, and how being proactive instead of reactive can completely change the trajectory of a business. He also shares how adapting through unexpected challenges, empowering employees to take ownership, and staying open to learning have become the foundation of Bowery Barn's culture. About Our Guest:  Wes Sytsma is the co-owner of The Bowery Barn, an award-winning wedding venue in Wisconsin that he and his wife, Sarah, transformed into a one-of-a-kind destination for couples. Without coming from a wedding industry background, Wes stepped into venue ownership with a willingness to learn, adapt, and build a business centered on people, relationships, and exceptional guest experiences. Today, The Bowery Barn is known not only for its beautiful spaces but also for its intentional culture, strong team, and commitment to helping every couple tell their own story. On this episode, Wes shares what he's learned about leadership, navigating change, building a resilient team, and creating a company culture that thrives through growth and uncertainty. Find Them Here:  Address: N2201 County Road P, Rubicon, WI 53078 Website: https://thebowerybarn.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebowerybarn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebowerybarn/ Email: hello@thebowerybarn.com Phone: (262) 443-2750

  7. May 22

    Marketing, Culture, and the Power of Saying No | The Venue RX

    On this week’s episode of the Venue Rx Podcast, host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Meredith Schwartz, CEO of Here Comes the Guide, for a conversation packed with insight on venue marketing, leadership, and sustainable growth.  Meredith shares the story behind building and scaling Here Comes the Guide into an all-women, values-driven company, while reflecting on the evolution from print to digital and the unique ways their team continues to serve venues across the industry. Meredith shares insight on managing remote teams, maintaining company culture, and why Here Comes the Guide has remained committed to a non-commissioned sales approach. She also gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the creation and strategy behind the popular “Marketing the Murder Barn” educational series and how storytelling can become a powerful marketing tool for venues. Meredith also discusses time management, setting boundaries as a business owner, and practical advice for venue owners navigating difficult decisions and seasons of growth. About Our Guest:  Meredith Schwartz is the CEO of Here Comes the Guide, a leading wedding venue resource that helps couples discover venues and helps venue owners grow their businesses through marketing and education. Having joined the company in 1997 as one of its earliest employees, Meredith has played a major role in transforming the business from a print publication into a nationally recognized digital platform serving thousands of venues and engaged couples across the country. Known for her people-first leadership style, Meredith leads Here Comes the Guide as an employee-owned, all-women company focused on strong culture, flexible work policies, and sustainable growth. She is passionate about creating a workplace that supports both meaningful careers and balanced lives, while pioneering remote work strategies long before they became mainstream. In addition to leading Here Comes the Guide, Meredith is the creator behind educational resources like Venue Business Boot Camp and the “Marketing the Murder Barn” series, where she shares practical marketing strategies and business insights for venue owners. She is also the co-host of the popular Currently Reading podcast, where she combines her love of books, storytelling, and conversation. Find Her Here:  Here Comes The Guide: Website: https://www.herecomestheguide.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herecomestheguide/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/8554093942/ Venue Business Boot Camp Website: https://venuebusinessbootcamp.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/venuebusinessbootcamp/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Venue-Business-Boot-Camp-61579734955499/

  8. May 7

    How AI Will Reshape The Events Industry | The Venue RX

    On this week’s episode of the Venue RX Podcast, host Jonathan Aymin sits down with AI and marketing expert Gal Borenstein to discuss the growing impact of artificial intelligence on business, trust, and the wedding industry. Gal explains how AI is reshaping the way companies market, communicate, and generate leads, while also creating new challenges around credibility and consumer trust. Gal shares practical insights for businesses that are just getting started with AI tools, where AI is most effective in CRM systems and lead generation, and why emotional intelligence will become even more valuable in tech-driven industries. He also dives into the rapid pace of innovation and how major companies like Google and HubSpot are being challenged by the next wave of AI technology. Gal shares forward-thinking strategies and real-world applications for venue owners, entrepreneurs, and business leaders looking to stay ahead in an evolving digital landscape. About Our Guest:  Gal Borenstein is the Founder and CEO of The Borenstein Group, a strategic branding and communications firm specializing in technology, defense, aerospace, cybersecurity, and professional services. With more than 30 years of experience, he has helped startups and established companies strengthen their market positioning, build brand credibility, and grow in highly competitive industries. He is a recognized expert in digital branding, AI-driven marketing, and reputation management, Borenstein advises executives on building trust, transparency, and resilience in the digital age. He is also the author of Don’t Believe the Hype, which explores trust erosion in the digital and AI age, along with Beating Goliath with AI, ACTIVATE!, and What Really Counts for CEOs. These works highlight trust as a strategic advantage amid technological disruption and information overload. Find Him Here:  Website: https://www.borensteingroup.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/borensteingroup/?_rdr X: https://x.com/BorensteinGroup Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/galborensteinexecutiveprofile

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5
out of 5
48 Ratings

About

We document and share best practices for owning & operating profitable world class venues! Welcome to the Venue RX podcast where we provide your weekly prescription of tips, tools, tactics, and inspiration to start or grow your venue business. Follow along with our listeners as we delve into the exciting world of events, and make sure you check out our growing Youtube channel and social pages where you can engage with our show host and guests! No matter if you are brand new to the business of weddings, or an event pro, our mix of mindset and mechanics will challenge and inspire you!

Information

  • Creator
    The Venue RX Podcast
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    301
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Venue RX Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Venue RX

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