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! read less
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Episodes

Adaptability, Art, and Events | The Venue RX
1w ago
Adaptability, Art, and Events | The Venue RX
In this episode of The Venue Rx Podcast, host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Katherine Montes, the owner of Continuum Art, a multi-functional event space and art gallery in downtown Hendersonville. Katherine shares her journey of transforming a historic warehouse into a vibrant hub that blends art, events, and tattoo studios. She discusses her approach to pricing, event management, and balancing the creative and operational aspects of her business. Katherine also sheds light on the challenges she’s faced, from preserving the integrity of the artwork during events to navigating leasing and permitting hurdles. Her story provides valuable insights into the complexities of running a multi-purpose venue and highlights the importance of adaptability and building strong community connections. About Our Guest:  Katherine Montes is the owner of Continuum Art in Hendersonville, NC, a creative and versatile space that combines an art gallery, event venue, and tattoo studio. As a practicing artist herself, Katherine specializes in Neo-Traditional and Realism tattoo designs, offering custom commissions and pre-designed art pieces. Her studio within Continuum reflects her artistic passions and commitment to creativity.  In addition to her tattoo artistry, Katherine actively engages with the local community through events such as "Drink & Draw," where she leads art classes that cater to both beginners and advanced participants. These events highlight her dedication to fostering a welcoming and inspiring environment for artistic expression​.  Find Them Here:  Tel: 828-435-3300 Email: questions@continuumartnc.com Website: https://www.continuumartnc.com/studios/rentals Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ContinuumArtNC/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/continuumtattoo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAs6wFN97kRlEDbh_mRtjTg
Strategies for Success in a Saturated Industry | The Venue RX
Nov 18 2024
Strategies for Success in a Saturated Industry | The Venue RX
In this episode of The Venue Rx Podcast, host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Mandi Young, owner of Juniper Gardens, a breathtaking garden wedding venue in southwest Missouri. Mandi opens up about her journey into venue ownership, highlighting the venue's distinctive mid-century modern design and the challenges she has overcome along the way. She shares personal anecdotes, including the meaningful story behind the venue's fireplace, and reflects on her experiences as a mother with a background in technical writing and project management. Mandi also dives into best practices for managing a wedding venue, highlighting the importance of fostering a warm and personalized experience for every couple. About Our Guest:  Juniper Gardens is a family-owned and operated business established by Mandi and Jesse Young. Their children, June and Carter, are also occasionally seen around the property, adding to the venue's welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere. Mandi oversees the daily operations, social media, and marketing for the business. Her inspiring journey includes becoming a teen mom to a premature baby, earning multiple degrees, working as a project manager, renovating several homes with Jesse, and ultimately creating Juniper Gardens. She brings her passion for design, gardening, problem-solving, and mid-century modern aesthetics to every aspect of the venue. Jesse and his team constructed both Juniper Gardens locations and continue to play a key role in ongoing improvements and projects, ensuring the venue maintains its exceptional standards. Find Them Here:  Email: events@junipergardens417.com Website: https://junipergardens417.com/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/junipergardens/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/junipergardens417 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/junipergardens417/
How Family Values Drive Business Success | The Venue RX
Nov 12 2024
How Family Values Drive Business Success | The Venue RX
In this episode of The Venue Rx Podcast, our host Jonathan Aymin interviews Krisann Blanchard and her father, Fohn Bendele, the owners of Sparrow Field Estate Wedding, a Texas venue located just 30 minutes west of San Antonio. They share their inspiring journey of building a wedding venue from Krisann’s own wedding experience, highlighting the unique challenges and joys of a family-run business. With insights into balancing family roles, fostering open communication, and creating a whimsical outdoor space, Krisann and Fohn provide a behind-the-scenes look at their collaborative spirit and entrepreneurial endeavors, including a farm-to-table business and candle-making venture. About Our Guest:  Sparrow Field Estate is a family-owned wedding and events venue operated by Fohn and Jana Bendele in the picturesque countryside of south-central Texas. The idea for the venue began when their oldest daughter, Krisann, dreamed of getting married at her childhood home. Two years later, after their twins left for college, that dream began to take shape. With countless family meetings, construction projects, and renovations, Sparrow Field Estate has now become a reality, with each family member playing a role in crafting an unforgettable experience for the couples who celebrate there. The venue includes everything needed to make a wedding day special: a scenic field with grazing longhorns, a sparkling pond, a grand white reception tent, and a charming bridal suite. Find Them Here:  Address: 1175 SH-173 N Hondo, TX 78861 Tel: (830) 741-1129 Email: hello@sparrowfieldestate.com Website: http://sparrowfieldestate.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparrowfieldestate/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557437662816
Mistakes to Avoid When Starting Your Venue | The Venue RX
Nov 5 2024
Mistakes to Avoid When Starting Your Venue | The Venue RX
In this week’s episode of The Venue RX Podcast, host Jonathan Aymin welcomes venue coach Bonnie Hawthorne, who shares her inspiring journey from military service to becoming the owner and operator of multiple event venues. Bonnie discusses the obstacles she encountered, including navigating complex zoning laws, and emphasizes the importance of careful planning and education for those entering the venue business. She provides valuable insights on designing venue packages that resonate with clients, building strong vendor partnerships, and leveraging CRM tools to enhance operational efficiency. Her shift into coaching reflects her dedication to equipping new venue owners with the skills and support they need to thrive in the events industry. About Our Guest:  Bonnie Hawthorne is an accomplished venue consultant with over 11 years of firsthand experience as both the owner and manager of a highly successful wedding planning and design company. In addition, she has successfully operated three wedding and event venues. Her primary focus is on helping new venue owners establish profitable and sustainable businesses. A venue consultant, like Bonnie, plays a crucial role in guiding both new and existing venue owners through the business aspects of their operations. From assisting with initial setup to providing strategic guidance to enhance operations, Bonnie prioritizes the business side, enabling venue owners to concentrate on essential areas, such as managing day-to-day operations and delivering exceptional client service without unnecessary interruptions. With her own experiences as a venue owner, Bonnie intimately understands the challenges that come with running a venue. Her mission is to provide venue owners with the support and insights needed to create, manage, and sustain their businesses. Drawing on her extensive knowledge and industry expertise, Bonnie helps transform envisioned venues into profitable, well-managed spaces. Her ultimate goal is to equip clients with essential tools, resources, and strategies, along with a well-crafted brand and business plan, to turn their dream venues into a tangible reality. Find Them Here:  Website: https://www.bonnierhawthorne.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brhawthorneteaches Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brhawthorneteaches/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8rJW3SEa6pQJ1E25sMfRPg Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/brhawthorneteaches/
From Corporate to Creative | The Venue RX
Oct 28 2024
From Corporate to Creative | The Venue RX
In this week’s episode of The Venue Rx Podcast, our host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Leah Nadu, owner of Historic Ashland, to explore her inspiring journey from the corporate world to successful venue ownership. Leah reflects on how her entrepreneurial family background influenced her path, the challenges she encountered in launching her business, and the emotional demands of managing a wedding venue. She shares valuable insights on understanding one’s strengths and passions, achieving balance between personal and professional life, and building a strong reputation. Leah also discusses her unwavering commitment to her clients and her vision for expanding Historic Ashland’s offerings beyond weddings. About Our Guest:  Leah is a seasoned events professional with a strong academic background, holding a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Temple University and an MBA from Elizabethtown College. In 2017, she co-founded Historic Ashland, a premier event venue where she serves as General Manager. Leah oversees every aspect of the business, from operations, finances, and property management to social media, marketing, and sales. Her expertise extends beyond weddings, as she also directs corporate and social events at Historic Ashland. Recently, Leah launched an educator brand under Historic Ashland, offering speaking engagements, presentations, and training sessions to share her insights and experience with the wider industry. Find Them Here:  Website: http://www.historicashlandevents.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoricAshland/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@historicashland Instagram: ​​https://www.instagram.com/HistoricAshland/ X: https://twitter.com/historicAshlandPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/historicashland/
From The Service Industry to Venue Success
Oct 22 2024
From The Service Industry to Venue Success
In this episode of The Venue RX podcast, Jonathan Aymin interviews Kelsey and Tony Tenamore, the owners of Vezalay Mountain Venue in Dahlonega, Georgia. The couple shares their transition from the restaurant industry to running a wedding venue, offering insights into the challenges they faced and the strategies they've developed along the way. They emphasize the importance of clear communication with clients and careful strategic planning, which have been key to their success. Kelsey and Tony also discuss their approach to improving the client experience by offering in-house services and all-inclusive packages, making it easier for couples to plan their weddings. They explain their decision to focus on social media marketing rather than traditional platforms like WeddingWire, highlighting the importance of authenticity and direct engagement with their audience. In addition to their business strategies, the Tenamores talk about balancing work, marriage, and family life while managing their venue, offering advice to others in similar situations. About Our Guest:  Kelsey and Tony Tenamore's journey to opening their own wedding venue began when fate brought them together while working in the service industry at a bar/restaurant in 2012. Though their careers eventually took different paths, their shared passion for hospitality would later unite them in a new venture. Kelsey moved on to work in corporate event planning for a large medical company, gaining valuable experience in organizing large-scale events. Meanwhile, Tony continued bartending, using the opportunity to learn the inner workings of small businesses and prepare for his future entrepreneurial goals. As Tony's bartending career progressed, regular customers began requesting his services for private events, including weddings and parties. After working several small events, Tony quickly realized there was a significant demand in the market for his expertise. This sparked the idea of starting their own business, blending Kelsey's event planning skills with Tony's knowledge of the service industry. From this, their vision for creating a wedding venue was born. Find Them Here:  Address: 520 Hwy 52W, Dahlonega, GA 30533  Email: info@vezalay.com   Website: http://www.vezalay.com/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/vezalaymountainvenue Facebook: http://facebook.com/vezalay
Transforming Challenges into Opportunities | The Venue RX
Oct 15 2024
Transforming Challenges into Opportunities | The Venue RX
In this episode of The Venue RX Podcast, our host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Helen Christopher, the owner of Brookledge, a wedding venue in Upstate New York. Helen shares her journey of transforming the property from a former girls' summer camp into a popular wedding destination. She talks about the challenges she faced, such as navigating local regulations and standing out in a competitive market, as well as her successes, including a high booking rate. Helen stresses the importance of embracing a venue's unique character, building strong vendor relationships, and creating a supportive community among venue owners. She also shares best practices for team management and highlights the power of collaboration in the wedding industry. About Our Guest:  Helen, a former elementary school teacher turned wedding venue owner, now runs Brookledge, a serene retreat in Upstate New York. In 2021, she purchased the property, a former girls' summer camp, and transformed its 60 acres into a haven of cabins, glamping tents, and event spaces. As the owner, Helen focuses on helping guests reconnect with nature and unwind from their busy lives. She has been featured in the Times Union, Ramble & Roam blog, and several podcasts. Helen also contributed to the best-selling book Hospitable Hosts 2 and co-hosts the podcast Wed & Bed. She lives with her family and two dogs in what was once Brookledge’s nurse’s office, embracing camp life every day. Find Them Here:  Tel: 518-937-7730 Email: brookledge518@gmail.com   Website: http://www.brookledgeny.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brookledgeny Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brookledgeny/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/brookeledge-cabin Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/brookledgeny/
The Secret Ingredient to Venue Success | The Venue RX
Oct 8 2024
The Secret Ingredient to Venue Success | The Venue RX
In this episode of The Venue RX Podcast, host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Veronica Thompson to share her journey in the wedding industry and her vision for her new venue, The Legacy at Willow Pond in Suffolk Virginia. Veronica discusses the challenges she faced during the venue's construction, especially in securing financing amid the COVID-19 pandemic. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, community support, and creating intentional event spaces. Drawing on her extensive background as an event planner, Veronica highlights the value of strategic planning and building strong industry connections. She also offers valuable insights into the complexities of venue management and underscores the significance of resilience in achieving long-term business success. About Our Guest:  Veronica Thompson is a seasoned wedding planner from Hampton Roads, Virginia, with decades of experience crafting one-of-a-kind, sophisticated events. As a planner herself, she knew precisely how to curate every element necessary to create the perfect venue. For Veronica, the excitement lies in building something from the ground up and being deeply involved in every aspect of the process. The Legacy at Willow Pond, nestled in the scenic countryside of rural Suffolk, Virginia, in the Hampton Roads area, is a breathtaking modern, French country-inspired wedding and event venue. Thoughtfully designed by co-owner and multi-award-winning Wedding, Event Planner, and Designer, Veronica Thompson, the venue is more than just a space; it's an experience meant to make any special occasion truly unforgettable. With a spacious event hall accommodating up to 200 guests, The Legacy at Willow Pond offers services tailored to meet the needs of weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings. The 23 acres of picturesque grounds exude natural charm and timeless elegance, providing the perfect backdrop for any event. Specializing in creating personalized, customized celebrations that reflect each client’s unique vision, the venue is committed to excellence and sustainability practices. The Legacy at Willow Pond is more than just a venue; it's a partner in crafting cherished memories, offering everything from meticulous event planning to stunning décor and world-class catering. Find Them Here:  Tel: (757) 579-0047 Email: events@legacyatwillowpond.com  Website: http://www.legacyatwillowpond.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/legacyatwillowpondva Instagram: https://instagram.com/legacyatwillowpondva
The Good, The Bad, And The Beautiful | The Venue RX
Sep 30 2024
The Good, The Bad, And The Beautiful | The Venue RX
In this week's episode of The Venue Rx podcast, our host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Casey Hoffman, a successful wedding venue owner of The Brickyard on Main in Marion, Ohio, to explore best practices in venue management. Casey shares her journey from a background in catering to launching her first venue, Brickyard on Main, followed by Urban 501. The discussion highlights the importance of building partnerships, the challenges of renovating historic spaces, and strategies for attracting clients. Casey highlights the importance of clear communication, community involvement, and authentic marketing, while also emphasizing the need to treat both clients and staff well to maintain a successful business.  About Our Guest:  Casey Hoffman is the go-to person at The Brickyard on Main, an elegant urban-style wedding venue nestled in downtown Marion, Ohio. With a talent for understanding each couple’s vision, Casey is passionate about transforming those ideas into reality. Known for her laid-back and warm approach, she ensures that every planning meeting is relaxed and enjoyable, while focusing on creating the perfect wedding experience. Casey is excited to get to know each couple and bring every detail of their dream day to life, all within The Brickyard's sophisticated blend of modern design and historic charm, making it the ideal venue for life’s most special moments. Find Them Here:  Phone Number: (740) 251-2559 Email: hello@brickyardonmain.com Website: https://brickyardonmain.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brickyardonmain/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brickyardonmain/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebrickyard
Creating Unforgettable Beach Weddings | The Venue RX
Sep 24 2024
Creating Unforgettable Beach Weddings | The Venue RX
In this week's episode of The Venue RX Podcast, our host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Karen and Janet, owners of Seashell Events in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. They dive into their journey into the wedding venue industry, showcasing the unique features of Seashell Events, including its stunning beachfront location and customizable wedding packages. Karen shares insights on the importance of fostering strong vendor relationships, the challenges of running a blank canvas venue, and their dedication to creating an inclusive space for all couples. The episode also highlights the value of community engagement, effective marketing strategies, and how the wedding industry continues to evolve. About Our Guests:  In 2019, Janet and Karen were thrilled to purchase Seashell Cottages, bringing with them over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Since 2008, they have welcomed thousands of travelers for beach vacations as owner/operators of multiple properties. Known as "The Shell," their venue has long been cherished as a beloved summer vacation destination for those who love all that Old Orchard Beach has to offer. After feeling the magic of The Shell themselves, Janet and Karen realized that after 13 years together, they wanted to get married on the beach in Old Orchard Beach and celebrate with friends and family on their property. On June 18th, 2021—exactly 15 years from the day they met—they tied the knot, and it was during this celebration that the vision for Seashell Events was born. Now, they are excited and honored to share the magic of this special property with couples for their wedding celebrations. Find Them Here:  Phone Number: 207-934-5623 Email: info@seashellcottagesoob.com  Website: https://seashellcottagesoob.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seashellcottagesoob Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seashellcottagesevents/
Pro Athlete Turned Venue Owner | The Venue RX
Sep 16 2024
Pro Athlete Turned Venue Owner | The Venue RX
In this episode of The Venue Rx Podcast, our host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Bobby Bramhall, an entrepreneur with a unique background in professional sports, law, and the wedding venue industry. Bobby talks about his transition from professional baseball player to sports law professor and consultant, eventually becoming the owner of two wedding venues: Holston Springs and The Stables at Strawberry Creek. He shares the challenges and successes he's encountered, highlighting the importance of strategic hiring, effective marketing, and understanding client needs. Bobby offers valuable insights into running successful wedding venues and emphasizes the role of experience and relationships in driving success. About Our Guest:  Bobby Bramhall is an Adjunct Professor of Sports Law at the University of Tennessee College of Law and a sports attorney. He co-founded the Athlete Licensing Company and previously served as an Assistant Athletics Director at Texas A&M. Before entering law, Bobby had a successful career as a professional baseball player. As a standout left-handed pitcher at Rice University, he earned 2nd Team All-American honors and competed in two consecutive College World Series. Drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2007 MLB Draft, Bobby spent seven seasons playing for four MLB organizations, as well as in Puerto Rico’s La Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente (LBPRC). He later pursued a law degree at the University of Tennessee and is now licensed to practice in Tennessee. In addition to his legal career, Bobby owns and operates two event venues, Holston Springs and The Stables at Strawberry Creek. Find Them Here:  The Stables at Strawberry Creek: Tel: 979-777-0882 Email: strawberrycreekstables@gmail.com  Website: https://strawberrycreektn.com/index.html Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strawberrycreekknoxville/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strawberrycreekknoxville Holston Springs Venue & Lodge: Tel: 979-777-0882 Email: holstonsprings@gmail.com  Website: https://www.holstonsprings.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holstonsprings/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holstonsprings
Navigating the Intersection of Medicine and Entrepreneurship | The Venue RX
Sep 9 2024
Navigating the Intersection of Medicine and Entrepreneurship | The Venue RX
In this week’s episode of The Venue Rx podcast, our host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Dr. Inderpal Randhawa, a physician and scientist specializing in transplant immunology and food allergies, who made a bold transition into the wedding venue industry during the pandemic. Dr. Randhawa shares his inspiring journey from the medical field to entrepreneurship, highlighting the critical role of data-driven decision-making and effective time management across both careers. He discusses how he balances managing multiple businesses, the unique challenges of the wedding industry, and his dedication to creating exceptional client experiences. Dr. Randhawa also shares his innovative approach to merging his medical expertise with event management.  About Our Guest:  Dr. Inderpal Randhawa serves as the Medical Director of the Children’s Pulmonary Institute at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital, where he has held various leadership roles for over a decade. He is also the Program Director of the Pediatric Pulmonology Fellowship at UCI and Miller Children’s & Women’s. Dr. Randhawa has spearheaded several key initiatives, earning regional and national recognition, including the creation of the Sickle Cell Pulmonary Center, Disease-Specific Certification in Pediatric Asthma from The Joint Commission, and the Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia Center. A highly regarded specialist in internal medicine, pediatrics, immunology, allergy medicine, and pulmonology, Dr. Randhawa has over 15 years of experience. His focus lies in the research and treatment of 'orphan' diseases—areas of medicine that have seen limited progress. As the President and Chief Medical Officer of the Translational Pulmonary & Immunology Research Center (TPIRC), a nonprofit in Long Beach, California, Dr. Randhawa leads a collaborative approach to treating patients with these rare diseases. He is also the founder of TPIRC’s Southern California Food Allergy Institute, dedicated to providing innovative and safe treatment options for the six million children in the U.S. affected by food allergies. In recognition of his work, Dr. Randhawa was named a Top Doctor by the Los Angeles Business Journal in both 2021 and 2022. Find Them Here:  Email: hello@randhawaranch.com Website: https://csevenues.com/randhawa-ranch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randhawaranchweddings/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/randhawaranch Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/randhawaranchevents/
Historic Property Turned Dream Wedding Venue | The Venue RX
Sep 3 2024
Historic Property Turned Dream Wedding Venue | The Venue RX
In this week's new season of The Venue Owners Series, our host Jonathan Aymin sits down with MaryBeth Romagnoli, owner of Windridge Estate, an Upstate New York wedding venue. MaryBeth shares her journey into the wedding venue industry and venue ownership. With a background in cultural anthropology and event planning, she discusses the evolution of her business, the challenges she has faced, and the operational systems she implemented for success. MaryBeth emphasizes the importance of thorough research, effective marketing strategies, and building a reliable team. She also highlights the rewarding aspects of her work, such as witnessing the joy of families during weddings. She offers valuable insights and practical advice for aspiring venue owners, highlighting the significance of planning, adaptability, and community connections. About Our Guest:  In 1804, ES Jackson purchased the land now known as Windridge Estate to build the Estate Home. When MaryBeth and her husband Jack acquired the property in 2002, they became the eighth family to care for it. As lifelong residents of Upstate New York, they were initially captivated by the incredible views and outdoor opportunities.  MaryBeth and Jack always recognized the untapped potential of the previously untamed land. Once their children left the nest in 2014, they decided to dedicate themselves to transforming the property into something truly extraordinary. What began as a vision soon turned into a passionate project, as they meticulously planned and executed every detail to elevate the estate. They invested countless hours in landscaping, restoring, and enhancing the natural beauty of the surroundings, ensuring that every corner of the estate reflected their commitment to excellence. Their efforts paid off, and since then, Windridge Estate has become a sought-after destination for weddings and special events, offering a breathtaking backdrop that continues to captivate couples and guests alike. MaryBeth and Jack take great pride in sharing the estate's beauty with others, knowing that their labor of love has turned Windridge into a place where unforgettable memories are made. Find Them Here:  Tel: 315-345-9174 Email: info@windridgeestate.com  Website:https://windridgeestate.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/windridgeestate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/windridgeestate/  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/windridge_estate/
Proven Techniques for Attracting More Clients and Generating Leads | The Venue RX
Aug 26 2024
Proven Techniques for Attracting More Clients and Generating Leads | The Venue RX
In this week’s episode of the Venue Rx Podcast, our host Jonathan Aymin sits down with marketing expert, CEO, industry educator and fellow Youtuber Jody-Ann Rowe to discuss sales and marketing strategies for wedding venues. Jody-Ann shares her entrepreneurial journey, stressing the importance of understanding client needs and effectively using online platforms like Pinterest and YouTube to drive business growth. She highlights the value of location-specific content and the necessity of clear, concise service descriptions. Jody-Ann also advises on the advantages of outsourcing specialized tasks and the critical role of tracking analytics. She offers practical insights for venue owners aiming to boost their online presence and client engagement. About Our Guest:  Jody-Ann Rowe, born to working-class parents in Jamaica, grew up with a strong belief in the value of hard work. She excelled in school, earned top grades, secured a university scholarship, and embarked on her career path. During university, she launched her first business, an online babysitting service-despite having no prior business experience. Though the venture failed, it taught her the importance of working smarter, not just harder. Armed with lessons learned, Jody-Ann's next business, an Interactive Web Form Design company, succeeded. She has since applied these strategies to multiple ventures, including an online vintage purse store, a cake smash outfits store, The Event Certificate, EventPlanningTemplates.com, and FindYourBaker.com. Her mission is to teach service-based business owners how to build their businesses online and turn clicks into clients, empowering them to increase revenue and gain more control over their success and life. Find Her Here:  Website: https://www.eventcertificate.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/eventcertificate  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eventcertificate  Email: jody@eventcertificate.com
How Preferred Partnerships Make a Difference | The Venue RX
Aug 19 2024
How Preferred Partnerships Make a Difference | The Venue RX
In this week's episode of The Venue Rx Podcast, our host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Jeremy Laban, owner of Wonder Rentals and Rustic Events, to explore the essential role rental companies play in the wedding and event industry. Jeremy shares his entrepreneurial journey and the expansion of his businesses, offering valuable insights for venue owners on how to strengthen partnerships with rental companies. They discuss best practices, including the benefits of maintaining a preferred vendor list, addressing logistical challenges, and ensuring physical access for setup and teardown. He also highlights the importance of communication and flexibility in scheduling to enhance client experiences. Additionally, Jeremy provides his perspective on managing rental logistics and navigating the evolving landscape of the industry. About Our Guest:  Jeremy entered the event rental industry by purchasing an existing business. At the time, he was working as a regular employee and feeling unfulfilled, eager to start his own venture but unsure how to begin. Since purchasing his rental business, he has quintupled its revenue, thanks in part to the foundation already in place—existing products, client relationships, a website, photos, and reviews. Jeremy's company specializes in higher-end, specialty rentals for weddings and events in San Diego and Riverside County, offering items like farm tables, chairs, lounge furniture, photo booths, market lights, and dance floors. He focuses on building strong relationships with groups of vendors, knowing that making their jobs easier leads to a steady stream of new clients. With a strong focus on customer service and quality products, his company has continued to scale.  Find Him Here:  Website:https://www.rustic-events.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rusticurbanevents/?hl=en  Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rustic-events-san-diego-2 https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/rustic-urban-events-murrieta/b6a1b2f6aef0be89.html
The Best SEO Strategies for Wedding Venues | The Venue RX
Aug 13 2024
The Best SEO Strategies for Wedding Venues | The Venue RX
In this week's episode of The Venue Rx podcast, our host Jonathan Aymin sits down with SEO expert Nergis Yuksel to explore the crucial role of SEO in the wedding venue industry. Nergis, who shifted from wedding planning to SEO during the COVID-19 pandemic, discusses the importance of keyword research in understanding market trends and optimizing venue offerings. She shares practical advice on using tools like Google Keyword Planner and SEMrush for effective keyword research. Nergis also discusses the value of local SEO, high-quality content, and social media engagement, offering wedding venue owners actionable strategies to boost their online presence and attract more clients. About Our Guest:  Nergis Yuksel is a Wedding SEO consultant, mindfulness advocate, and digital nomad. A former wedding planner, she’s also a lover of Yorkshire tea, Ester & Erik candles, and a good disco playlist. Nergis offers a straightforward and clear approach to SEO, avoiding confusing technical jargon and even making the process fun. She believes that every wedding business owner should understand the basics of SEO. Whether you want to handle it yourself or work with an SEO consultant, Nergis ensures you have the knowledge and confidence to evaluate the quality of the work. Passionate about teaching SEO, Nergis empowers business owners with the skills to take control of their online presence, even when using her done-for-you services. Her approach is personalized and tailored, going beyond the typical advice of "just blog" to create a more effective SEO strategy. Find Her Here:  Website: https://www.nergisyuksel.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seowithnergis/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NergisYukselSEO  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/nergisseo/
Strategies for Startup Success and Team Building | The Venue RX
Jul 8 2024
Strategies for Startup Success and Team Building | The Venue RX
In this week's episode of The Venue Blueprint Series our hosts Jonathan Aymin and Lindsay Lucas discuss the intricacies of venue ownership. They discuss the startup phase, emphasizing the importance of taking deposits and strategic planning. The conversation also covers team building, defining roles, and using tools like Lucidchart and personality tests to understand team dynamics. They also explore institutional investments, scaling, and exit strategies for venue businesses.  About Our Hosts:  Lindsay Lucas:  Website: https://thelindsaylucas.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelindsaylucas/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelindsaylucas/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thelindsaylucas/ The Venue Academy: https://shop.thelindsaylucas.com/checkout/cart  Lindsay works directly with wedding venue owners, demystifying the process of running a profitable, sustainable wedding venue and guiding owners towards a business that suits their needs. Since 2016, Lindsay has assisted over 700 venue owners in securing funding, achieving sustainable growth, and navigating various challenges. Her client portfolio includes venues that have generated over $46 million in revenue over the past six years. Jonathan Aymin  Website:https://www.cseventservices.com/  https://csevenues.com/  https://www.thevenuerx.com/ https://www.wevahub.com/  Address: 251 North City Drive San Marcos, CA 92078 Email: venues@cseventservices.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-aymin-065aa679/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cseservices/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd5m3xiVauCEvQPPaVWraIg Jonathan embarked on his journey into Venue Management with the launch of a single San Diego wedding venue. His path led him to expand his ventures to encompass multiple venues in multiple states, all the while trailblazing The Venue Rx Podcast/YouTube channel to ignite inspiration within the wedding professional community. In addition, Jonathan serves as the visionary founder behind WEVA, the first national Wedding & Event Venue Association. This esteemed professional association is dedicated to venue owners and operators, offering unrivaled networking opportunities, valuable resources, and comprehensive education tailored to the venue industry.