I’ve been at Mills James for 2 years.
What did your life look like before MJ?
Before Mills James, I worked for the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts for 8 years at the Lincoln Theatre. I started as an audio engineer and worked my way up to Technical Director. After that, I joined the production team for a multi-site church, where I helped lead the team each week with new installation projects, studio tapings, and training.
What led you to a career in this industry?
I actually started out working for a catering company in high school, which introduced me to the hospitality industry at an early age. I've always been interested in sound recording and mixing, which led me to pursue a degree in Music Technology from Capital University. After graduating, I freelanced around Columbus and worked in several theatres, learning everything I could about the different aspects of live event production. That’s when I realized how much I enjoy working with people and bringing their shows to life, from concept to performance. My career in hospitality took off when Mike Tyson reached out to me about interviewing for a hospitality manager position. I started as the AV Manager at Marriott OSU and have since moved up to Area Manager for Columbus.
What is a project that you have worked on that sticks out to you?
One project that stands out to me is the new training course for technicians and managers. With the help of the Mills James team and some of our clients, we developed a comprehensive course featuring over 30 training videos. This project is memorable because it took me out of my comfort zone by putting me in front of the camera instead of behind it.
What is your favorite part of being a part of the Hospitality team?
What I love most is our incredible team dynamic and how we work together to make our clients' events shine. It's always exciting to collaborate with my coworkers to solve challenges and deliver events that exceed our clients' expectations. There's nothing better than seeing a client's face light up when everything runs perfectly.
Tell us about a professional success story that you’re proud of.
One professional achievement I'm particularly proud of is helping lead the OHLA conference last November, which Mills James sponsored. This event really showcased what we can accomplish when our teams work together seamlessly. The MJx, warehouse, and hospitality teams collaborated brilliantly to deliver an exceptional experience. Beyond the technical success of the event, what made it truly special was the meaningful relationships we built with the OHLA team and attendees. Their trust in us and the positive feedback we received highlighted that we not only met their expectations but also created lasting partnerships for future events.Describe an interesting hobby or pastime that you have.
In my free time, I play in a band with my cousin, which has become one of my favorite creative outlets. I’ve played music for many years, and it has always been a big part of my life.
What are you looking forward to in your future?
I'm looking forward to growing the team and continuing to develop the talented individuals around me. I believe in fostering a collaborative environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to our collective success. It’s exciting to think about the opportunities that will come as we grow together and achieve even greater things.