In addition to co-owning the successful event planning and design firm McNabb Roick Events?producers of the recent Louis Vuitton 100th anniversary bash and the premiere party for Miss Saigon (named Toronto Life's "event of the decade")?Jeffry is also the managing partner at the upscale venue the Carlu.
What is next for the Canadian event industry?
Shock value. Monday is the new Thursday.
What is the biggest professional risk you have ever taken?
The Carlu, or rather raising money for the Carlu, we thought there would be money out there to restore an historical property in Canada but there wasn’t. Also, just realizing that you are not going to let someone step over you, that is quite a challenge.
How do you deal with stress?
I turn to a spiritual place, relaxation, meditation and just breathing.
What is one horror story that stands out to you?
Once a venue went on strike at a time when I had booked a three day conference, fortunately due to contractual obligations the venue was forced to comply. SARS ranked right up there as well, having to deal with letting some staff go, I took a cut in pay just to make that situation easier to manage.
How do you deal with challenge and stay grounded?
I surround myself with family and friends, everyone works here. This is a 24 hour industry and with technology making people more and more accessible this is the way I keep it together.
What drives you?
Creativity, doing what no one does and making it work, positive feedback form satisfied clients. Creating a business where it is your family and friends, where you want to go everyday, where you don’t think it’s a work day because it’s fun. Doing what you want to do and not what you are supposed to do, that pumps me.
What is your biggest fear?
My biggest fear is an unhappy client, but an even worse scenario would be losing my employees, they are my family and friends.
If you ever considered another career what would it be?
Architect or photographer.
What was the affect of merging with an American based company?
NAFTA was a real push for the merger, and it resulted in a great sharing of ideas, materials and clients across the border. It made me a bigger fish in the pot…it made people notice me just because I had a US affiliate behind me.
What advice would you offer students or people new to the industry?
Start from the bottom up, learn to be a waiter, do every step, and don’t just jump to the top.
Favorite cocktail, restaurant, vice?
Amartini, Xacutti, and Mom’s cooking
What is next for the Canadian event industry?
Shock value. Monday is the new Thursday.
What is the biggest professional risk you have ever taken?
The Carlu, or rather raising money for the Carlu, we thought there would be money out there to restore an historical property in Canada but there wasn’t. Also, just realizing that you are not going to let someone step over you, that is quite a challenge.
How do you deal with stress?
I turn to a spiritual place, relaxation, meditation and just breathing.
What is one horror story that stands out to you?
Once a venue went on strike at a time when I had booked a three day conference, fortunately due to contractual obligations the venue was forced to comply. SARS ranked right up there as well, having to deal with letting some staff go, I took a cut in pay just to make that situation easier to manage.
How do you deal with challenge and stay grounded?
I surround myself with family and friends, everyone works here. This is a 24 hour industry and with technology making people more and more accessible this is the way I keep it together.
What drives you?
Creativity, doing what no one does and making it work, positive feedback form satisfied clients. Creating a business where it is your family and friends, where you want to go everyday, where you don’t think it’s a work day because it’s fun. Doing what you want to do and not what you are supposed to do, that pumps me.
What is your biggest fear?
My biggest fear is an unhappy client, but an even worse scenario would be losing my employees, they are my family and friends.
If you ever considered another career what would it be?
Architect or photographer.
What was the affect of merging with an American based company?
NAFTA was a real push for the merger, and it resulted in a great sharing of ideas, materials and clients across the border. It made me a bigger fish in the pot…it made people notice me just because I had a US affiliate behind me.
What advice would you offer students or people new to the industry?
Start from the bottom up, learn to be a waiter, do every step, and don’t just jump to the top.
Favorite cocktail, restaurant, vice?
Amartini, Xacutti, and Mom’s cooking
