JNG Event Consulting – A Conversation with Jimmy Guzman
Jimmy Guzman is a great friend of JRE! I knew from the moment I met him, that his sparkly personality would be a great match for many of our clients and certainly for us! But it’s his talents as a great designer that really stand out! Jimmy listens to the client, adds his creative flair and makes magic happen. He exceeds expectations always! — Jodi
Photo Courtesy of Person + Killian
Tell us about JNG Event Consulting.
JNG Event Consulting is a floral and event design firm that services a select number of weddings, and events each year. We are as selective with our clients as they are with their vendors. Nearly all of our clients work with a full-service event planner, are referred to us by a venue coordinator, or a client who has worked with us in the past.
Often times we are asked by prospective clients if they need to be working with an event planner, or a venue coordinator, in order to engage our design services, and the answer is, “Yes, you do.” We find that the process of designing and producing an event is much more seamless when an event planner, or coordinator, is present.
Photo Courtesy of Matt Teuten Event Imaging
How did you get started in the industry?
My journey in the industry began when I worked as a hotel General Manager in downtown Boston. It was there that I knew I loved working with people and that I especially loved creating enjoyable, memorable experiences. I then worked as a Retail Store Manager at Winston Flowers’ flagship store in Chestnut Hill, where I managed a really fabulous team of floral designers, plant experts and salespeople. And I was the Operations Manager at Off the Vine Catering, running the logistics of the event and to-go operations.
Perhaps my most significant role was that of Sales and Marketing Manager at Marc Hall Design. I became acquainted with the key players in our field, from hotel/venue managers to event planners and private catering executives. Through that experience, I cultivated the disciplined, critical approach to design that set its seed in me at Winston Flowers.
Photo Courtesy of Person + Killian
What is your favorite part of being in the event industry?
What I love most about the event industry is the ability to be creative in a way that services the clients who hire us and the teams we get to collaborate with. So much of the reason we require that clients hire an event planner (or work with a venue coordinator) is because the planner acts as the director of the project, and we, as vendors, play key supporting roles in ensuring the event is a success.
As an artist, I love conceptualizing a floral design scheme that takes into account the myriad elements at play: from lighting to linen, from venue to wall treatments, and, of course, the client’s input. The design and execution of an event is much more pleasurable when an event planner is at the helm and lays their hands on the event. Often times, the event is prettier because so many details have been thought out.
Photo Courtesy of Kate McElwee Photography
