Andy Kushner offers an inside look behind-the-scenes of the wedding and event world for both industry experts and bridal couples by featuring in-depth and transformative conversations with event industry icons. The Wedding Biz is also the only global platform of its kind to serve the business development needs of wedding and events professionals. As the host, Andy interviews the most prolific thought leaders and talent, taking you behind the curtain and revealing their personality, character, passions, and secrets to their success. Andy's powerful, yet casual and comfortable interview style gives you access to the authentic story each of these incredible industry leaders has to share. The Wedding Biz podcast is your opportunity to really get to know the amazing personalities that endlessly elevate the world of weddings and special events.
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515 ROBERT SHERMAN: How to Build Loyalty and Retain Employees
Monday, September 23, 2024 • Duration 26:48
Andy is so thrilled to be welcoming his business partner, Robert Sherman, back to the show! Robert is Andy's business partner at Kushner Entertainment and is also the owner of Washington Talent, a legendary entertainment company established over 55 years ago.
Together, Andy and Robert tackle the topic of employee retention, discussing how to keep employees engaged, happy, and loyal over the long term. Robert shares some valuable insights from his decades of experience, explaining how hiring for company culture is just as crucial as hiring for skill sets and emphasizing the importance of communication, ensuring that employees not only understand but also believe in the organization's goals.
Robert's approach to management is rooted in collaboration rather than hierarchy. Avoiding terms like "boss" and "employee," he instead opts to lead through transparency and mutual respect. He also discusses the importance of flexibility in modern workplaces, citing examples from his own company where remote work has helped retain top talent.
Tune in to hear practical tips on employee motivation, such as offering periodic bonuses, staying ahead of salary increases, and understanding individual motivations beyond monetary compensation. This conversation is filled with actionable advice for leaders looking to foster loyalty and long-term commitment within their teams while maintaining a positive and productive work culture!
If you enjoy and get something out of the show, then Andy urges you not to keep it to yourself! Share it with a few people you know who might also enjoy it and get something out of it, and he would also be grateful if you were to subscribe to the podcast if you aren't already so that you never miss a new episode! Be sure to also leave a top review wherever you listen because that really helps out the show and helps people find it!
Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don't forget about Sean Low's podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network.
SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ
Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute!
Time Stamps
[0:47] - Andy and his business partner Robert are talking all things employee retention.
[2:54] - Robert reveals his philosophy regarding his relationship with his employees.
[4:08] - Robert argues that clear communication with employees is essential to ensure that they understand and respect company goals.
[6:19] - Finding culturally compatible employees is key, and compensation isn't the only factor that Robert considers.
[8:10] - Robert points out that passion plays a significant role in the entertainment industry, with some success attributed to luck.
[10:04] - Robert, in interviews, describes jobs in a less glamorous way to help temper expectations.
[13:35] - Appreciation, Robert asserts, whether through bonuses or non-financial gestures, is vital for retaining employees.
[15:10] - Robert stresses the importance of empathy and understanding between managers and employees, even in professional settings.
[18:20] - Robert sees himself as a manager, not a boss, and believes in balancing authority with empathy.
[21:09] - It's important to find the appropriate balance between personal and professional boundaries while hiring.
[24:33] - Robert argues direct communication with employees fosters trust and respect in any company.
514 TARA GUERARD: Global Tastemaker with Southern Hospitality
Monday, September 9, 2024 • Duration 25:30
If you have been a longtime listener of the podcast, then today's voice may sound familiar to you as it is her third appearance on the show! Andy is so thrilled to welcome back Tara Guerard, owner and creative director of Tara Guerard Soirée headquartered out of Charleston, South Carolina (and with an additional office in New York City). Tara is recognized as one of the nation's leading tastemakers globally, and she is here to share some exciting updates since she was last on the show.
Listen as she and Andy reflect on the profound changes brought about by the pandemic and how it has influenced their approach to client relationships. Tara shares her struggle with the shift to virtual meetings, highlighting why it's important to have in-person connections and how much she values reading a client's body language and energy, something that is unfortunately difficult to replicate over the phone or through a screen.
Tara shares some insights into maintaining energy and inspiration after decades in the business. She credits her success to her naturally high energy levels and an unrelenting desire to learn and grow, revealing her plans to pursue new creative endeavors when she turns 60.
Tara also discusses the challenges of working in diverse locations where the level of service may not meet her high standards, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and her commitment to ensuring that every event is executed as flawlessly as possible. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of creativity and business, and Andy had such a great time chatting with her again!
If you enjoy the show, then Andy urges you not to keep it to yourself! Share it with a few people you know who might also enjoy it and get something out of it, and he would also be grateful if you were to subscribe to the podcast if you aren't already so that you never miss a new episode! Be sure to also leave a top review wherever you listen because that really helps out the show and helps people find it!
Have you heard about with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don't forget about Sean Low's podcast , where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on .
505 KATHLEEN DEERY: Bridging Creativity from Floral Fantasies to Culinary Theatrics
Monday, May 20, 2024 • Duration 29:35
Join Andy in welcoming Kathleen Deery, the creative force behind Kathleen Deery Design and the Chief Creative Officer of Paula LeDuc Fine Catering & Events, to The Wedding Biz! With a childhood steeped in floral admiration, Kathleen recounts her journey from a small town in New Jersey to the bustling design studios of San Francisco. She shares insights into her role as a tastemaker within the prestigious catering company, highlighting her knack for infusing events with innovation and creativity.
From collaborating with renowned planners to crafting immersive environments, Kathleen's expertise shines through. Listen in as she offers insights into the intricacies of event planning, emphasizing the importance of understanding clients' visions and creating memorable experiences. Drawing on her experience with high-profile events, Kathleen also shares anecdotes, including a whimsical Bridgerton-themed wedding set amidst lush gardens.
Kathleen also reflects on the demands of her multifaceted role and the perpetual quest for balance, yet amidst the whirlwind, she finds solace in cultivating her own flower garden and nurturing her team's creativity. Looking ahead, Kathleen expresses optimism for the future of Paula LeDuc, fueled by a commitment to excellence and a collaborative spirit.
Andy had a great time sitting down with Kathleen and really hopes that you enjoy the conversation. If you do, then he would appreciate it if you didn't keep it to yourself! He would love it if you were to share it with a few good friends and industry colleagues who might also enjoy it! He would also appreciate it if you were to leave a top review wherever you listen to the show because that really helps the show out! Lastly, don't forget to follow The Wedding Biz on Instagram and subscribe to the podcast so that you never miss a new episode when it drops!
Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don't forget about Sean Low's podcast , where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on .
414 SEAN LOW: The Heart and Soul of the Wedding Industry
Monday, May 23, 2022 • Duration 28:43
Sean Low of The Business of Being Creative joins Andy today to talk about his business and how it has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic over the last couple of years. The Business of Being Creative is a consulting firm that is focused on providing practical advice to those in the business of being creative! His client list includes the who's who of the wedding industry and design community, and he is also the host of a very informative podcast with The Wedding Biz network called The Business of Being Creative.
Sean dives deep into how his approach has been impacted because of the pandemic, and he and Andy discuss how the heart and soul of the wedding business has gotten even deeper as a result of the pandemic. Sean also reveals and discusses some of the common themes that he has been noticing among his current clients and posits that business owners need to be sure that they have clarity about what qualifies as rational vs. irrational about the way that they run their businesses. He also encourages business leaders to come to terms with the fact that they're not going to be for everyone and that not all prospective clients are going to be for them, defining the decision for them to work with a client and vice versa as a radical choice.
Sean also details the process that he goes through with his clients and describes the three different ways to hire him. Andy, as usual, had a blast sitting down to chat with Sean and appreciates his time! Be sure to check out Sean's website and his social media pages on Twitter and Instagram, and, as always, if you can think of at least three good friends who might benefit from and enjoy this episode, be sure to share it with them! Andy would also be appreciative if you were to subscribe to the podcast if you aren't already and to leave a top review wherever you listen, especially since it really helps the show and helps people find it!
This episode is sponsored by Zola, the fastest-growing wedding platform that connects today's couples with the right planners and vendors. Zola gives wedding professionals more control, better exposure, and higher quality leads — all with competitive pricing and no annual commitment. Create your free listing at .
413 LAURIE ARONS: Overcoming the Obstacles of a Challenging Year
Monday, May 16, 2022 • Duration 29:44
Joining Andy today is returning guest Laurie Arons of Laurie Arons Special Events! Laurie founded her company in 1994 and has been featured in numerous magazine publications. She has also been listed in Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and Martha Stewart Weddings as one of the top worldwide planners. Her clientele consists of noteworthy trendsetters like Sophia Coppola, Vanessa Getty, and Christy Turlington as well as prominent business moguls such as Gary Friedman, Frank Caufield, and Eddie DeBartolo. Laurie has also created and runs a successful wedding planner master class.
Laurie, in this episode, reflects on the last couple of years and how the COVID-19 pandemic affected 2021 for her. Grateful for her team and how they overcame them, she details the struggles and reveals why she brought on very few new clients for 2022, taking on fewer clients but charging more. She also talks about how the hospitality industry in general was hit very hard because of the pandemic and how her goal remains to make people happy.
Andy and Laurie also discuss how connections and methods of communication have changed because of the pandemic and whether they prefer virtual meetings or in-person meetings. Laurie also projects toward the future, revealing that she loves what she does and doesn't want to retire anytime soon unless her health requires her to do so. She touches upon her masterclasses and discusses her plans for the future, detailing an intimate class coming in November of this year.
Andy has really enjoyed this real conversation with Laurie! Be sure to check Laurie out online, and as always, if you can think of at least three good friends who might benefit from and enjoy this episode, be sure to share it with them! Andy would also be appreciative if you were to subscribe to the podcast if you aren't already and to leave a top review wherever you listen to the podcast, especially since it really helps the show and helps people find it!
This episode is sponsored by Zola, the fastest-growing wedding platform that connects today's couples with the right planners and vendors. Zola gives wedding professionals more control, better exposure, and higher quality leads — all with competitive pricing and no annual commitment. Create your free listing at www.zola.com/andy.
412 KT MERRY: Implementing Adventure, Purpose, & Soul into Photography
Monday, May 9, 2022 • Duration 37:12
Andy is joined today by KT Merry of KT Photography! KT has been recognized for her industry excellence by top media outlets such as Harper's Bazaar and Vogue, and she has built a thriving and very profitable business that allows her to also pursue her passion for conservation by using her art to protect the planet and its inhabitants who are most vulnerable. Over the past ten years, KT has evolved into a multidisciplinary creative with a highly profitable house of brands such as photographing luxury destination weddings and editorials around the world.
KT shares how her love of photography developed and how she assisted some major fashion photographers. She discusses her ideal client and elaborates upon some of the quotes that she has on her website and identifies the why behind what she does, discussing her passion for protecting the planet and how she has married that with her passion for photography. She touches upon how she came upon photographing weddings, how she feels about digital over film, what her philosophy on lighting and composition style is, and what it's like having her husband Chad as her business partner and how they balance their professional lives with their personal lives.
She describes her morning routine and how that helps keep her mental health in check, also describing two books from which she reads a page each day. She and Andy also discuss the various benefits of meditating such as being less reactive and not as impulsive, and, for any photographers who might be listening, KT reveals what gear she is currently using! Andy is so grateful for KT's time and had such a great time chatting with her! Be sure to check KT out online, and as always, if you can think of at least three good friends who might benefit from and enjoy this episode, be sure to share it with them! Andy would also be appreciative if you were to subscribe to the podcast if you aren't already and to leave a top review wherever you listen to the podcast, especially since it really helps the show and helps people find it!
This episode is sponsored by Zola, the fastest-growing wedding platform that connects today's couples with the right planners and vendors. Zola gives wedding professionals more control, better exposure, and higher quality leads — all with competitive pricing and no annual commitment. Create your free listing at .
411 REVISIT BRETT CULP: Obstacle Or Opportunity
Monday, May 2, 2022 • Duration 44:11
What does leadership mean to you? Leadership has many meanings, and everyone may have their own perspective on it. Today's guest, Brett Culp, has a wonderful point of view on leadership and has built an amazing foundation for his life.
Brett had a very successful career as a videographer in the lux wedding market, for ten years, until the recession of 2008 forced him to pivot. Now a filmmaker and keynote speaker, Brett Culp films is based out of Tampa FL. He also is an author, and produces short films such as "How to stay positive when the world feels negative." Brett has 3 main key elements he has come up with to live by, do great work, show it to lots of people, and be really nice. Join us today as we learn that people love to work with people they like.
Show Highlights:
How Brett built his foundation
When Brett became passionate about film
How Brett transitioned into a film career
Having a large goal, and breaking it into smaller and achievable goals
3 key elements Brett came up with to foster success
The story behind Brett transitioning his career
Brett's first documentary he filmed
Not having to spend money on marketing
Brett's perspective on leadership and what it means to him
Challenges weddings had and letting go of stress
Mindfulness and why it is so important
Brett is more of a flow person verse an intention person
Being more comfortable with the mysteries of your life
Going through cycles to transform into who you are today
410 HEIDI THOMPSON: Marketing, A Marriage of Two Passions and the Importance of Research
Monday, April 25, 2022 • Duration 30:12
Today's guest, Heidi Thompson, has no shortage of hats that she wears! She is a wedding business and marketing strategist and is also a bestselling author, having published Clone Your Best Clients. She is also the founder of Evolve Your Wedding Business where she helps wedding professionals grow six-figure and multi-six-figure businesses without putting a ton of hours in! Heidi's business and marketing expertise has been featured on The Huffington Post, Wedding Business Magazine, Wedding Wire, and many more, and she is even an advisory board member for the UK Academy of Wedding and Event Planning and is also the creator and host of Book More Weddings Summit and Wedding Business CEO Summit!
Heidi dives into what motivated her to get into marketing and the wedding industry and how she married those two passions together, how she goes about creating a marketing plan and the importance of doing research, how to create reasonable and realistic goals and how to measure those goals, how to stand out in a very saturated market, what she thinks about marketing and social media, and so much more!
Andy, as he admits, is not an expert on marketing, so this conversation was helpful for him, and he hopes that it's informative for you as well! Be sure to check out Heidi and her business and to take advantage of the free two-week trial to her membership that she is offering! (To do that, go to The Wedding Business Collective's website and enter the code THEWEDDINGBIZ!) As always, if you can think of at least three good friends who might benefit from and enjoy this episode of The Wedding Biz, be sure to share it with them! Andy would also be appreciative if you were to leave a top review wherever you listen to the podcast, especially since it really helps the show and helps people find it!
409 JENNIFER STEIN: Moving Forward and Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic
Monday, April 18, 2022 • Duration 32:05
Andy's guest today is Jennifer Stein, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Destination I Do Magazine, a magazine that can be found on newsstands in all fifty states as well as twelve countries. The magazine can also be found online along with a daily blog, and Jennifer also has her own podcast. She has over two decades of experience in business and publishing, and she was even recognized as one of the top 35 entrepreneurs under 35 by Arizona Republic!
Jennifer shares her thoughts on how the past two years of the COVID-19 pandemic have felt and how that time has changed her, how her business and domestic destination weddings in general have changed since the pandemic, and some of the staffing issues that have arisen because of it. She also discusses the anxiety that many of us feel around international events and what would happen if one were to get stuck in an international country due to a positive COVID test, and she and Andy talk about why travel protection is therefore important. Jennifer remains hopeful for the future, however, believing that we have already seen the worst of COVID and that we're nearing the end of it.
Andy had such a good time catching up with Jennifer and hopes that you enjoy his conversation with her. If you can think of at least three good friends who might benefit from and enjoy this episode of The Wedding Biz, be sure to share it with them! Andy would also be appreciative if you were to leave a top review wherever you listen to the podcast, especially since it really helps the show!
Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don't forget about Sean Low's podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on .
408 PAUL MORSE: From the White House to White Gowns
Monday, April 11, 2022 • Duration 30:19
Today's guest spot goes to Paul Morse, who chats with Andy about his career as a professional photographer! Paul is of Paul Morse Studios based in New Orleans, and his talent and unique style have earned him the trust of presidents, world leaders, Fortune 500 companies, and numerous bridal couples. He enjoyed a successful photojournalism career with the Los Angeles Times and then served as a White House photographer documenting the lives of President George W. Bush and his family as well as President Barack Obama's inauguration ceremonies.
Paul walks us through when he first realized that he had a pull toward photography and why he first got into it, touching upon his first few jobs. (Incredibly, even though he has had several jobs, he has always had a career in photography!) He reflects on his time with the Los Angeles Times, his position as Deputy Director of Photography at the White House, and how he came to be interested in wedding photography. He also touches upon his strengths as a photographer, how he tends to tackle challenges (using a specific example of a time when he used rain to his advantage), how he feels about film vs. digital, how he approaches things like framing and lighting, what his greatest challenge is, and so much more!
Andy is so appreciative of Paul's time and had such a great time talking with him, and he hopes that you enjoy listening to the conversation! If you can think of at least three good friends who might benefit from and enjoy this chat with Paul, be sure to share it with them! Andy would also be appreciative if you were to leave a top review wherever you listen to the podcast!
Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don't forget about Sean Low's podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on .
Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don't forget about Sean Low's podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network.
SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ
Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute!
Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don't forget about Sean Low's podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network.
SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ
Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute!
Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don't forget about Sean Low's podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network.
SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ
Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute!
Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don't forget about Sean Low's podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network.
SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ
Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute!
Time Stamps
[0:35] – Discover that today's guest is Heidi Thompson of Evolve Your Wedding Business.
[1:56] – Heidi reveals how she got into marketing strategy.
[3:59] – Heidi describes how she goes about creating a marketing plan.
[6:26] – Heidi argues that planners generally don't spend enough time on research.
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