We were lucky to catch up with Melissa Jakes recently and have shared our conversation below.

Melissa, appreciate you joining us today. Would you say you are more focused on growing revenue or cutting costs? We’d love to hear how you think about these two critical drivers

Under the leadership of Melissa Jakes, CEO of Rescue Event Planning, we focus more on growing revenue than on cutting costs. We believe that by investing in the quality and innovation of our services, we can attract a broader client base and ensure long-term growth. Melissa Jakes has always emphasized the importance of creating exceptional experiences for our clients, understanding that this approach enhances our reputation and leads to repeat business and referrals.

The relationship between growing revenue and cutting costs is a delicate balance. While maintaining cost efficiency is essential to ensure profitability, our primary strategy revolves around adding value and expanding our offerings. For instance, we have invested in cutting-edge event technology and training for our team to stay ahead in the industry. This has enabled us to offer unique services, such as virtual events, which became a significant revenue driver during the pandemic.

A story that illustrates our approach involves a significant event we planned for The Memorial Foundation. Instead of looking for ways to cut costs, we focused on creating an unparalleled guest experience by incorporating advanced audio-visual elements, interactive activities, and high-quality catering. The event’s success not only delighted our client but also led to several new contracts from attendees impressed by our capabilities. This focus on revenue growth through exceptional service has been a cornerstone of our strategy and a testament to Melissa Jakes’ vision for the company.

Melissa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Melissa Jakes, and I am the CEO of this dynamic and innovative event planning company, Rescue Event Planning. My passion for event planning started over a decade ago when I realized the joy and impact that well-organized events could bring to people’s lives. With a background in event management and a keen eye for detail, I founded Rescue Event Planning to help clients create memorable experiences. Our journey began with small-scale events, and through dedication, creativity, and a commitment to excellence, we have grown to manage large conferences, fundraisers, and high-profile events for a diverse range of clients.

Rescue Event Planning is a full-service event management company. We specialize in planning and managing corporate, non-profit, association, and virtual and personal events.

We understand that planning an event can be overwhelming. We aim to take the stress out of the process by handling all the details so our clients can focus on their goals and enjoy the event. Whether it’s managing logistics, coordinating with vendors, or ensuring everything runs smoothly on the day of the event, we are here to make it happen.

What truly sets Rescue Event Planning apart is our dedication to creating a 360-degree experience for our clients and their guests. We believe the key to a successful event lies in the details, and we go above and beyond to ensure every aspect is perfect. Our team’s diverse expertise spans various industries, including food and nutrition, consumer health, fashion and beauty, fundraising, the non-profit sector, and entertainment. This diverse knowledge allows us to bring a unique perspective and innovative solutions to every event we manage.

One of the achievements I am most proud of is our ability to deliver high-quality events on time and within budget consistently. Our collaboration with esteemed organizations such as The Memorial Foundation, Setting Scoliosis Straight Foundation, The National Credible Messenger’s Summit, The National Bar Association, The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, and the Columbia (MD) Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a testament to our reliability and excellence.

At Rescue Event Planning, we are passionate about creating events that leave a lasting impression. We are committed to understanding and bringing our client’s vision to life creatively and precisely. Our team is dedicated, professional, and always ready to go the extra mile to ensure your event succeeds.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I first decided to launch Rescue Event Planning, I was driven by a passion for creating memorable events and a belief in their potential impact on people’s lives. However, like many entrepreneurs, I faced the daunting challenge of building a business from the ground up without an established client base or a portfolio to showcase our capabilities.

In the early days, I knew gaining visibility and credibility was crucial for the success of Rescue Event Planning. To achieve this, I boldly decided to take on three major events for free. This strategy was not without risks, as it meant investing significant time, resources, and effort without immediate financial return. However, I was determined to demonstrate the value and quality of our services to potential clients.

The first of these events was a wedding. I poured my heart and soul into every detail, from designing the event layout to coordinating with vendors and ensuring a smooth registration process. The success of this wedding not only brought joy to the couple and the guests but also showcased the meticulous planning and creativity that Rescue Event Planning could offer.

Next, I volunteered to organize a corporate seminar for a professional association. This event was an opportunity to demonstrate our ability to handle larger, more complex events. Despite the challenges, the seminar was a resounding success, with attendees praising the seamless coordination and engaging experience. This event helped establish our reputation within the corporate sector.

The third event was a cultural festival organized by a community group. This event required innovative solutions to manage diverse activities, from live performances to food stalls and interactive workshops. The festival was a vibrant and memorable celebration, further cementing our reputation for delivering exceptional events.

These three pro bono events were pivotal in building our portfolio and gaining the visibility we needed to attract paying clients. The experience taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, dedication, and the importance of believing in one’s vision. Through these events, Rescue Event Planning started to gain recognition, leading to more opportunities and a growing client base.

Looking back, I am proud of the risks I took and the hard work that went into those initial events. They laid the foundation for what Rescue Event Planning is today—a trusted and innovative event management company known for its excellence and creativity. This journey reinforced my belief that sometimes, taking bold steps and demonstrating your value is the key to overcoming obstacles and achieving success.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building a reputation within the market for Rescue Event Planning was a multifaceted process that involved several key factors.

One of the most significant contributors to our reputation has been our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service. From the beginning, we focused on exceeding client expectations by paying meticulous attention to every detail, ensuring seamless execution, and creating memorable experiences. Our dedication to quality and excellence in every aspect of event planning has consistently impressed our clients and their guests.

As mentioned earlier, taking on three major events for free to build our portfolio was a strategic move that paid off. These events demonstrated our capabilities and provided tangible proof of our expertise. Showcasing our work through a well-documented portfolio helped potential clients see the professionalism and creativity we bring.

Networking played a crucial role in building our reputation. By attending industry events, joining professional associations, and actively participating in community activities, we established valuable connections. These relationships led to referrals and new business opportunities and helped us stay informed about industry trends and best practices.

Satisfied clients became our best advocates. Positive testimonials and word-of-mouth referrals were instrumental in building our reputation. We made it a priority to ask clients for feedback and encourage them to share their experiences. Their endorsements added credibility and helped us attract new clients.

Consistency in delivering high-quality events on time and within budget has been a cornerstone of our reputation. Clients know they can rely on us to manage every aspect of their event professionally and efficiently. This reliability has built trust and confidence in our services.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rescueeventplanning.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rescue_events/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rescueeventplanning/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rescue-event-planning/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHk8t3crMYP42Ctr9bGHPeg

Image Credits

Monique Micheal
GEDIYON KIFLE