Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Savarise.

Hi Katie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

My path has been unique, but each step has provided me with valuable experience that has shaped NOVA today. In college I studied Mechanical Engineering and thought I would land a job working for a tech company. However, after graduation I realized that I loved the project management aspects of work more than the technical pieces, so I quickly pivoted and applied to MBA programs for Project Management. I also knew that I loved the sports industry after growing up watching my dad manage venues, so my hope was to find a way to integrate that into my career. I was very lucky to discover and be a part of the Sports Management MBA Program at George Washington University, which gave me the perfect blend of traditional MBA classes and sports-specific education.

After graduation, I started working at Uber on the Operations team. This experience opened many doors for me, and I had the opportunity to build and lead the Global Event Operations team for 7 years. During that time, my team and I traveled around the globe managing complex transportation operations at large events and venues. Working on these projects gave me exposure to how venues operate, especially as it relates to transportation logistics. As Uber went public and continued to grow, I had the desire to take what I had learned and build my own company.

Around 2 1/2 years ago I took the leap and launched NOVA! I initially thought our specialty would be project management for event operators, but NOVA has quickly grown into an Owners Rep for large arena developments. The NOVA team is able to bring our expertise across transportation, venue operations, and project management and help our clients bring their vision to life.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

NOVA has grown quickly and been fortunate to experience a lot of success early on, but there have also been many challenges we’ve had to navigate. One of the early obstacles we faced was how to drive brand awareness in this industry that is filled with so many big companies, brands, and established experts. We found our niche by leaning into our boutique nature and bespoke approach to providing personalized services to our clients. We also partner with more established groups when needed. NOVA is as a certified women-owned business , which also allows us to bring a unique offering to those looking for WBE/MBE partners.

Another challenge has been balancing our team growth with cash flow needs. I have made a commitment to maintain full ownership of NOVA, which means that we are funded by our revenue rather than investors. This decision has allowed NOVA to maintain its autonomy and healthy growth, but that choice comes with the tradeoff of having to grow the team strategically and a bit more slowly as business ramps up. We’ve managed this effectively to date and have found a great balance that enables us to continue taking on exciting projects while operating a lean team.

As you know, we’re big fans of NOVA Innovation Group. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?

NOVA is a woman-owned consulting company that serves as a Project Manager and Owners Rep for complex venue projects. Specializing in renovations and large-scale developments, particularly those adjacent to sports arenas and entertainment venues, we bring your visionary projects from ideation to completion through our successful track record of managing complex initiatives. With a profound understanding of the events landscape, we leverage cutting-edge technology to introduce innovative solutions and sustainable practices across our portfolio of projects. NOVA serves as an extension of your organization and excels as team players, drawing inspiration from the spirit of sports to deliver magical experiences for both our clients and their fans.

What sets us apart is the unique perspective and experience of our team that looks different than your traditional Owners Rep or Construction Management resume. We are experts in transportation logistics, which is one of the most important aspects of a successful development. Since we are a lean, strategic organization, we are able to provide dedicated and personalized support to our clients and truly act as an extension of their team.

I’m most proud of NOVA’s unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality results for our clients and tackling challenges head-on. Our team approaches every obstacle with a “what if we tried this?” mindset, driven by the belief that there’s always a solution waiting to be uncovered.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?

One of my favorite childhood memories is our family’s annual summer vacation to Stone Harbor on the Jersey Shore. Every year, my parents, cousins, grandparents, aunts, and uncles would rent a house for a week filled with beach days, pool swims, and big family dinners. I always looked forward to having everyone together, and over the years, Stone Harbor became such a special place to me.

Fun fact – I’m getting married this year, and the wedding will be in Stone Harbor!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.teamnovas.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/novainnovationgroup/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/savarise/