Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Carrie Katz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Carrie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?
One of the biggest challenges to profitability in the hospitality and events industry is unpredictability and last-minute changes—whether due to weather, client revisions, or shifting guest counts. These variables can drive up costs, stretch staffing, and affect the overall client experience if not managed well.
Another major factor is tight profit margins, especially when clients expect high-touch, personalized service at a competitive price. Balancing quality and creativity with budget constraints requires strategic vendor partnerships, efficient operations, and smart forecasting.
Lastly, seasonality and market saturation can also impact profitability. Demand can fluctuate drastically, and so staying profitable means continually innovating, maintaining strong client relationships, and maximizing revenue opportunities during peak seasons.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Growing up, birthdays were a big deal in my family—my parents made every celebration unforgettable. When I became a mom, I hired a planner for my daughter’s first birthday, and that experience sparked something in me. I knew then: this is what I wanted to do.
With no prior experience, I took a leap over 30 years ago and launched my event planning company. From weddings and mitzvahs to corporate events and sweet 16s, we did it all. Then in 2011, after losing my mom and briefly stepping away, I returned to events through a country club role—where I hosted a wildly successful “Dive-in Movie.” That single event changed everything.
I left my job and launched Outdoor Movies by You. We’re not just an A/V company—we create magical outdoor movie experiences, from backyard date nights to full-scale events.
During the 2020 pandemic, OMBY became a safe and joyful way for people to gather. Demand surged, and outdoor movies transformed from a fun idea into a must-have experience.
Our signature package, The Actor, includes FREE fresh popcorn, and we offer themed bundles with pizza, In-N-Out, candy, and party favors. Inflatable chairs (starting at $15.99) and cozy blankets make the experience even better.
Let the OMBY team turn your space into a magical movie night under the stars. It’s more than just a movie—it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
The Story I am going to share is short and simple…
You can NEVER be fired from your own business.
Watching very deserving people get let go of their jobs is just horrific. Watching very qualified people applying for jobs and getting ghosted, or denied is just as wrong!
Having your own business none of that will happen!
However it doesn’t make is any easier if, anything its harder because you never know when your next paycheck is going to come!
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
Wow! This was just talked about the other day!
I started Outdoor Movies by You 15 years ago. I am beyond passionate about what I do!
Sometimes I get too involved in the emotional side of my business.
For some unintentional reason over the years the Team members I have hired have been the complete opposite of myself. Meaning they have no emotional involvement of each client/event therefore they never get to the stress level that I do. It has been such a gift to be able to have these team members represent Outdoor Movies by You!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.OutdoorMoviesbyYou.com
- Instagram: @OutdoorMoviesbyYou
- Facebook: Outdoor Movies by You
