We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jennifer Hoffman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jennifer thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Our owner, Abbey Brown, has always emphasized that if serving is beneath you then leadership is beyond you. At The Brownstone, we operate like one big family, where everyone plays a crucial role in making each wedding day a success. From event prep and coordination to bartending, late-night transformations, and early-morning cleanups, we value every part of the process. Each team member contributes to the flawless execution of an event, and we’ve found the perfect formula to make it all come together.

Jennifer, 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?

The Brownstone has a rich architectural history being originally designed by Kansas State Architecture students in 1927 as a dairy barn. The venue, which sits on five acres of land, has lived through the Topeka flood of 1951 and reinvented itself multiple times through family homes, small businesses and a bed and breakfast.

The barn was purchased in early 2016 by the Brown Family, of Topeka, with the goal to create a place of celebration for the community to enjoy.

Extensive renovation of the barn began in summer of 2016 with a grand opening in June 2017. The space proves 2,400 square feet of open area for receptions, weddings, and corporate events, as well as the original salt-glazed block silo which will feature a circular wine cellar and bar. The first floor will include advanced technology and meeting space for corporate events, retreats and much more.

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

At The Brownstone, we’ve built our reputation on a simple yet powerful principle: putting our clients first and working together as a unified team. We believe that kindness is at the heart of everything we do—not only in how we treat our wonderful clients, but also in how we collaborate with our team and vendors. Our goal is for anyone who thinks of The Brownstone to feel the genuine support and care we bring to every event, ensuring that we help create an unforgettable experience, no matter the occasion.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

One of the most important things I’ve learned is that leading with empathy and clear communication goes a long way. When you truly understand your team’s strengths, challenges, and what motivates them, you can create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. Regularly checking in with your team—whether it’s a quick “how are you doing?” or a more formal one-on-one—helps maintain an open line of communication and shows that you care.

Also, celebrating both the big wins and the small victories keeps morale high. It’s easy to focus on the end goal, but taking the time to recognize efforts along the way helps people feel appreciated. And, of course, fostering a sense of camaraderie through team-building activities or just sharing a laugh during a busy day strengthens that bond.

At the end of the day, it’s about building trust and making sure everyone feels like they’re part of something bigger than just the task at hand. When the team feels supported, they’re more likely to bring their best energy to the work they do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thebrownstonetopeka.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrownstonetopeka/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBrownstoneTopeka
• Other: https://www.brownstonedesignstudio.com/

Image Credits

Ledbetter Imagery
Shaylahayward Photography
Maddie Headman