We recently connected with Jill Garcia and have shared our conversation below.

Jill, appreciate you joining us today. One deeply underappreciated facet of entrepreneurship is the kind of crazy stuff we have to deal with as business owners. Sometimes it’s crazy positive sometimes it’s crazy negative, but crazy experiences unite entrepreneurs regardless of industry. Can you share a crazy story with our readers?

I was offered the opportunity to purchase The Hutton Group, a full service meeting planning company, in early 2020. I committed to buying it in March 2020–two weeks before the world went on complete lockdown. To say this was an unexpected challenge would be an understatement. Everything I anticipated and planned for changed in just moments. Initially I felt devastated, confused and scared. How could I establish and energize a business involving travel and in-person get-togethers during a pandemic? It took a lot of creativity, belief and a strong support system, but we not only survived but came out stronger. We added virtual meetings and other services to our repertoire and were well prepared when our clients were able to again travel the world and meet in person.

Jill, 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?

I started working in the hotel industry as a convention services coordinator at the Stouffer Orlando Resort in 1988 and rose through the ranks to other positions within the hotel. After three years, I left to pursue an event planning opportunity at Universal Studios Orlando. I worked at a nationally-recognized destination management company (DMC) in Orlando. I then moved on to independent meeting planning. From there, I ventured into hotel site selection for the largest global company in this arena. I had always been on the operations side of our industry but was interested to explore selling hotel space to meeting planners. Two years into this realm, I was awarded the Presidents Club recognition for exceeding $1 million in sales, consistently winning this annual award until my departure in 2020.

A very simple phrase hung above my desk while working in this position: “If you believe, you can achieve.” I did not realize how it would hold true. I continue to live by this principle and my belief in manifesting. My kids and team members may be tired of hearing me talk about it, but it works!

With the Hutton Group, I draw on the full range of my background as I assist clients in selecting destination cities and accommodations, planning and managing their events with a team of expert meeting planners. We brainstorm exciting possibilities for corporations and associations. With over three decades of experience in the field, I can think on my feet when the unexpected arises and think outside the box to help clients plan meetings and events that will leave them truly feeling inspired. Belief and positivity always help my team carry the day.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Referrals!!! We have been fortunate to gain several amazing customers from current and past clients. It goes without saying that a positive experience with our team goes a long way toward our clients wanting to recommend us. We are so blessed to continue to serve people I have done work for since 2007 and who came with me from my previous company to The Hutton Group. This is testament to their faith in us, and it fuels new business.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Buying the company right before the Covid pandemic necessitated the pivot of a lifetime. The very word “pivot” takes me right back to that period of time. Everything I did in 2020 and 2021 was about pivoting. I spent hours per day cancelling upcoming meetings and rebooking them to future years. I learned on the fly how to manage a “virtual” meeting. It was chaos. But, I learned resilience and the power of partnership as The Hutton Group emerged stronger and more nimble.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thehuttongroup.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehuttongroup/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillgarciainspired/

Image Credits

Gil Hildago photography