Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jonnell Gailey. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jonnell, appreciate you joining us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you as a business owner?

For me it wasn’t one instance but a daily practice from my first boss which she learned from her mentor… and that is – treat everyone the same. Do not favor or give special treatment to the “big guy” because one day the small company will be successful too. It’s our jobs to build other people up and do what we can to create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Also, when you create rules and boundaries, they are meant for everyone not just for some. It’s helps establish your values and builds respect and creates an environment where everyone feels respected and valued.

Jonnell, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

JoLT Events is a corporate meeting, conference, and special events company that was born out of a deep love and passion for the event industry. I am what you call an event nerd to the core – spreadsheets make me giddy, late nights, and long hours give me a rush, and seeing clients and attendees getting the most out of their experiences is what I live for.

I am an industry veteran with over 20 years experience as a professional planner; however my introduction to this world of mega conferences, trade shows, and educational events began as a child. My grandfather and mother were both event producers and ran some of the largest beauty conferences in the world. I would sit in my grandfather’s office at the age of 6 and practice my typewriting skills while I listened to the inner workings of event sales, production calls, and planning meetings. When my mom started her own event company and producing IECSC (which is still consider one of the largest skin care events globally), I was a pre-teen helping her collate packets on the dining room table and faxing contracts from the kitchen. As I entered high school, I started getting more involved by doing database entry, answering the phones, helping with ticket sales and I was fortunate to always work her events at the information desks, registration counter, or taking entry tickets at the front doors. At the time I didn’t think I was going to follow in the family footsteps but I ended up getting into my dream college (Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo) under the event department. I originally wanted to be a journalist but life had a different plan for me and shortly after I started Cal Poly I realized that events was my destiny and I have never looked back.

When I look at my career journey and what I am most proud of (other than my children), it is actually starting JoLT Events, LLC. I took a bold leap as a single mother to leave the safety net of Corporate America and forge forward to create a company that doesn’t conform to “corporate beige”, allows me to have the flexibility to be present for my family, and gives me the opportunity to expand and experience different parts the event world.

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

I feel like these things are so simple BUT so huge… Being consistent. Having clear communication. And truly caring for your work and clients.

Consistency in your quality of work so important. No one is perfect and there will be times that everyone fails but if you are consistent with your work ethic and there is an overall consistency in your product or services – it speaks volumes.

Communication is so imperative and a big one for me. Being honest and straight forward and giving clients, vendors, and attendees as much information as possible creates an environment of clear expectations and gives an opportunity to get ahead of challenges.

Caring for the people and taking pride/ownership in everything you do allows you to invest in your clients and create a better experience for everyone because you’re creating something that you would want for yourself.

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

Find ways for your team to feel seen and give them opportunities for growth. Also identify people’s strengths and trust them with the responsibilities you given them.

Contact Info:

• Website: WWW.JOLTEVENTS.COM
• Instagram: @JOLTEVENTS
• Linkedin: WWW.LINKEDIN.COM/IN/JONNELLGAILEY