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

Mary, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later

Starting my business at 48 turned out to be perfect timing—though I never imagined myself as a business owner. Growing up, all I wanted was to be a wife and a stay-at-home mom. I got what I thought I wanted—a husband and children—but when I decided to divorce, I needed a job.

A friend who owned a business took me on as a part-time administrative assistant, and I learned everything on the job. Over time, I was hired full-time and worked in every position at the company, absorbing as much as I could. I discovered I had a knack for creating systems, which led me to help build the company’s infrastructure. Eventually, I became the Director of Operations, overseeing new employee training and ensuring everything ran smoothly.

When the opportunity arose to own a subsidiary of the company I had dedicated a decade to, I knew I had to take the leap. I wasn’t ready for this step until that precise moment. After 10 years of hands-on learning, I was prepared to take the risk and grow into the role of a business owner and CEO.

Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing about my journey. Every step gave me the foundation I needed to run this company. This was the natural next step in my growth—an opportunity to expand my horizons, take on new challenges, and, most importantly, embrace the lessons that come from failing forward and learning along the way.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As the CEO of The Fundraising Event Co., I bring over a decade of experience in event production and nonprofit support. My journey began with a 10-year tenure at Swaim Strategies, where I honed my skills in event planning and strategic fundraising. This path led me to establish The Fundraising Event Co., a subsidiary of Swaim Strategies, dedicated to empowering nonprofits by managing the logistics, strategy, and storytelling of their events.

At The Fundraising Event Co., we offer a range of services designed to transform events into powerful movements. Our offerings include full-service event production, live broadcast integration, speech writing, video production, and event registration support. We specialize in creating seamless in-person, hybrid, and virtual experiences that engage donors and amplify our clients’ missions.

What sets us apart is our commitment to meticulous planning and strategic vision. We believe that effective organization and systems enable people to thrive, and that when individuals unite around a common cause, it can lead to systemic change in the world. Our team thrives on organizing and creating order out of chaos, ensuring that every detail is managed so our clients can focus on building relationships and driving their missions forward. But we are more than just event planners—we are strategic fundraising partners, guiding our clients toward the most effective path to fundraising success at their events.

I’m particularly proud of the trusted partnerships we’ve built with organizations like Community Action, Albertina Kerr, and Latino Network. These collaborations have resulted in events that not only meet but exceed fundraising goals, while authentically celebrating each organization’s unique community and culture.

For potential clients, I want you to know that our approach is collaborative and tailored to your specific needs. We understand that every organization is unique, and we are dedicated to providing targeted solutions that blend your team’s expertise with our support. Our goal is to lighten your workload, allowing you to prioritize relationships while we turn gatherings into movements for your mission.

In addition to our event production services, we are advocates for solutions that adapt to the rapidly evolving landscape of hybrid, virtual, and in-person events. We stay abreast of current market trends through continuous education, research, and attending conferences, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest strategies and technologies in the field.

As we look to the future, I’m excited to continue partnering with nonprofits to create transformative experiences that inspire change and drive impact. Whether you’re planning a fundraising gala, a virtual conference, or a community event, The Fundraising Event Co. is here to support you every step of the way.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

I met one of my two business partners in high school, where we were in choir together and part of a close-knit friend group that spent a lot of time together. I vividly remember one night when she asked all of us if we thought we’d still be hanging out when we were older. I wasn’t sure, but our bonds were strong, so I hoped we would.

As life took us in different directions—college, careers, and new experiences—we lost touch for a while. But in my mid-thirties, we reconnected and took a mini-vacation together in Portland. At the time, I was living in Southern California, and it was my first time visiting the city. I was completely enraptured. She showed us around, taking us to all the beautiful and exciting spots, and by the end of the trip, I knew I had to live here.

Three months later, I moved to Portland with my then-husband and three small children. A year after that, as I navigated a divorce, she offered me a job at her business. The rest is history!

Any advice for managing a team?

I approach team management with empathy, understanding, and kindness. I place a great deal of trust in my employees, with the expectation that they will respect and uphold that trust. The event planning industry is known for its demanding nature, often leading to burnout, and my goal is to build a business that prioritizes work-life balance.

We work incredibly hard, and the job can be stressful and challenging. That’s why I intentionally build in mandatory rest periods during our slower seasons, ensuring that my team has time to recharge. I also emphasize that while our work is important and deadlines must be met, we don’t have to sacrifice our well-being to get there. Sustainable success comes from prioritizing self-care and maintaining healthy habits.

Honest communication and mutual support are key pillars of our team culture. We lean on each other during difficult times and celebrate wins together. By fostering a supportive environment where people feel valued and cared for, we can do our best work—without burning out in the process.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fundraisingeventco.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fundraisingeventco/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fundraisingeventco/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fundraising-event-co/

Image Credits

Andie Petkus Photography
Jamie Valdez Photography