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

Matt, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

I’m driven to empower small businesses, particularly within the wedding industry, by fostering growth and success. I believe deeply in the power of communication and connection, and I’m passionate about helping these businesses connect with others who can benefit from their services. My vision is to create a ripple effect, where people remember the initial spark – a simple “hello” – that ignited a thriving community of like-minded individuals. I want to demonstrate how one person can make a lasting impact, and I want my own journey, including both successes and setbacks, to serve as an inspiration and source of strength for the future. Ultimately, I hope my legacy will encourage any young person dreaming of starting a business or building a brand to find the courage and determination to pursue their own seat at the table of success. A strong, connected community is essential for our industry’s collective strength, and the relationships we cultivate will be the foundation of our shared prosperity.

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

My failures have become the stepping stones to my success. My motivation to launch my own business came from a desire to chart my own course and ensure my hard work directly benefited me, not just a corporate bottom line.

From a young age, I was passionate about service. My time at Myers Park Country Club showed me how hard work and determination could pave the way for success and advancement. At Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, I gained the knowledge and experience to confidently navigate the industry. Meeting Fortune 500 CEOs and learning more about myself solidified my understanding that my career path would be an emotional rollercoaster.

After college, I took my first professional role with Centerplate, a high-volume food service provider for Bon Secours Wellness Arena (formerly the Bi-Lo Center) and Charter Amphitheater. Relocating to Greenville, SC, I oversaw all food and beverage operations for 14,000 – 18,000 attendees, 32 full-service suites, multiple VIP areas, and five green rooms for artists/acts each event. This demanding role taught me that hard work and professionalism yield long-term rewards. The daily grind provided the knowledge and confidence I rely on today to design and execute weddings with meticulous attention to detail.

I thrive on the operational and logistical challenges of weddings, managing the multiple levels of service, locations, and design details with a sharp eye. I’m driven to see projects through to completion while exceeding client and guest expectations. My unique strength is the ability to envision a client’s vision and then build or craft it into a personalized masterpiece for their special day. I approach every design question with, “How can we make this personal to you?” My priority is capturing every detail, every desire, and every thought perfectly.

I’m a dedicated professional who works long hours, goes the extra mile, and puts in overtime behind the scenes without complaint. This behind-the-scenes dedication fuels my continuous improvement. I thrive in this industry because of the connections I’ve made and continue to build. Above all, I’m focused on delivering results, not just talk.

Any advice for managing a team?

Flip the script. Instead of a traditional top-down approach, let’s turn the pyramid upside down. Recognizing that our employees are the true backbone of our business, and empowering them to succeed, is absolutely crucial. During challenging events, let’s show our appreciation by rewarding their dedication with thoughtful gestures – a massage, a generous tip, or even a date night for them and their partners. Understanding what motivates each individual and cultivating a fun, supportive work environment is key. I believe everyone inherently wants to excel; it’s our responsibility as business owners to discover what success looks like for each team member and integrate that into our shared path forward. A thriving workplace and happy employees will always be my greatest reward, regardless of any single event’s bottom line. Our clients perceive and respond to our energy, and fostering excitement and providing opportunities for our team to shine will invariably lead to success.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

For Hospitality Butler, the most effective strategy for growing our wedding clientele has been a multi-pronged approach, but it really boils down to two key things: authentic relationship building and delivering exceptional, personalized experiences.

First, relationships are everything in this industry. We’ve prioritized building genuine connections with other vendors – planners, venues, photographers, florists – you name it. Networking events are great, but it’s the one-on-one coffees, the shared experiences, and truly supporting their businesses that have paid off. When they trust you, they refer you. And those referrals are gold. We also focus on building strong relationships with our clients. From the initial consultation, we’re not just selling a service; we’re understanding their vision, their personalities, and what’s truly important to them.

Second, and this is crucial, we deliver above and beyond. We don’t just execute the logistics; we anticipate needs, we handle the unexpected with grace, and we create those little “wow” moments that make a wedding truly memorable. We personalize every detail, from custom welcome gifts to ensuring the couple has a private moment to themselves amidst the celebration. And when we consistently exceed expectations, those clients become our biggest advocates. They share their experiences with friends, family, and online, and that organic word-of-mouth marketing is incredibly powerful.

So, while social media and targeted advertising play a role, it’s the genuine connections and exceptional, personalized service that have been the most effective drivers of growth for Hospitality Butler. It’s about building trust, creating magic, and letting our reputation speak for itself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hospitalitybutler.com
• Instagram: Hospitality Butler

Image Credits

Reception Venue: Vanlandingham Estate
Wedding Planner & Designer: Hospitality Butler
Custom built Tables and Bar: Hospitality Butler
Chandeliers: Hospitality Butler
Photography: Harry McLaughlin Photography
Videography: Secret Society Weddings
Band: Sol Fusion
Ceremony Musicians: Strings Upstate Strings LLC
Full-Service Catering & Bar: Best Impressions
Florist: Kevin Lear on Main
Welcome Reception: Sophia’s Lounge
Wedding Venue: 220 N Tryon at The Foundations for the Carolinas
Photography & Videography: Moving Mountains
Ceremony Strings: Upstate StringsTrio
Live Band: ( Reception): Black and Blue Experience with (East Coast Entertainment)
Table and Chair Rentals: Pomp Posh Event Rentals