We recently connected with Ryan Harmon and have shared our conversation below.
Ryan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
As an event professional, I firmly believe in the power of continuous learning and leveraging the knowledge and expertise of those who have paved the way in the event and hospitality industry. Throughout my career, I have adopted a sponge-like mentality, absorbing information and insights from industry veterans in similar fields to enhance my own capabilities.
Being a dedicated researcher, I am constantly immersing myself in the latest trends, best practices, and tactics that drive success in our industry. Staying updated on market trends and thoroughly understanding the strategies that attract new clients, strengthen existing relationships, and build exceptional sales teams are essential aspects of my development.
One valuable aspect of my journey in event rentals has been the diverse experience I gained in other facets of the industry. Having previously worked in large-scale event production and catering, I have been able to forge stronger partnerships with clients, ensuring that no detail is left overlooked. This broader perspective has allowed me to approach event rentals with a comprehensive understanding of the demands and expectations of all stakeholders involved.
In addition to drawing inspiration from varied industry sectors, I have recognized the importance of keeping a vigilant eye on emerging trends. By studying the practices and innovations being implemented in larger markets, I am able to stay ahead of the curve and provide my clients with cutting-edge solutions that exceed their expectations.
My approach to success in the event and hospitality industry revolves around continual learning and growth. By absorbing knowledge from industry veterans, staying abreast of trends and market insights, and leveraging my diverse experience, I strive to provide unparalleled service and deliver exceptional results for my clients.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Allow me to take a moment to share my journey and experience in the event industry. Over the course of 15 years, I have been actively involved in various capacities, starting with organizing fundraiser events for individuals facing life-threatening illnesses in Northeast Ohio.
This initial foray into event planning ignited my passion for creating memorable experiences, leading me to venture into producing large-scale outdoor concerts and city events that attracted up to 20,000 attendees. Along the way, I had the opportunity to be a part of a wide range of events, including weddings, private gatherings, and corporate soirees.
For the past six years, I have been serving as the Director of Sales at Lasting Impressions Event Rental, Ohio’s largest full-service event rental provider. Our company boasts an extensive and diverse inventory, encompassing everything needed for an event, from tents, tables, chairs, linens, chinaware, flatware, glassware, and more.
With three locations strategically positioned in Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati, and with over 70 years of experience in the industry, we are proud to offer unique solutions for events of any scale. Setting us apart from other providers, our commitment to customer service is a cornerstone of our business. We truly consider ourselves partners in our clients’ events, going above and beyond to ensure their vision comes to life.
One aspect I take immense pride in is our team’s ability to adapt to the variables that we face in the event industry, particularly when dealing with outdoor events. As we all know, the weather in Northeast Ohio can be unpredictable, changing at a moment’s notice. Our experience and expertise in navigating these challenges uniquely position us to handle any situation that arises.
My journey in the event industry has been one of growth, adaptability, and a genuine passion for creating unforgettable experiences. At Lasting Impressions Event Rental, we strive to set ourselves apart with our extensive inventory, longevity in the industry, and above all, exceptional customer service. We are dedicated to being a trusted partner for our clients, ensuring their events are executed flawlessly, rain or shine.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
When it comes to acquiring new clients, my unwavering passion for networking and connecting with people has proven to be my most effective resource. I find genuine fulfillment in meeting new individuals, understanding their unique journeys, and exploring their aspirations. This innate curiosity drives me to establish meaningful connections that often result in fruitful professional relationships.
To expand my network and tap into industry-specific opportunities, I actively participate in various organizations that cater to event professionals. These include Meeting Professionals International, Plexus, American Rental Association, Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association, and the International Live Events Association, where I am honored to serve as the President of the Cleveland Chapter.
Within these industry-specific organizations, I have discovered a wealth of valuable connections and invaluable support. By engaging with like-minded individuals and industry veterans, I have gained insights into the latest trends, emerging technologies, and market shifts, enhancing my ability to meet clients’ ever-evolving demands.
The benefits of networking extend far beyond simply securing new clients. These interactions have allowed me to build a strong professional reputation, as well as foster collaborative partnerships within the industry. By nurturing these connections, I have gained access to a vast network of resources, allowing me to deliver top-notch service and provide unique solutions for each client.
As I continue to actively participate in these organizations, I am constantly expanding my knowledge base, refining my skills, and discovering new opportunities for growth. This ongoing commitment to networking has undoubtedly been a driving force behind my success in the event industry.
My enthusiasm for networking and connecting with others has been instrumental in acquiring new clients and forging strong relationships. By actively involving myself in industry-specific organizations and assuming leadership roles, I have been able to foster connections that not only result in business growth but also provide opportunities for personal and professional development.
Embracing networking as an integral part of my professional life has allowed me to establish a solid foundation in the event industry and become a trusted partner for clients. With each new connection made, I am inspired to continue expanding my network and making a lasting impact on the individuals and organizations I encounter along the way.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being creative lies in the ability to infuse events with my personal touch, leaving a lasting impression on those who attend. Being a creative in the event industry means constantly seeking inspiration, researching trends, and immersing myself in the world of design in order to bring fresh and innovative ideas to the events I work on.
To fuel my creativity, I draw inspiration from various facets of life. My journeys and travels offer glimpses into diverse cultures, enabling me to incorporate unique elements and influences into event designs. Exploring interior design and architecture further widens my creative perspectives, allowing me to translate spatial concepts, colors, and textures into captivating experiences for attendees.
Art, in all its forms, is another wellspring of inspiration. Whether it be paintings, sculptures, or multimedia installations, I find that artistic expression stimulates my own creative instincts. Transferring these artistic elements into event design adds a touch of visual storytelling, evoking emotions and enchanting guests.
Being a creative means embracing a never-ending quest for fresh ideas. It requires staying on top of emerging trends, tracking industry innovations, and continuously expanding my creative repertoire. This dedication keeps me at the forefront of design, giving me the ability to offer clients cutting-edge concepts that set their events apart.
What truly makes this journey rewarding is witnessing the transformation of a vision into a tangible experience. Bringing together the client’s aspirations and my creative vision, I have the privilege of crafting immersive environments that leave a lasting impact on guests. Creating a space where every element — from decor to lighting, furnishings to florals — harmoniously aligns with the client’s brand, theme, or purpose is what truly fulfills me.
Being a creative in the event industry grants me the freedom to infuse personal passion and artistic flair into every project. The opportunity to explore and draw inspiration from various realms of life adds depth and authenticity to my designs. This continual pursuit of creativity not only keeps me engaged and motivated, but it also results in unforgettable experiences that leave a lasting impression on all who attend the events I am privileged to be a part of.
As I continue to explore new trends and immerse myself in novel sources of inspiration, I am driven to push boundaries, challenge the status quo, and redefine what is possible in event design. The pursuit of creativity is a lifelong journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my passion with others through the events I breathe life into.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lirents.net
- Instagram: instagram.com/lirentsevents/
- Facebook: facebook.com/lastingimpressionseventrental/
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/harmonryang