We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sanford Marshall. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sanford below.

Sanford, appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

My company mission is, Connecting People Through Events! The reason the mission means so much to me is because it aligns with my core belief in the importance of human connections and the impact these connections have on our lives. We all need each other’s love, support, attention, care and more. We all need to celebrate and be celebrated by creating memories that allow us to appreciate the experiences we share. Events serve as the perfect vehicle for these important elements to happen. I take this responsibility very seriously and appreciate my clients trusting my company with their precious vision and gift. May all their dreams come true!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I started in the world of events working for The Bay Club Company, a wonderful hospitality and lifestyle company. I grew in a variety of roles which culminated with being Director of Corporate Events for the company. In 2006, I launched my own events company with two divisions: The Wedding Coach: which focuses on luxury weddings, and SanMan Productions: which produces all other luxury lifestyle events.

The problems that I solve for clients are removing the creative and logistical obstacles that are hindering them from expressing their event vision. Many people want to throw an event or have a celebration, but the task can become daunting and overwhelming. This is where I come in to help them navigate the process and eliminate the stress so they can enjoy the process.

What sets me apart is my God given ability to genuinely connect with people and build true rapport. This certainly translates into the planning process and provides a sense of calm. It also allows my clients to feel understood.
What I am most proud of are the variety of amazing events I’ve worked on thus far. We have impacted many lives in several ways: dreams are achieved for clients, milestones and occasions celebrated, and we assist non-profits to help pay it forward. I am also proud of the relationships that I have built because many of my clients have become lifelong friends.

I want my clients to know that my creativity, passion for the element of surprise, contagious energy, logistical acumen, and love for food and beverage are the perfect combination for an incredible event.

Over the years, I have added additional services that contribute to connecting and celebrating people. I am an Officiant (www.weddingcoachceremonies.com) who can bring more excitement and laughter to the wedding ceremony. I am also a professional Auctioneer and MC (www.sanmanauctions.com), helping raise critical funds for non-profits. Using my God given talents in these areas truly adds to my love of my craft.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

In 2006, I started my business while working in my corporate events role. The reason why I started the side gig was from a simple question my boss, friend, and mentor, Nestor Fernandez asked me: what was my future plan? We were at our annual strategic planning retreat, and he gave me the knowledge that even though things are great right now, changes can happen and most likely will. This advice motivated me to start the side gig while working full time. The effort paid off because while I was working at The Bay Club Company, I had access to high-end clients from the beginning. These clients had already experienced my events, meaning they were familiar with my style and work. This was truly a blessing. I produced events at places a young planner would want on their resume: de Young Museum, SF City Hall, Bently Reserve, Santa Lucia Preserve and more.

Milestones

• Served as Planner for Francis Ford Coppola’s Non-profit North Beach Citizens for 5 years
  Served as Planner for Telegraph Hill Neighborhood Center for 10 years with their 125th anniversary at SF City Hall
• Having generated over $40M for non-profits, foundations, and schools
• Logistical Operations for New Years Eve celebrations at The Palace of Fine Arts for 4,000 guests and SF City Hall for 2,500 guests
• 17 years in business

Social Milestones
Being black and working in a predominantly white world is a great achievement. You must overcome your fears, doubts, and challenges. You have to deal with the ones who might not immediately believe in you because of your color, but you also get to see and celebrate those that care about you and your talent. As a person of color, there are many layers you address internally.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I work hard to maintain my relationships with my clients. I get to know them and make sure they know that I care about them and their event. I share updates and achievements, but most of all I check-in to say hello. It could be anniversaries or remembering an important future event. Brand loyalty is built through solid work that continues to impress and surprise. You must deliver top notch work to be top notch.

Contact Info:

• Website: Sanmanproductions.com and Weddingcoach.bz
• Instagram: sanmanproductions and theweddingcoach
• Facebook: The Wedding Coach, SanMan Productions, SanMan Auctions and MC Services, Wedding Coach Ceremonies

LinkedIn: Sanford Marshall

Image Credits
Ashton Boni Dinno Karavik