This month, we’re introducing you to one of our amazing Sales Specialists, McKinzie! A Middle Tennessee native, McKinzie wanted to work in the event industry for as long as she can remember, motivated by her passion to help bring people’s creative visions to life. Now she’s been with us for almost a year, and we’re so happy to have her on the Dream Team!

Outside of work, McKinzie enjoys taking film photography and going to concerts to check out local bands with her friends. Keep reading to learn more about her and how she got into the event industry!

Where are you from? If not Nashville, how did you decide to move here?

I am from here! I actually grew up in Hendersonville and then lived in Clarksville for almost seven years before I came back this way and lived in the Madison area.

How long have you been in sales? 

I actually have not been in a sales role for that long; this is my first one! I have been within the event industry for over five years, though!

What’s a typical day at Dream like for you?

Every day is different! Sometimes I am spending the majority of my day working behind my computer with lots of emails and phone calls. Other days, I am out networking, meeting clients, or even assisting with an event on-site.

What’s one of the most commonly asked questions on a sales call?

I think my overall commonly asked question from the client would be, “Are you able to do X,Y, or Z?” Clients come to us all the time with ideas that are not necessarily “typical.” My goal is to always figure out what their vision entails and figure out a way that we can say, “Yes! let’s do it!”

How do you stay on top of everything? Any organizational tips or tricks?

I have a never-ending to-do list. I like to start my day by looking at what my top priority is and work my way down. I also rely on my calendar a lot.

How important is company culture, and what do you do to maintain it?

This is very important and one of the things that makes me enjoy my job so much and the people I work with. I believe one of the best ways to maintain this is by having open communication with your team.

What are some of the challenges you face on a day-to-day basis, and how do you overcome them?

I would say the most challenging thing that I personally face day-to-day would probably go back to staying organized. It’s something that I love doing and I am overall very organized, though sometimes you just have too much on your plate and need to take a step back to look at the bigger picture. It’s a busy world with no one slowing down, so you have to just keep striving and, if needed, ask for help! 

Do you have any advice for clients who are looking for a caterer?

I often work with wedding couples, so my biggest piece of advice would be to slow down and note what is most important to you as this is your day. Our goal is to make your vision come to life!

What’s your favorite part about your job?

One of my favorite parts about my job is the ability to meet all kinds of people throughout our community just by networking. We have been fortunate enough to cater some amazing events just by word of mouth, so it’s great being able to make these connections!

Do you have a favorite go-to place in Nashville and why?

I am going to say The End or Basement East since those are some of my favorite venues to check out new artists. Restaurant wise, 5th & Taylor is one of my favorites! I am also a big pizza fan and love going to Pinky Ring. 

Photos by Sabrina Englehart and Haley Maria Smith.