April 2016 - Spectrum Concessions

Spectrum Connection
April Edition | Issue 85
From the Desk of
Change
Dave Smalley
Happy April and good fortune on April Fool’s Day. Wishing you a fun filled day, for the pranks and pranksters! Recently we successfully finished a very prestigious event that has a long successful history. They contracted with us to bring an upgrade to their hospitality, so this was our first year. One of the common themes
of conversation centered around comments such as “That’s how we have always done that”, “Yeah, we are
slow to change around here” and “Move that? It’s always been there.”
Founder | CEO
Now these are really nice people; very professional and admittedly successful, doing things the way they have always been done.
However, being adverse to change can be detrimental to success and it surely stymies growth. As an example, at the event I observed
the local team putting down a floor. I asked the lead if he had a problem with the screws popping up where the four seams met on the
floor, to which he replied “All the time!” I said well, if you will lay this piece this way and that piece that way, your seams will be
much stronger and the screws won’t pop out, to which he responded, “I’ve been doing floors this way for 26 years, I am not about to
change now.” OK! My friend John reminded him that people used to ride horses to school. The flooring man responded by going
about his business just like he had for the last 26 years. I am pretty sure we can all agree that gentleman does not embrace change. I bet
if we asked him what is change, his answer would be the coins in the bottom of his pocket.
Weighing the risk and reward of change is something we all need to do. While I don’t think that dinosaurs made a conscience decision
to “keep laying down the floor the same way”’ it is clear that they did not adapt to a changing environment, and of course you know
the result. They are the iconic image of distinction. If you want to see a dinosaur, one has to go to a museum. I don’t know about you,
but I have no interest in being relegated to a museum.
As a company, I feel Spectrum constantly invites and embraces change. In fact, I would use a word similar to change to describe one of
our basic approaches to business: innovation. We continue to evolve, to change our presentation, to present cutting edge technology, to
reinvent our image and to explore new ways of doing the same things. Not only can we be proud of this fact, we can take pride that
our clients appreciate our openness to change and our commitment to innovation.
Our existing clients continue to renew with us, I believe partly to the fact that we treat our existing clients like new clients, bringing
our new innovations to current contracts. This is not lost on new clients, who see what we are doing and are lining up. We continue to
grow our business in excess of 20% annually. While growth is great, responsible growth is all that counts. I want to assure everyone
that we only take on new business that we can properly serve to our high standards. If we can’t do it right, we just won’t do it at all.
So are you of the mindset to accept change? Welcome it? Attack it? Trying something new or different does not always result in a better way. But just like a shot not taken, if you don’t shoot the ball, the one thing you can be sure of is that it will not make the goal.
And for those of you that care, and know that while I have been addicted to the HOKEY POKEY, I have turned myself around. Ha,
April Fools!
Best wishes to you and yours,
Dave
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From the Desk of
Melanie Parker
The definition of vulnerable is capable of or susceptible to being wounded or hurt. Being hurt could,
by definition, mean physically, verbally, emotionally, spiritually…any of the above…and putting ourselves out there to others and being susceptible to vulnerability is hard, really hard. It’s
much easier, safer, to just build a protective wall around oneself in order to avoid any pain and
suffering.
President
I was recently having a very personal conversation with a close family member and the topic of
vulnerability came up. Recognizing the fact that we are all vulnerable, every single day, makes
us human. It is scary, and humbling, to realize that we are all subjected to how others think or
feel about us, how we are individually perceived; it’s an unavoidable scenario really. So, how
do we deal with this thing called vulnerability and how can we shed the covers and come out of
the dark? TO BE VULNERABLE YOU HAVE TO BE OKAY WITH ALL OF YOU.
Perhaps it’s important to ask ourselves how we want to deal with being vulnerable and how we choose to associate
with others perceptions of who we are. Stay true to ourselves and suck up the vulnerability or make personal
changes so that others will approve and accept us for who they want us to be, and end up being fake to our truest
selves.
“Being vulnerable is not just about showing the parts of you that are shiny and pretty and fun. It’s about
revealing what you deny or keep hidden from other people.” ~ Wendy Miyake
Sometimes we are forced through conflict to show our vulnerability and sometimes we put it all out there without
realizing that’s what we’ve done. When we reveal our truest self, the fear of rejection is powerful. But, when others
begin to express their feelings, their vulnerabilities, it’s easier to be open and honest when there’s a two-way street
moment happening, vulnerabilities aside; in the safety zone the walls come down.
The rewards of vulnerability look something like this…
~ When you show your authentic self, others meet you there. Now you have a connection.
~ With vulnerability you begin to attract people that are inspired by your openness.
~ You’ll be surprised how loving all of yourself, and then sharing it, can help you to connect with anyone.
~ You become receptive to help.
~ You’re more courageous, less fear of rejection.
~ You don’t worry so much, when you’re less afraid.
Vulnerability is a pretty powerful feeling! Let’s respect it in ourselves and
certainly others.
Cheers!
~ Mel
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Client Profile: Andrew Lehman
Company: John Deere Classic
How you know Spectrum and since when: I have had the pleasure to work with Spectrum for the past 10 years of my employment at the John Deere Classic. Spectrum has been involved with our tournament for longer than that, and we are truly blessed to continue the partnership. Dave, Melanie and their entire team are so much fun to work with; they make my life
a lot easier during tournament week, knowing that our clients and patrons will be well taken
care of.
Tell us about your family:
My wife Gina and I are proud parents to two wonderful kids,
Ethan (5) and Ellie (2). Gina owns her own business, Bettendorf Chiropractic Wellness Center. As busy as our lives are with jobs and our kids, my family understands the demands of
my job during the summer. I don’t get to see them or spend as much time with them as I’d like
to in the summer leading up to the tournament, but know that when I get home we pick up
right where we left off with a lot of laughs!
Your interests when time permits away from our crazy world: Spending time with
Gina and our kids is my top priority. Being a dad is the greatest job in the world. Ethan is really diving into any sport he can find (baseball, golf, basketball, soccer, hockey etc.) so our time is
consumed with all of those activities, which we love.
Favorite foods, books, vacation spots: I’d be missing the opportunity if I didn’t say Pork
Chop sandwich, THE staple of the John Deere Classic! Love to read Alex Cross novels and vacations – anywhere with my family, a beach and water!
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Cavalia Odysseo
Cavalia Odysseo; Orange County, California
Anyone driving on the 405 Freeway through Irvine over the
last couple of weeks has likely noticed the white canopies near
the Irvine Center Drive exit. For those who haven’t ventured
down that stretch of freeway, a towering big top has been erected that will be home to the world-renowned production, Odysseo.
Our Spectrum Team in Orange County with Cavalia Odysseo
The touring show is touted as an equestrian ballet, featuring
dozens of performers and 50 highly trained horses. However,
the show goes far beyond ballet, revealing hypnotizing Ariel
artists, acrobats, live music, dance, and virtual elements.
Odysseo was masterminded by one of the co-founders of
Cirque du Soleil, and takes the whimsy of Cirque to a new level
by incorporating majestic, equine performers with stunning
visuals. No matter what stretch of freeway you frequent, Odysseo is a worthwhile destination.
Updates from Cirque!
One of Cirque du Soleil’s most anticipated show, “Kurios:
Cabinet of Curiosities,” comes to Atlanta with a positive
vibe and world full of possibilities. “Kurios” is the Montreal
-based circus company’s newest production and will be
under the big tent at Atlantic Station until May 8. “It leaves
the audience open to a limitless world where everything is
possible. It [the vibe] is contagious,” said Amelie Robitaille,
a circus spokeswoman.
The story takes place in the 19th century during the Industrial Revolution, when people thought everything was doable. The circus owner, Canadian Guy Laliberté, wanted to
create a piece that went back to the beginnings of the circus
and how everything started with street performances, said
Robitaille. “We gathered the best of our teams to create
‘Kurios,’” she said.
The audience might identify the show’s visuals with the
stories of Jules Verne or the “Alice in Wonderland” and
“Hugo” movies. “The characters on the show are people the
audience can easily relate to,” said Robitaille. “We are creating a positive and engaging feeling.”
The “Kurios” cast is comprised of 46 artists on stage, an
eight-member live band and a crew, making a team of 116
individuals total putting the tour together.
- Ricky Esquivel
Our Spectrum Team is honored to be a part of this whimsical affair!
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More Cirque News!
From the desk of Brian Strom
Between the launch of the brand new show “TORUK: The First Flight” and the transition of OVO from
a Big Top Tour to an Arena Tour, the past few months have been pretty busy in the Cirque du Soleil
division of Spectrum! Toruk started off with a lengthy pre-production period in Bossier City, LA rehearsing and fine tuning for over three months. It takes quite a bit of time to focus 40+ video projectors
and get all the moving parts of this enormous show dialed in just right.
With Greg King in the catering manager’s role, the cast, crew and management staff of Toruk have
been enjoying fresh menus, action stations and ever changing dining room layouts and personal
touches that keep things new and exciting. Our entire team on Toruk consists of Greg King as well as
Tori Colozza, Mark Wright, Brian Philipose and, starting April 1st, our newest addition in the chef role
is Kathryn Irwin.
OVO spent roughly 10 years touring the world under the big top. The next chapter in this bug’s life
tale will be touring the world one arena at time, starting here in North America. OVO will be with us
through mid-2017 and Liz Samatis has taken the position of Catering Manager on this tour. Liz was
formerly the head chef on arena tour Varekai while it toured North America last year. OVO’s team is
made up of Liz, Dean McGill, Lawren Tucker and, new to Spectrum, Mimi Vital joining us from Austin, TX. Also starting on April 1st, in a returning kitchen role, is Jannette Aguirre.
A special “thank you” to Cody Pattillo as well, from Wicked Whisk, who has made himself available
to OVO while we needed an extra hand in the kitchen. Currently OVO is in its “fine-tuning” stages in
Lake Charles, Louisiana and will be headed out on the road starting April 10th.
The Oro Crew
Handmade by Mimi!
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Wicked Whisk Catering!
Wicked Whisk catered a Realtor Home Tour at LGI Homes
premiere community, Chase Run, in Conroe. The tour
showcased four different models and Wicked Whisk provided catering in three of these models.
We’ve got a busy month ahead so stay tuned for more
“Wickedly” wonderful events!
Spectrum Practices Fire Safety!
South Montgomery District 8 fire fighters grace us with their presents this morning with lessons on
putting out different types of fires. Here is a picture from our fire safety course. Now we have
skills to safelfy put out fires and how to handle hot situations. Hope you enjoy!
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Exciting Spectrum News!
Spectrum is proud to announce that we will be providing our concession
services for The Portsmouth Pavilion! We are excited to be a part of their
awesome program and can’t wait to see the partnership that evolves!
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Events
Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic
March 28 - April 3
Shell Houston Open
March 28 - April 3
March Madness Music Festival
Birthdays
Tortuga
Earth Day - Houston
April 1 - 3
April 15 - 17
April 16
Valero Texas Open
April 18 - 24
McDonald’s Houston Children’s Festival
April 23 - 24
Mitch Broughton
4/2
Peggy Kozan
4/3
Patrick Najera
4/3
Chad Gill
4/19
Aaron Wilkinson
4/4
Jeff Davis-Towle
4/8
Tim Hill
4/16
Robert Jones
4/17
Ashley Adams
4/22
POCO Fest
July 14 - 16
Brian Strom
4/27
Country Jam
June 16 -19
CVS Health Charity Classic
June 26 - 28
Milestones
Roland Silvas
4/1/2007
Robert Jones
4/2/2012
Kim LeJune
4/6/2015
Joshua Demiddelaer
4/6/2015
Sandra Bell
4/11/2011
Derek Mills
4/12/2010
Chris Jordan
4/14/2014
Cody Pattillo
4/15/2013
Kevin Kren
4/16/2012
Jamilla Dorsey
4/21/2009
Gary Ormbsy
4/26/2006
Tiffany Barton
4/27/2015
Michael Stapleton
4/28/2014
Bayou City Art Festival - Memorial Park
April 29 - May 1
AT&T Byron Nelson
May 16 - 22
Dean & DeLuca Invitational
May 23 - 29
Governor’s Ball
June 3 - 5
Free Press Summer Fest
June 4 - 5
FedEx St. Jude Classic
June 6 - 12
Bonnaroo
June 9 - 12
Red Hot & Blue
July 4
Freedom Over Texas
July 4
Forecastle
July 15 - 17
Sloss
July 15 - 17
Pemberton
July 15 - 17
John Deere Classic
August 8 - 14
CP Women's Open
August 22 - 28
Shaw Charity Classic
August 29 - September 4
Grand Prix of Boston
September 2 - 4
Alliance Air Show
October 15 - 16
Bayou City Art Festival - Downtown
Lighting of the Doves/iWOW
October TBD
November TBD
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Spectrum Connection is a publication of:
Spectrum Catering, Concessions & Special Events
P.O. Box 7130
The Woodlands, Texas, 77387
Office: 281.363.0900
www.spectrumconcessions.com
GOLF CATERING AND CONCESSIONS | CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
Dave Smalley
Melanie Parker
713.897.8240
713.897.8239
[email protected]
[email protected]
713-897-8273
[email protected]
Dawn Prestwood
713.897.8250
[email protected]
Sandra Bell
713.897.8237
[email protected]
Maverick Smalley
Tyler Fredricksen
713.897.8233
713.897.8266
[email protected]
[email protected]
Kezia Callahan
713.897.8265
[email protected]
Missie Martinez
713.897.8232
[email protected]
Drea Blacklaws
713.897.8234
[email protected]
713.897.8245
[email protected]
713.897.8262
[email protected]
617.692.0011
713.897.8258
[email protected]
[email protected]
Ruben Garcia - Operations | Management
713.897.8242
[email protected]
Frank Norgan - Warehouse Management
713.897.8268
[email protected]
Derek Mills - Chief Financial Officer
713.897.8257
[email protected]
Peggy Kozan - Accounts Receivable
Kim Smidlein - Accounts Payable
Dianne Holmes - HR
Brenda Johnson - Payroll
713.897.8253
713.897.8254
713.897.8255
713-897-8256
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS | FRONT OFFICE MANAGER
Sam Garcia
WICKED WHISK CATERING
MUSIC FESTIVALS
GOLF VOLUNTEERS | STAFFING | VENDORS
ARTIST & TOUR CATERING
Shelley Gatchell
STADIUM DIVISION | ICE RINK MANAGEMENT
Jim Smalley
THEATER DIVISION
Jason Reed - Northern Division
Jay Jung - Southern Division
WAREHOUSE | RENTALS
ACCOUNTING
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