Podcast Summary: Your Next Move – Episode: "Finding That Balance Between Work and Rest"

Introduction In the episode titled "Finding That Balance Between Work and Rest," hosted by Inc. Magazine and produced in partnership with Capital One Business, Christine Ligorio Chavkin engages in a profound conversation with Kate Fischel, the founder of Facades. Ranked number 2,936 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list, Facades is a Dallas-based event design and production company renowned for transforming event concepts into tangible creations through carpentry, welding, painting, lighting, graphic design, and signage.

Navigating Growth Amidst the Pandemic The discussion opens with Kate Fischel recounting how Facades weathered the tumultuous period of the COVID-19 pandemic. As an event planning company, the pandemic posed significant challenges with gatherings largely prohibited. However, ingenuity became their lifeline:

Kate Fischel [01:08]: "We've got a great pandemic story too, because obviously we're event planners and we looked at that and we said this is an event and it needs servicing."

Christine probes deeper into how Facades remained operational when many in the industry shuttered. Kate credits the swift pivot initiated by their National Sales Director, Lynn Duncan:

Kate Fischel [01:10]: "So my national sales director, Lynn Duncan, who's here with me this week, she came up with the idea of doing like organic hand sanitizing stations that were branded because at that time in March of 2020, we thought events were still happening."

This strategic move not only kept Facades open but also positioned them uniquely in the market, allowing them to capitalize on the demand for health and safety solutions. As restrictions eased, Facades was well-prepared to re-engage with the event landscape, unlike many competitors who had to pivot out of the industry.

Revitalizing Events Post-Pandemic With the resumption of events, Kate shares her enthusiasm about orchestrating large-scale gatherings once again:

Kate Fischel [02:24]: "One of my favorite ones I've done since I started is called Cattle Barons Ball, the largest single-night fundraiser in the country for the American Cancer Society."

She highlights the emotional and logistical triumph of hosting events that foster personal connections, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of in-person interactions:

Kate Fischel [03:00]: "Everybody in the room just going like, we're here, we're touching each other, we're drinking, we don't have a mask. I can see your smile. And that must have been able to get back and do good stuff. Was really fun."

Unique and Memorable Event Requests Christine inquires about the most unusual requests Facades has encountered, leading to a memorable anecdote involving Virgin Airlines founder Richard Branson:

Kate Fischel [03:05]: "Mr. Branson... he wanted a longhorn on the tarmac because he literally lands. The plane rolls up and you have your team ready to unroll the red carpet right there."

Despite the chaos of live events, Facades managed to execute creative visions without mishaps, showcasing their expertise and adaptability.

Cultivating a Balanced Company Culture A significant portion of the conversation centers around Facades' commitment to work-life balance and mental health, especially vital in the high-pressure realm of event planning:

Kate Fischel [04:21]: "We really try to offset when we can, we try to do summer hours. We try to make the office environment just more accommodating. We actually just expanded our offices. And my favorite little piece of our new one is Our Zen den. So really focusing on mental health."

Kate elaborates on practical measures to ensure employees can disconnect and recharge, such as stringent vacation policies and a buddy system to handle responsibilities during absences:

Kate Fischel [05:16]: "We have a very serious vacation rule. We don't know you when you're on vacation. You don't know us. We unplug your access to the server. You are not allowed to work."

This approach not only fosters a supportive environment but also enhances overall productivity by ensuring team members are well-rested and mentally refreshed.

Future Growth and Strategic Focus Looking ahead, Kate discusses Facades' strategic shift towards managing larger, more exclusive events, a transition made possible by their substantial growth during the pandemic:

Kate Fischel [08:17]: "We have to choose and we have to make sure we're taking care of our loyal clients that come back, which typically are the larger annual events."

By becoming more selective, Facades aims to deliver higher quality and more comprehensive services, strengthening relationships with major clients and positioning themselves as a boutique agency specializing in grand-scale events.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs When asked about pivotal advice that has influenced her leadership style, Kate emphasizes the importance of trust tempered with verification:

Kate Fischel [10:13]: "Trust but verify. That's Lynn's. That's my favorite one."

She underscores the necessity of meticulousness in event planning, where "Don't assume" becomes a core principle to mitigate errors and ensure flawless execution.

For young founders, particularly women, Kate offers an empowering message:

Kate Fischel [12:07]: "Just go for it. [...] You have to wholeheartedly jump in, because if you're one foot in one foot, you're never going to get anything done and you're never going to be successful."

This advice encapsulates the proactive and decisive mindset that has propelled Facades to its current success.

Conclusion Kate Fischel's insights provide a compelling narrative of resilience, innovation, and intentional culture-building. Facades stands as a testament to how adaptability and a strong emphasis on employee well-being can drive sustained growth and excellence in the competitive event planning industry.

Notable Quotes:

• Kate Fischel [01:10]: "So when the pandemic did hit, we were the only people open and we were selling those like crazy."
• Kate Fischel [04:21]: "Our Zen den. So really focusing on mental health."
• Kate Fischel [12:07]: "Just go for it. [...] You have to wholeheartedly jump in."

Key Takeaways:

• Adaptability is Crucial: Facades' ability to pivot during the pandemic underscores the importance of flexibility in business operations.
• Prioritize Employee Well-being: Implementing policies that respect work-life balance leads to a more motivated and productive workforce.
• Strategic Growth: Being selective with clients and focusing on larger projects can enhance service quality and client relationships.
• Empowerment Through Trust: Balancing trust with verification ensures reliability and excellence in deliverables.
• Encouragement for Entrepreneurs: Wholehearted commitment and a willingness to take risks are essential for entrepreneurial success.

This episode serves as an invaluable resource for entrepreneurs seeking to navigate challenges, foster a healthy company culture, and strategize for sustainable growth.