From event marketing to production and budgeting, Dallas Kitt’s Threesixty Events & Marketing is an all-encompassing coordination company that has helped it’s Toronto clients plan various successful fundraisers, gala’s, parties and everything in between in this YEDaily…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your business in a nutshell.
I am the owner of Threesixty Events & Marketing. It’s an events & marketing company that assists corporate, small business and individual clients to effectively manage, organize and execute any event or marketing strategy. Having over 10 years experience in the sports industry, I naturally specialize in sports events & marketing, however, I also work on corporate events, fundraisers, gala’s, and any marketing initiatives in between.
Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
As long as I could remember, I’ve always wanted to have my own business – I just didn’t know exactly what that business would be. It was in college that I was introduced to events & marketing and it was (insert cliché here) “love at first sight”. I just knew that the events & marketing industry is where I wanted to be and I’ve been passionate about it ever since. After college every job, project and volunteer opportunity that I’ve had, I was preparing myself to one day go off on my own, and 10 years later, here I am!
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis?
The best part is that I get to help people bring their vision to life. With marketing initiatives, I get to put on my creative cap and brainstorm fun marketing, promotional and creative campaigns. And when it comes to events, the BEST part of the job is when event day finally arrives and all the guests are having the best time, enjoying the venue, the food, the entertainment. It’s seeing the smile on all the guests’ faces that makes all the blood, sweat and tears worth it.
The most challenging part is trying to take clients expectations and bring it back down to reality. Everyone has big dreams, but in most cases, there isn’t a budget to go along with it. I often refer to this as the ‘Banff Springs Event on the Holiday Inn Budget’. So I’d have to say that’s one of the most challenging areas of my job – trying to achieve the requests of a client while being economical at the same time.
Where do you see your business going in 5 years?
I definitely see a lot of growth over the next 5 years. In just the first year, I’ve been very fortunate that I haven’t had a minute of down time. It’s a great feeling as a business owner knowing that you’ve secured enough work for the entire year and then some. I also see my business expanding to other markets on a more regular basis. I’ve already done two events in Toronto in the last 4 months, so I hope those opportunities continue to grow.
What does success look like to you?
Success for me is finding balance. If you can do something that you love, keep a roof over your head and food on your plate, still have time for loved ones and most importantly set aside some “me” time. Then to me, that’s not only a successful career, but a successful life. I’m definitely on the right track to finding that ultimate balance.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
My most memorable milestone to date is reaching my one-year anniversary as a small business owner. My dream is still alive and is not going away anytime soon. It’s beyond anything I’ve ever imagined.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
My biggest piece of advice for young professionals is to take every opportunity you can to learn. Never act as if something is beneath you, it’s the humble experiences that help make you a strong person and give you tools that are often missing with young professionals today. Make sure to surround yourself with a strong support group. Not only people who will support you emotionally, but surround yourself with people who know your trade and are willing to roll up their sleeves and help out at anytime. And of course, the number one rule – Network! Practice your small talk; it will go a long way.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
One of the big reasons for starting my own business is that I wanted more opportunities to give back to the community and volunteer. I currently volunteer with Special Olympics Calgary as a coach in both the Floor Hockey and Baseball programs. I am also on the Special Olympics events committee and am planning their upcoming ‘Breakfast with Champions’ event that will celebrate 30 years of Special Olympics in Calgary. I absolutely love every minute that I spend with the Special Olympics athletes and I look forward to getting more involved in the years to come.
What is Notable to you?
People who put others first are truly notable. They are the ones who make a difference in our communities.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
Oh my goodness – definitely iPhone. I’m on my phone all the time. The other day my phone died and the Apple store staff told me that my phone just needed to rest, it was suffering from exhaustion. And just like they said, I let my phone sleep for the night and the next day I was good to go.
How do you keep active, energetic, and vibrant?
I’m a very happy and positive person – it’s rare that people see me upset. I don’t have patience for the crap that people often get hung up on. It bugs me when people dwell on things and let it get them down. Focus on the great things in life – have fun! I’m always keeping myself active and busy. I love exploring my city and checking out new things, and I always make sure to include my friends & family along in my adventures. If at the end of the day I can look back and say “that was a really cool day” – then I’m happy.