Episode 82: S2| Navigating the Catering World with Heart and Innovation
Introduction
What transforms a simple idea into a thriving business venture? Meet Mary Krekorian, founder of Vibrant Occasions Catering, who has turned a small pizza place into a leading name in the catering industry. Under her leadership, the company has become synonymous with quality and innovation, redefining the catering landscape over the past 22 years.
Mary Krekorian’s Journey and Motivation
Mary Krekorian’s entrepreneurial story began unexpectedly in the nineties when she and her husband purchased a rundown carry-out pizza business during their graduate studies. This initial venture, aimed at simply owning a business, eventually led them to top national rankings in independent pizza operations. However, it wasn’t until a casual request at a baseball game that Mary pivoted to catering, venturing into an area she had never explored before—leading to the birth of Vibrant Occasions Catering.
Her journey was fueled by a mixture of necessity and opportunity, underpinned by a strong desire to create a unique dining experience. Mary’s drive was further shaped by challenges and initial failures, which she candidly shares as essential to her eventual success. This transparent acknowledgment of setbacks, combined with a relentless pursuit of customer satisfaction, marks the core of her business philosophy.
Strategies and Tips for Entrepreneurs
Embracing Change:
Mary emphasizes the importance of listening to customers and being flexible enough to shift business strategies based on demand. This approach helped transform her initial pizza business into a successful catering service.
Heart Leadership:
Another key strategy is the adoption of “heart leadership,” a management style that focuses on recognizing employees as the most valuable asset of the business. Mary credits this approach with transforming her company culture and boosting employee satisfaction, which in turn enhances customer experiences.
Continuous Learning:
Mary also highlights the need for ongoing education and openness to new ideas, which has been instrumental in keeping the business innovative and responsive to market trends.
Current Challenges and Solutions
Despite past successes, Mary faces the challenge of scaling her business while maintaining quality and company ethos. She is currently focused on developing her leadership team to delegate operational tasks more effectively, allowing her to strategize on business growth and innovation.
In our podcast, we discussed potential strategies for nurturing leadership within her team, emphasizing the need for clear communication and defined roles to facilitate scalability without losing the personal touch that her business is known for.
About Mary Krekorian
Mary Krekorian is a seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades in the catering industry. Alongside her husband, she has navigated the highs and lows of business ownership, always placing a strong emphasis on community, customer service, and employee welfare. For more insights or to contact Mary, visit Vibrant Occasions Catering, or follow her on social media.
Conclusion
Mary Krekorian’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and heartfelt leadership in entrepreneurship. Her journey offers valuable lessons on overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities. We encourage aspiring and established business owners alike to connect with Mary and explore how heart leadership could transform their own ventures. Subscribe to our podcast, “Seven Figure Journey,” for more inspiring stories and actionable business insights.
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