Meet Jesse Reing | Owner of Event & Wedding Planning Company

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jesse Reing and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jesse, what role has risk played in your life or career?
While I’m not one to go bungee jumping or hop into a racecar, I have always been a risk taker in my own way; I love change, I love shaking things up, I love stepping out of my comfort zone, in all aspects of my life. Opening my business wasn’t necessarily a risk. I was in a seemingly long term relationship with someone who could support us as I moved everything off the ground. When our engagement unexpecdedly broke up soon after, and I was now without an income, I knew I could go get a job anywhere in the hospitality industry working for someone else, or I could run the risk of increasing the momentum and making my business happen. I chose the latter and never looked back.

That first leap was only the beginning of my risk taking. In the eight years that I have been owner/CEO of Events By Jesse, I have taken countless risks. I have never shied away from a task that seemed too big or complicated. I start by saying ‘yes’ and figure it out from there. I have invested money into different marketing opportunities, some that worked out great, and some that did not end up being the best investments, but I always learned from them, I hired not just one, but two full time staffers to see if it would help the business grow, and I am happy to report that we may be looking at our third full-time employee by the end of this year. I decided that I wanted more fulfuillment in my personal life and started working remotely from Euorpe during parts of the year, even before the pandemic. Most recently, I expanded down to South Florida, where I barely knew anyone or anything, but knew that I could pound the pavement and make it all work. Regardless of the outcome of each individual risk, it led me on a path where I could continue to shape and mold for the better in each step I took. They say there is no reward without risk. For me, it’s more that there is no real living without risk.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I always knew I would be an entrepreneur. That was never up for question, though I did not always know what business I would find myself in. I had discovered the concept of event planning as a career as a fluke when I started planning cast parties for on-campus theater groups in university. At that time it wasn’t considered a luctrative career, as it is today, but I knew I was good at it and I wanted to find a way to pursue it. With a lack of the developemt of event planning firms back in 2005, I figured graduate school was the best next step, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. I picked up and moved to Switzerland to attend the University Center Cesar Ritz, where I earned an MBA in hotel and tourism management. While I value my degree, the most crucial knowledge I received while there was being among students and teachers from over 50 different countries. Gaining a cultural education in how to interact with different people from different places set me up for the success I have gained both professionally, and in my personal pursuit of experiencing the world. Being able to interact and be a chameleon in different situations with different people helps set me up for success, as it makes me and my brand approachable from a multitude of angles. One I arrived back to New York, I pursued what became a high-level career in the hotel and luxury food and beverage industries, working at the highest luxury brands and michelin star restaurants. Some of the jobs I had were with like-minded, service based individuals who would stop at nothing to provide the best service to our clients/guests. But some jobs were with extremely challenging people, lacked the capacity to understand the delicate marriage between high-end product, fine service, and sound business decisions. While those were the most frustrating experiences, it is also where I learned the most. There is something to be said for an intensive in “what not to do”! When starting Events By Jesse, I was able to take my experiences from all of these worlds and set myself up for success with an understanding of what works, which risks could be worth it, and the assurance that as long as I learn from my mistakes, I have not failed. Consequently, my company has become synonymous with high-quality service, innovative thinking, trend-setting and boldness.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love being out and about, experiencing everything the city has to offer! If my bestie were coming into town, the first stop we would make is Flour and Weirdoughs in Key Biscayne. I am a sucker for a croissant and they have a croissant cube, filled with all kinds of custards. Can’t say no to that! Next, of course, the beach! Probably a pontoon ride somewhere in there as well! For properly chic cocktails, we would head to the Surf Club at the Four Seasons. Of course we have to do a day in the design district, and will absolutely buy something fun to wear that night at Alice & Olivia. Our favorite nights out would be exploring Wynwood, taking tons of photos with the graffitied walls and funkiness everywhere!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people I have encountered over the years that have played a part in my success! I have been extremely lucky to be surrounded by vibrant, brilliant, encouraging people. I’d like to take this opportunity for a few shout-outs: 1. Roy Buitenkamp – my first boss at the St. Regis New York. He instilled way more trust and responsibility in me than any just-out-of-school 24 year old deservers. He remained a mentor of mine until passing away a few years ago, but I think about him and what he taught me all the time.
2. Dave Adamick – my long time friend and first full time Events By Jesse staffer. If I did not have someone I already trusted so implicitly to join my team, I do not know if I could have taken that step.
3. Ellen & Gary Reing, my parents! Their love and support is constant and unconditional. In the moments where my belief in myself wavers, I know theirs never does.

Website: eventsbyjesse.com

Instagram: @eventsbyjesse & @byjessereing

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-reing-16b17b13/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eventsbyjesse/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF38QmRwTmjmoS4Cd_RtwMg

Other: Tiktok: @eventsbyjesse

Image Credits
Jeep – http://www.jessiecasey.net/ Room with lucite chairs – https://www.hailleyhoward.com/ couple in front of old building – https://www.maggie.studio/ magenta room with tropical centerpiece – https://ronsoliman.com/