We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Martin and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Sarah, how do you think about risk?
Risk-taking is not just a facet of my professional life; it’s woven into the very fabric of my being. I’ve made a habit of metaphorically jumping off cliffs, particularly in my role as the CEO of an Event Production Agency specializing in large-scale and corporate events. The nature of this industry demands making critical decisions amid high-stress situations, and this constant pressure has honed my ability to make swift and effective choices.
For me, the term “adventurous” is synonymous with risk-taking. This mindset has been ingrained in me since early on, where I was known for taking calculated risks. A notable example was my decision at 21 years of age to marry my fiancé after a mere six months of knowing each other. We were engaged within four months and married just two months later. We are celebrating our 22nd Anniversary in 2024. I wasn’t afraid of the potential for failure; the greater risk, in my eyes, was not taking the plunge and spending the rest of my life wondering “what if.” Is risk-taking sometimes painful? Undoubtedly. However, not taking risks can be equally agonizing. Embracing risk allows for personal and professional growth, providing opportunities to learn more about oneself and the world.
In my career, two significant risks stand out. Firstly, a decade ago, I took the leap to start my own agency. The challenges and uncertainties were beyond my anticipation, but the decision granted me the freedom to set my own goals, lifestyle, and make independent decisions. It turned out to be the best decision of my professional life. The second major risk was in producing Dinner in the Sky. Financial uncertainties loomed large, considering the inherent liabilities of suspending people from an 18-story crane. We scoured over 400 insurance companies before finding coverage, a testament to the potential risks involved. Despite the hurdles, with a stellar team, reliable vendors, unyielding determination, and a touch of luck, we executed the event flawlessly. The risk paid off as we garnered media coverage from notable outlets like Huffington Post, Washington Post, Food Network, CNBC Power Lunch, and more. Did I experience moments of uncertainty? Certainly. Was it worth it? Without a doubt.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Our business is not just about organizing events; it’s about creating experiences that resonate, leaving a lasting impact. What sets us apart is not only our expertise in executing large-scale and corporate events but our unwavering commitment to our core values: Empowering, Passion, Innovate, Creative, Excellence, Visionaries, Empathy, New, Transparent, and Surprise.
Empowerment is the cornerstone of our ethos. We believe in harnessing the EPIC effect through empowerment, making the impossible possible. We empower our team, ourselves, and our clients, creating an environment where everyone’s potential is realized.
Passion fuels our every endeavor. We infuse passion into our events, bringing creativity, hard work, and smart solutions to make our clients feel passionate about their experiences. Our commitment goes beyond the conventional, resonating in our dedication to working 25/8/366.
Innovation is not just a buzzword for us; it’s a daily practice. Each day and event present unique challenges, and we innovate within agreed boundaries to make every experience EPIC. We respect the boundaries set by the team and clients, building innovation that defines us.
Creativity is not confined to imagination; it extends to our actions and decisions. We think outside the box while adhering to agreed investments and boundaries, finding creative ways to collaborate with our team and clients, ensuring timely and successful outcomes.
Operational excellence is non-negotiable. We proactively challenge anything less than excellent, providing solutions with out-of-the-box thinking. Our commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of our work, enhancing our brand and ensuring sustainable growth.
As visionaries, we visualize success at the core of everything we do. Being dreamers is how we make our clients’ experiences truly EPIC. Our forward-thinking approach allows us to turn visions into reality, creating memorable events that stand out.
Empathy is the glue that binds us as a family. We show and earn respect through empathy, acknowledging differences and addressing disagreements with compassion. Understanding how others feel is our first step in building strong, lasting connections.
Bringing the “new” is our lifeblood. We thrive on the impossible, constantly innovating in our systems, processes, and habits. We never shy away from introducing the “new” for our clients and events while maintaining the essence of what works well.
Transparency is our guiding principle. We believe in telling the whole truth to each other, fostering an environment of trust and collaboration. Even 99.99% of the truth is considered a whole lie in our commitment to openness.
Exceeding expectations is not just a goal; it’s a daily practice. By surpassing our own standards, we consistently deliver on our promises to customers and team members, building surprises that elevate every experience.
Our journey to where we are today has been far from easy. Challenges were met with resilience, and lessons were learned through perseverance. We are not just event producers; we are architects of experiences, weaving our values into every moment. We want the world to know that we are more than organizers; we are creators of the extraordinary.
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.
Absolutely! If my best friend were visiting the area for a week, I’d ensure they experience the best the region has to offer. Here’s a curated itinerary for an unforgettable time:
Day 1: Exploring the City
Morning: Start the day with a hearty breakfast at a local brunch spot. I’d recommend Benny’s on the Beach, Lake Worth Beach for its diverse menu and vibrant atmosphere….and the view of the ocean is superb!
Late Morning: Take a stroll through Palm Beach/Worth Avenue to soak in the natural beauty and maybe grab a coffee at a nearby café.
Afternoon: Dive into the local culture with a visit to the Norton Museum of Art, showcasing the city’s rich history and contemporary art scene.
Evening: Enjoy a dinner at HMF/Breakers known for its delectable cuisine and cozy ambiance.
Day 2: Adventure in Nature
Morning: Head out for a day trip to Bok Gardens, where we can explore the stunning gardens and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
Afternoon: Picnic lunch amidst nature or try out a local eatery near the park.
Late Afternoon: Engage in outdoor activities like zip-lining or canoeing for an adrenaline rush.
Evening: Return to the city and unwind at Spruzzo at the Ben Hotel with panoramic views and signature cocktails.
Day 3: High Octane Excitement & Adventure
Morning: Drop by the private airport for a helicopter tour of the area. Stopping by all the sight seeing spots and the most EPIC view of the coastline.
Afternoon: Lunch at The Eau for a taste of diverse flavors.
Evening: Attend a live performance at [the Kravitz Center, preferably showcasing Palm Beach Symphony and the vibrant arts scene.
Day 4: Coastal Retreat
Morning: Drive to Jupiter for a day by the sea.
Late Morning: Relax on the beach or explore the town’s charming streets and boutiques.
Afternoon: Savor fresh seafood and Crawfish at Crawdaddy’s!
Evening: Catch the sunset at Guanabana’s, known for its tropical views, entertainment and delectable cocktails.
Day 5: Culinary Adventure
Morning: Participate in a cooking class to learn local recipes and culinary techniques.
Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at The Breakers Seafood Bar to savor the creations.
Late Afternoon: Explore Delray Beach Atlantic Avenue for unique local ingredients and treats.
Evening: Dinner at Restoration Hardware Rooftop Restaurant to experience the beautiful design and diverse culinary influences.
Day 6: Outdoor Recreation
Morning: Embark on an outdoor adventure like Hot Air Balloon Ride
Afternoon: Picnic lunch at a scenic spot.
Late Afternoon: Visit Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardensfor a serene nature walk.
Evening: Dine at Cafe Via Flora, an establishment blending exquisite cuisine with the beauty of nature.
Day 7: Relaxation and Reflection
Morning: Pamper ourselves with a spa day at The Eau Spa.
Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the spa’s restaurant.
Late Afternoon: Reflect on the week’s adventures while lounging in a nearby park or botanical garden.
Evening: Conclude the trip with a farewell dinner at Buccan, reminiscing about the unforgettable experiences.
This itinerary combines the best of cultural exploration, outdoor adventures, culinary delights, and relaxation, ensuring my best friend leaves with cherished memories of their visit.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Without a doubt, my heartfelt shoutout and dedication go to the extraordinary man who has been the anchor of my life for the past 25 years—my husband, Marcelo Martin. As the VP of Production and the solid foundation of our family, he has been the driving force behind every success and the comforting presence during every challenge.
In the realm of running a company, Marcelo has been my unwavering support through the highs and lows. His belief in my capabilities has been the catalyst for pushing boundaries, even on days when self-doubt threatened to overshadow my confidence. Equally, he has been the voice of reason, reminding me that it’s perfectly acceptable to hit pause and take a breath when needed.
What makes Marcelo exceptional extends beyond his role as VP of Production; it’s his consistent presence at every event we’ve produced, with just one exception when the demands of two simultaneous events required his leadership at one while I took charge of the other. His dedication and commitment are evident not only in the professional realm but also in the remarkable way he embraces the role of a phenomenal father to our two daughters.
Beyond his professional and parenting roles, Marcelo is a true gentleman. His actions radiate respect and kindness, not just towards me but to everyone around him. He’s not just my life partner; he’s my ultimate protector, capable of instilling a sense of security with just a reassuring glance.
As we navigate life’s journey together, I am not just grateful for the past but excited for the future. I wish Marcelo all the success and fulfillment in his aspirations and look forward to witnessing him achieve his goals. Here’s to the man who completes my world and makes every day brighter.
Website: www.ExperienceEpic.com
Instagram: instagram.com/ExperienceEpicEvents
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/Experience-Epic
Twitter: @ExperienceEpicEvents
Facebook: fb.com/ExperienceEpic
Youtube: www.youtube.com/ExperienceEpicEvents
Other: Office 561-467-4760
Image Credits
VMA Studios