Interview with Donnah Phipps, business development manager
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: My goal before getting into this industry was to always be in fashion. I went to school for fashion marketing and was on my way to becoming a buyer. Being a few years out of college and needing extra money, I started working as a waiter with a catering company in Toronto. Three months later, I quit my job as a merchandise allocator with a retail company and became the office manager of the same catering company. A year later I was promoted to event manager and that was 14 years ago. I never looked back again! Catering allows me to still be apart of fashion on a different level: décor, colors, themes, food and drink trends.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: At Three Tomatoes Catering, the quality of our staff makes the difference. Our level of hospitality is extrordinary. The Three Tomatoes team feels like a family, from our owner to our event planners, our chefs to our on-site caterer team, our dynamic group brings their own vibrant, welcoming and enthusiastic personalities to the coordination and execution of every event. We make work play while providing personal attention to every single detail of special events. We aim to provide every customer and their guests with the same level of care you dedicate to your personal guests.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: As the business development manager, it is exciting to drive the growth of a company with such a distinguished brand. I feel fortunate to be surrounded by so much talent within our team. What I personally love the most about my job is that I get to meet a lot of different people. From dealing with the mother of the bride, only to meet the bride three months prior to her wedding, to working with some amazing corporate clients that trust what we do and allow us to show our creativity. Work is different every day! The relationships we build in the industry along with long time cliental, it is all rewarding.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: The Denver market is expanding so quickly and the demands are changing just as fast. It is challenge to be ahead the game, but as an innovative caterer, we embrace the challenge.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: I think a lot of people would be surprised to know that Three Tomatoes Catering is not just a catering company. We strive to provide the upmost standards with our quality of our staff and food. With that, we are able to create an experience for our guests with a look, entertainment, décor, and other event management criteria. We can be your one stop shop!
Profile
Business:Three Tomatoes Catering
Address: 2520 W. 29th Ave.
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday (office hours only)
Founded: 1977
Contact: 303-433-3332,
Employees: 50 fulltime
