Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancy Stewart-Franczak.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In 1988, after a seven-year career with IBM in Boca Raton, I launched a graphic design and advertising agency in downtown Delray Beach. Instantly falling in love with the community, I desperately wanted to see it prosper. I quickly got involved in volunteering for various city boards and organizations, committed to not taking this beautiful community for granted. I strongly believe that volunteering is the glue to connect to your community and to make it a better place to live. So much that I’ve called Delray Beach my home for the last 20 + years.
During this time Delray Beach was focused on revitalizing the central business district and attracting people to downtown. My community involvement sparked a passion for the event business. In 1998 I successfully transitioned my advertising agency around full-service event management, production, and event consulting.
In November 1999, we launched our first event, the Delray Beach Garlic Fest (now known as the South Florida Garlic Fest).
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The event business is often not a smooth road and being a woman made it a little more challenging. Having a living that is dependent on the weather would be what I consider my biggest challenge.
Tell us about your business. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a company? What sets you apart from others?
What I love:
I love Delray Beach. Plain and simple.
What do I specialize in:
I throw parties – big ones! Events bring communities together and assist in celebrating the unique cultures found in South Florida. Sure, we may have a little fun in the process, but that’s what brings people together. Being in the advertising world, I found that it was becoming particularly harder and harder for brands to get in front of their consumers. Our events transpire a non-threatening environment which allows potential consumers and companies to have face-to-face interaction that is unique & memorable in addition to long-lasting relationships and partnerships.
Known for:
I would say that I am known for my work ethic and I attribute my success to resourcefulness, attention to detail, being a taskmaster and having a gift for problem-solving!
Most proud of:
I am most proud of the very first event we created. The South Florida Garlic Fest has grown to be an international award-winning event and is well-known across the country. The event is staffed by nine local non-profit organizations, 300+ volunteers, several full-time staff people, over 25 contractors, has raised in excess of $610,000 for local organizations, received dozens of international awards, been featured on the Food Network’s “Unwrapped” program and the Cooking Channel’s “Carnival Eats. We are now affectionately referred to as “The Best Stinkin’ Party in South Florida.”
What sets me apart from others:
My relentless passion and work ethic
Who have you been inspired by?
Frances Bourque – Frances has contagious optimism, passion, and love for Delray that I share. She is responsible for the vision known as Old School Square that transformed our community and gave residents a place to gather. She gave us the biggest gift of all—community.
Contact Info:
- Address: 140 NE 1st Street
- Website: www.FestivalManagementGroup.com
- Phone: 561-274-4663
- Email: nancy@festivalmanagementgroup.com
- Instagram: nancyfranczak
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nancy.stewartfranczak
- Twitter: @NancyFranczak
Image Credit:
VMA Photography Studios
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