Success is in the Details

NOTE: This article appears in the Spring 2018 issue of the Wellness and Recreation Alumni magazine. By: Mary Yemma Barnhart, ‘03 ‘06, assistant director, training, development and external relations Have you ever dreamed of being your own boss and owning your own business? Many NC State alumni have a desire to become successful entrepreneurs, however not all are equipped to take the financial risk or have the personality traits needed to be successful. Entrepreneurship is not for everyone, in fact researchers have spent decades analyzing the personality characteristics that are ascribed to entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial success. One of our alumni entrepreneurs, Catrina (Brehm) Vienrich demonstrates the Think and Do attitude needed for entrepreneurial success. Catrina (Brehm) Vienrich, ‘10 was a University Recreation member services specialist and club sport supervisor while also working off campus with University Directories selling ad space and at the Sheraton as the business transient sales manager. Catrina utilized her passions, work experience and academic coursework to become an entrepreneur. She is in the business of taking big ideas and putting them into action by focusing on the details. Catrina has found success in the details. Catrina is the owner of Vine Rich Events and Experiences, an event planning business for corporate companies that focuses on bringing life to a company’s event.  Catrina said, “Owning a business is hard work. I am the owner and the employee. At an event I am the hostess, the waitress, the decorator, the cleaner, and the overall go-to person for everything.” Catrina gained experience managing events and participants as a club sports supervisor with University Recreation, where she was setting up for events, making sure games were starting on time, managing participant and spectator behavior and providing emergency response as needed. Catrina’s drive and networking have provided her with numerous opportunities to plan events. Catrina said, “I have to recruit and promote myself. Networking is everything. I may go out to lunch with a friend and be introduced to a business owner who could be a potential client.” Many days Catrina feels like she is always working. Even during time with friends she is networking and sharing her vision with people she meets. “Some days are crazy. Last week I had four client meetings, including picking out linens for an event, which can take a great deal of time,” Catrina said. “Days can be long. A few weeks ago I was at an event from 5:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.” Entrepreneurs have to be willing to put in long days and hours in order to be successful. In October of last year, Catrina planned an Oktoberfest themed corporate event for Celito and created a Bavarian pretzel tree to display. The tree was a large centerpiece display that she had used previously at a wedding and decided to use the tree and hang pretzels all over it so guests could get their own pretzels and eat as they mingled. Catrina mentioned, “At every event I try to bring in unique features to that specific event, something that guests have never seen, and they often leave telling their friends and co-workers about that feature.” After the Oktoberfest event, Catrina heard guests leaving talking about how large the pretzel tree was and how delicious the pretzels were. [pullquote cite=”Catrina Vienrich (Brehm) ’10 UREC alumni-club sport supervisor and member services specialist” color=”wolfpackred”]Working as a supervisor provided real experience on being the go-to person for everything for that specific sporting competition.[/pullquote]   No matter how long Catrina’s days are, she loves the creativity and details that she provides to her clients to make their events memorable. Catrina said, “Getting to plan experiences that help to create memories for people is worth it. To see a group of people laughing and enjoying the entertainment or activities that I have put together for an event is exciting.” This is what keeps Catrina motivated. It would be easy to go back into working at a corporate office and having less responsibility, while knowing that she has a set salary coming in each month. However, Catrina thrives on the memories she is creating. Catrina tries to be a one stop shop for her clients. Unlike many event planners, Catrina will work on creative with her client and hire a graphic designer as needed to help with production. Her creativity and decisiveness often help the client to make decisions regarding themes, invitations and the details. After spending time with Catrina, a few of the characteristics that were clear in contributing to her entrepreneurial success were: vision, drive, risk, creativity, versatility, flexibility and creativeness.  NC State is helping students harness their Think and Do attitudes and bring their ideas to life with the entrepreneurship academic program, faculty, tools and alumni connection. One tool is the eGarage, a space for students to come together and create and design. The eGarage is open 24/7 for students to develop, create and invent. If you are an alumni, do not lose touch and help NC State students to become successful entrepreneurs. Catrina enjoys staying connected to the Poole College of Management as an alumni, attending many events and serving on a panel to review student business ideas. Catrina stays in touch with many of her professors and runs ideas and concepts by them to get their professional advice. Catrina said, “getting to know your professors and sharing your interests and dreams is important. Many of the professors I met at NC State have helped to connect me with jobs, clients and continue to teach me long after I have graduated.” If you are planning an event or experience, remember Vine Rich Events and Experiences and embrace the Think and Do mentality. Catrina will focus on the details to ensure your event and needs are successfully met.