March Team Member of the Month: Nick Borelli

March 12, 2013/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

2013 Has Been Big For Nick

Rock The House’s Marketing and Communications Director, Nick Borelli has already had a big 2013 and it’s only March!

As the Vice President of Communications of the Cleveland Chapter of ISES (International Special Events Society), Nick ensures that event professionals in the North East Ohio area are kept up to date with the monthly events ISES plans. In addition, Nick is the voice of ISES Cleveland on their various social media efforts. In 2013, Nick has taken on the additional responsibility of the position of Marketing Chair for the state wide ISES Ohio WOW Awards. This event takes place on April 19th at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and celebrates the best events in Ohio from 2012.

Starting in January 2013, Nick was elected to the board of directors for The SEARCH Foundation for a two year term. The SEARCH Foundation is a national non-profit that raises money for event professionals in times of need. As someone who has been in the event industry since he was fourteen years old, giving back to this group means a lot to him. As well as being on the board of directors, Nick is the Chairman of the Public Relations Committee for SEARCH and is engaged in a campaign to raise awareness for this charitable organization. Nick assisted in the recent SEARCH Foundation fundraiser in Chicago this January.

Nick spent a week in Chicago this January to attend a ISES leadership summit, a SEARCH Foundation board meeting, and fundraiser, as well as the 2013 TSE conference. TSE (The Special Event) is an annual conference and trade show with thousands of attendees from all areas of the event industry. Nick had been selected in 2012 as one of the ten “Voices of TSE“, a group of event professionals who blogged on trends leading up to the January event. While at TSE, Nick went to a variety of educational sessions, networked with an international network of contacts, and was able to attend some of the best industry events of the year.

The 2013 year began with Rock The House’s big bridal show push. RTH has a large presence at the Cleveland and Akron Today’s Bride Bridal Shows as well as attendance at the Ever After Bridal Show, Cleveland Jewish News JStyle Show at The Ritz, the Quicken Loans Arena Bridal Show, and a number of event venue bridal showcases. These efforts are executed by a large team and is driven by the marketing department.

Nick had the opportunity to travel abroad on a much-needed break in February to Mexico. For his fifth wedding anniversary, he and his wife visited the Riviera Maya region as well as the island of Cozumel. As someone who is very connected to dozens of social media outlets, this trip included his largest stretch of time “unplugged” in a decade. Being able to refresh and unwind is crucial in the deadline driven world of events.

Upon his return Nick was a guest at the sixth annual CBC Magazine Connector’s Choice Awards at the Galleria at Erieview. Rock The House was nominated for three awards and Nick won for Networking Star against a few really great networkers and friends of the company.

The next week, Nick was featured in an interview on 19 Action News Cleveland on the rise of popularity of the social media site, Pinterest. The interview was both about Pinterests popularity and that some men have started to adopt this platform that has been dominated by a female demographic since it’s inception. The article also featured the Rock The House Pinterest Page which has images from some of the best weddings, corporate events, and bar / bat mitzvahs.

After only two months of 2013 in the books, there is still even more time for Nick to make an impact for Rock The House. We’re all looking forward to what the rest of the year will bring!

2013 BUSINESS EXCELLENCE FORUM IN LAS VEGAS

January 25, 2013/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

Innovation in Business Excellence

Rock The House Entertainment is grateful for each award we’ve been nominated and won over the years. This year, we’ve been nominated for a very different type of award. Often we find ourselves in the running for regional awards within the event industry for our contributions to event entertainment or production. This time, we have been nominated for a national award that is available to all industries.

Matt Radicelli & Darren Hardy, Publisher of Success Magazine

Created to recognize the “Best of the Best” in the small-and-medium sized business (SMB) sector, the Business Excellence Awards honors the achievements and accomplishments of owners in industries and categories from around the world. The Business Excellence Awards night honors those business owners and their companies who have taken their companies, teams and results to “the next level” of success. Rock The House Entertainment has been nominated as a finalist for the “Most Innovated Company”. We’re honored to be in a list of some of the most creative companies in the United States. Wish us luck!

action coach cleveland consulting business

Matt Radicellu, Wayne Bergman, & Iain Macfarlane in Las Vegas

January Team Member of the Month: Carmen Moscarillo

January 22, 2013/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

The Key To Her Success? Having Fun!

Coming up on her third anniversary, Carmen has made a huge impact on many of our client’s lives. She does that by making everyone around her feel comfortable and happy. No easy task in the high pressure world of event production but Carmen makes it look effortless. With 250+ shows with Rock The House, Carmen has gone from a fresh new face to a mentor to other team members in a short period of time. As is the case with many of our best team members, training in a few different arenas has allowed Carmen to be able to one of Rock The House’s best assets.

Carmen is one of the most requested dancers by our clients because she makes real connections with guests and they remember her. Because she is so well-liked amongst event guests, she has really found her niche as one of the most important photo novelty technicians that company has ever had. This position puts her one on one with every guest at an event which lets her great attitude to become infectious. This position has a strong technical aspect to it as well which she has more than embraced.

As a student, Carmen has developed the skills of work/life balance by continuing her education while growing with Rock The House. She hasn’t met a challenge that has scared her yet which is the trait of a real achiever. Creative and Talent Director, Ryan Konikoff had this to say about Carmen:

“Anyone who has ever worked with Carman at 1:00am after a 15 hour day (when there are still hours left to go) knows why she is so important to Rock The House. She has the drive, energy and teamwork to lift the team up and carry all of them to the finish line.”

Being calm under pressure is something that separates true event professionals from the amateurs. Carmen is able to do this by taking a second to breath and realizing that events are parties…everyone should be having fun the whole time. It’s this perspective that endears her to our entire team. We asked Carmen what makes her tick, here’s what she said:

“Over the past few years, I have shown both dedication and love for this industry. I love making someone’s special day perfect, whether that is making a room look beautiful with uplighting, taking pictures to capture all the memories of that special night, or dancing to keep the energy level going all night long.I love every part of my job, and I want to continue learning more. Although I started here quite younger than expected, I have ambition and passion for what I do and for everyone I share it with every weekend. I am also presently pursuing Marketing and Dance at Cleveland State University.”

Thanks to your dedication, Carmen, your positive energy has spread to thousands in the region!

Say “I Do” to Rock The House

January 14, 2013/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

Our Clients Have Fallen In Love w/ Us!

Our 2012 wedding season ended January 13th, 2013 for us. We look at it this way because that’s the date of the Cleveland Today’s Bride Show at the IX Center. This show is the culmination of everything we’ve learned from the season and it bridges the gap to the next year.

How do we sum up the 2012 bridal show season? To us, it was the year that we felt really established in the market. The number of brides who came to us after having a fun experience at one of their friend’s weddings really became the norm in early 2012. It’s less often that it is our marketing that brings a newly engaged couple to our office and much more often a referral from a friend.

After talking with future brides and grooms at the Today’s Bride Show, we found the following facts about Rock The House the most important to their buying decisions:

No Risk – We guarantee our services.
Concierge Class Customer Service – You have one consistent wedding expert as your contact through the whole process.
Creative Minds – We’ve built Rock The House as THE creative event producer in Northeast Ohio. No couples are the same so no two Rock The House weddings are the same.
Priority on Fun – We know you two love each other…so let’s have a party! At the end of the day, your wedding reception is about having fun with the most important people in your lives. We take fun seriously.
Teamwork Makes The Dreamwork – When you hire Rock The House, you hire the entire team. Many of our staff touches your event that you’ve never even met! We put together the right team for your event based on what YOU want from your wedding.

What is most important to you for your wedding? Let us know!

Here are a few weddings from 2012 that just might inspire you:

: Photography by Genevieve Nisly Photography

: Photo by Making The Moment Photography

Nationally Connected

January 3, 2013/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

The Best Entertainment PERIOD

We recently had the privilege of working with one of our closest friends in event entertaiment, Emcee Marz of Charizma from Chicago. Marz is part of a group of entertainers across the United States that shares tips and tricks learned in the field. He has personally helped teach and grow our dance division as well as being a big influence on our MC team.

Being able to work with someone of his caliber on one of our client’s events was a real treat. We brought him into town as one of our Dance Jam instructors which gave us an opportunity to work with him on an event. We are committed to growing through continued education and inspiration. Check out Marz’s video from this wedding:

December Team Member of the Month: Samantha Fox

December 14, 2012/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

Making People Smile Matters

Samantha Fox brightens up every room which is a big part of her job and why she is the Team Member of the Month for December. We’re seeing a pattern here with what it takes to earn this achievement. The pattern is round robins, which Sam most certainly is. Here is a list of some of the positions Sam has trained and excelled at: dancer, dj, photo technician, shop technician, and an assistant to anyone who needs one. Another area where Sam sets herself apart is her ability to train newer staff members. She really understands both the Rock The House work ethic and our company culture enough to instill it on others.

One of the reasons that Sam really made her mark in December is a new job title she can brag about: Manager for Legacy Village’s Polar Point Program. This is where Rock The House provides free photos with Santa for families in the community during the month of December. Her proven ability to work directly with clients while managing a team gives her the unique ability to run this operation. Another sign that Sam has proven herself as a star is through client requests. Generally, our MC’s are usually the most requested category of team member but Sam has often requested as much as any of our MC’s. This is due to her ability to connect with guests and make an impact on events in a way that looks effortless. It looks effortless because she is actually having fun on the job which attracts others. Her smile multiples others.

Creative & Talent Director, Ryan Konikoff had this to say about Sam:

“Sam is proof that leadership is not just a title. No matter what position she has in an event, she leads through example. She also understands that no one person earns the win or loss for an event – it is the team. Her commitment to the team is evident when she is willing to give up her personal time in order to fill in for a team member that is unable to make it to an event. She puts the team first.”

Sam’s commitment to the team and it’s members is best said in her own words:

“I started out as a dancer and have grown into so many other positions.I plan on continuing my training at every chance available as well. I genuinely love it too! I can honestly say there is not a single person at RTH I don’t have some love for. I always want to give everyone hugs, as silly as that is. The employees at RTH are definitely a special family to me.”

Sam’s favorite Rock The House moment shows how much the team thinks for her:

“My favorite memory created by my coworkers of RTH is how an impromptu, surprise dance party happened on my birthday. I worked on my 25th birthday and when I got back to the office, the majority of the staff that also worked that evening was waiting for me with enthusiasm and baked goods. We were having so much fun it turned into a perfect little birthday bash!”

Congratulations, Sam! You’re a big part of what makes this team so special.

Nick Borelli Joins SEARCH Foundation’s Board

November 14, 2012/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

Event Industry Non-Profit Group & Rock The House

Rock The House Entertainment has been a supporter of the SEARCH Foundation for years. For the next two years, our commitment will be stronger and more formal with the inclusion of our Marketing and Communication Director, Nick Borelli, to this national non-profit’s board of directors. Nick has been asked to be Chair of the Public Relations Committee for a two year term.

The Search Foundation supports event professionals in crisis as well as educational initiatives that benefit the industry as a whole. From relief from natural disasters, medical issues that impact key members of companies, or the distribution of information that will elevate us all, SEARCH has been the difference in many companies survival. Giving back to the industry we’ve been involved in for the majority of our lives is at the very heart of the goals of Rock The House. We’ve been very blessed with a level of success that has allowed us the privileged opportunity to help others. SEARCH’s mission will benefit from our continued involvement by increasing awareness of their mission and promoting SEARCH sponsored events.

Chairman, Rick Turner has this to say about Nick’s involvement in SEARCH:

“As the Chair of the Public Relations Committee, Nick will be responsiblefor making people aware of SEARCH through social media and presentation efforts. He will bring new insight to these efforts and provide the Foundation with a Campaign of Awareness.”

If you are interested in donating time or money to this worthy non-profit, contact SEARCH today!

Simchapalooza 2012 – November 4th at Signature of Solon

October 22, 2012/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

Make sure Sunday, November 4 is on your calendar for Cleveland’s premier party planning expo, Simchapalooza, presented by Rock The House. Over 70 exhibitors providing services and products for any occasion! Free and open to the community.

Plan your wedding, rehearsal dinner, shower, Bar or Bat Mitzvah, milestone celebrations, fundraiser or corporate event at this party planning expo.

The event also includes fabulous one-day discounts from many of the vendors, all day entertainment and demonstrations as well as a silent auction featuring popular items and services you can bid on and save. The expo and showcase is produced by Sherri Foxman’s Party411 Events sponsored by, Rock The House Entertainment, Lasting Impressions Event Rentals, PNC, Signature of Solon and the Cleveland Jewish News.

A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit the Greater Cleveland Chapter of Hadassah. Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, promotes health, education, social action and advocacy in the U.S. and medical care and research, education and youth institutions in Israel. It is the largest women’s, largest Zionist and largest Jewish membership organization in the United States.

Check out some photos from last year:

Sunday, November 4th
11 AM – 3 PM
Signature of Solon
39000 Signature Drive
Solon, OH 44139

For more information contact Zach marcus at The Cleveland Jewish News 216.454.8300 Ext. 253 or email [email protected].

October Team Member of the Month: Dezare’ Foster

October 5, 2012/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

Versatile. Professional. Energetic.

Dez is one of the most versatile assets Rock The House has. Our best employees are cross-trained in a variety of positions. Having a team member who understand their other teammate’s roles is pretty powerful. These team members relate to and have a much better understanding of the importance of each position at any given event. Dez has been trained and has show experience as a Dancer, Photo Magic and Photo Booth Technician, DJ, Lighting Designer, and an MC. She is a really great example of how versatile team members are our best.

First and foremast, Dez is a dancer. She recently helped us run our first Rock The House Dance Jam. She proved herself a leader before she was given a formal leadership title. This is important because it was this mentality that helped pave the way for her role as a show lead. Since she had the mentality of a true leader among peers, it was natural for us to train her in the role of a formal show lead.

Dez’s work ethic is another pillar of what makes her special. Late nights, high energy dancing, equipment load-ins and load-outs, and back to back events are not for everyone. The real sign of a true entertainer is being able to put in the hard work and still have fun during the show. Dez is a true entertainer.

entertainment lighting team

Dez’s advice to new team members is this:

“I would tell them its not easy, because it takes a lot of work to load in, set up and put on a great show. But in the moments when we’re dancing or singing with abandon, that’s what makes it all worth while. My favorite part about being on a Rock The House team is the all the knowledge and experience that each person brings, which allows me to learn from them.”

Creative & Talent Director, Ryan Konikoff, explains why Dez was chosen this month:

“Every month is a great one for Dez, but this month we have really seen her shine. From being a team lead to getting tons of requests, and getting mentioned by name by clients in evaluations, her month has been spectacular!”

Thanks for all your hard work, Dez. You’ve made a big impact on our client’s lives and the lives of our team. You are VERY appreciated!

Three Waiters at Landerhaven by Party411 Events

September 27, 2012/in Lighting & Drapery /by mhadder4561

These Servers Can Sing!

We once again had the privileges to be chosen to work for Party411 Events on Saturday, September 8th at Executive Caterers by Landerhaven. How often is can a birthday party boast national entertainment, a living sushi bar, and a massive bar carved out of ice? Well, this one had all that and more! We don’t want you to think this event felt overblown…far from it. This was actually a very relaxed event with friends sharing an evening together to celebrate a milestone birthday. Because the execution of the event involved so many high quality details, the flow of the event felt very natural.

Every aspect of this event had a global feel. The menu by Executive Caterers allowed guests to roam the room while trying menu items inspired by a variety of countries.The decor was also globally-inspired and very tasteful. This theme was taken to the next level by The Three Waiters. These singers were obviously on a national level and it just made the whole evening that much more impressive.

We really want to thank everyone at Party411 Events for involving us in this event. Any time we can offer our sound or lighting services to an event of this caliber is a treat. If you are interested in working with an event professional with a proven track record of excellent collaborations, contact us today! www.RTHgroup.com