Brides Take On The City

March 10, 2014/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

All Aboard The Bride Bus!

Personal Touch by Covesa put on this one of a kind event for brides to be. Instead of spending weeks driving around town, going from venue, to bakery, to entertainment facility, Covesa handles it all in one day.

The bus started out with thirty brides enjoying mimosas on as they headed out to Rock The House to see what we call the Demo Room. Part of our facility is dressed as a drab wedding hall where we show you how pipe and drape, uplighting, and monogrammed GOBO lights change any venue into an enchanted dream. Our Creative Director Ryan was on hand to get the brides into the reception spirit while teaching about all of our services.

The day continued onto multiple venues, bakeries, and even a stationary shop. Covesa really takes the guesswork out of who to trust in the wedding world. The brides on the bus all had a great time discussing wedding plans and sharing ideas.

Personal Touch by Covesa puts on multiple weddings each year. They are a company we truly enjoy working with and know we can trust. For wedding planning check them out and for top of the line production work, check out our website RTHGroup.com

Matt Radicelli Graduates Goldman Sachs 10K Small Businesses

December 19, 2013/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

Education Never Stops

Congratulations to the Founder/Owner of Rock The House, Matt Radicelli, who graduated, along with 36 other small business owners, from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program this past Saturday, December 14, 2013. This program was created by Goldman Sachs as a $500 million program to unlock the growth and job-creation potential of 10,000 small businesses across the United States through greater access to business education, financial capital and business support services. Through a partnership with the City of Cleveland’s Office of Economic Development, Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C), and the Goldman Sachs Foundation’s $15 million endowment, this program will directly impact the region’s economy in a variety of lasting ways.

During the past 12 weeks, Matt, along with a very diverse group of regional entrepreneurs, took classes across a gamut of management topics including HR, accounting, leadership, marketing, and negotiation with workshops curated by Goldman Sach’s team members. Matt was one of two graduates (along with Alec McClennan, president of Good Nature Organic Lawn Care) who were chosen by their peers to share their stories at Saturday’s graduation ceremony at Tri-C’s Advanced Technology Training Center. “My entire family both at home and at Rock The House were extremely supportive during the three month program”, says Matt. “I couldn’t have done it without their support and understanding. They are truly appreciated!”

Matt on the impact of the program on Rock The House:

“During one of the financial clinics, a quote was used on the video screen that said, ‘Anyone Who Can Be your Competitor, Can Be Your Partner’. That Ah-ha moment led to me offering to buy one of our competitors that very same day and we closed the deal to purchase Zone Entertainment 48 hours before I graduated from the program.”

“One of the most important roles of a leader is to spend a considerable amount of time on marketing and sales innovation. The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program put me in a position where a regimented schedule gave me the opportunity to spend considerable amounts of time on the business.”

“All entrepreneurs have an inner need to create something from nothing or to continuously create and improve those around them. This program has helped to reinvigorate me and to remind me of the things that I really enjoy doing and that I need to delegate everything else.”

“The program allowed me to develop new contacts with other Cleveland-based entrepreneurs that also led to the creation of friendships with more than 40 people including my classmates and the program faculty and staff.” matt radicelli rock the house dis

For more information on the program, watch Goldman Sach’s video:

Best of Cleveland 2013

October 29, 2013/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

Celebrating Cleveland

Cleveland Magazine‘s Best of Cleveland Party was one of our signature corporate events in 2013. There are a number of reasons why we consider this event one of our very special corporate events. One reason is that we consider Cleveland Magazine and their parent company, Great Lakes Publishing, one of best corporate clients due to the multitude of events we’ve worked on together as well as variety of services they’ve purchased from us. Another reason this event really stood out was the chance to be surrounded by the very best company’s in Cleveland. Everywhere you looked at this party you would see local brand success stories which gives you a lot of pride being counted in their number.

The biggest reason we were so excited about this event though was why we were chosen for this project. The team at Cleveland Magazine were looking for something different this year and those are circumstances where we really shine. This annual event has sold out at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for years and is one of the most talked about parties each time. A new venue was needed in order to grow attendance but it’s always hard to compete with the experience of the Rock Hall. The historic Public Hall of Downtown Cleveland was chosen for it’s size, flexibility and stage. It was our job to make this space feel like a real party while increasing guest experience. These types of “problems” are what get us up in the morning!

Speaking of the best, we were just one piece of the puzzle that made this event such a success. Event designer Joe Mineo of Something New Event Design once again transformed Public Hall. His talent for transforming the same spaces into totally different party venues is legendary. Like we mentioned, the deck was stacked in our favor on this one. Rentals from Event Source created lounge areas at the event that took advantage of the larger floor plan this year’s event had. Sherri Foxman’s Party 411 Events provided entertainment inside the VIP area that has not been seen in Cleveland and we expect nothing less from them! Another mainstay of great parties in Cleveland also knows their way around Public Hall and that’s Executive Caterers. With over 1,000 discerning guests in attendance, it was vey impressive how much food was available at all times. This truly was the Best of Cleveland!

This event not only celebrated the very best Cleveland businesses but also benefitted Breakthrough Schools of Greater Cleveland (the highest-rated network of public charter schools in Ohio). To help this cause, Rock The House managed the Text To Pledge efforts during the party. Guests were urged to donate through their smart phones through custom media we designed that was displayed on screens throughout the night. The trend of smaller donations from larger volumes of people is really changing how non-profits operate at events.

Another new feature of Best of Cleveland 2013 was our Social Media Displays. We moderated and pushed social media messages from Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Vine that used the #BestOfCLE hashtag to our screens to increase engagement. Hundreds of messages were seen all over which included messages about sponsors and vendors at the party.

Besides these new offering, Rock The House provided the corporate event production services were are known for. Lighting and drapery created the boundaries of the Spa West VIP Lounge where guests could take advantage of their massages, live jazz and piano music, as well as an open bar. In addition, we provided lighting and sound for the party’s main musical entertainment from Faction, RadioActive Band, and DJ Donkis. We also provided photo opportunities for guests on the floor of the event as well as the VIP Lounge. Cleveland Magazine is one of our best corporate customers for our Green Screen Photo Magic because they understand the impact of branding a favor that guests really love holding on to.

A variety of services, a client that let us be creative, and vendor partners that are all at the top of their fields…Cleveland Magazine understands what it takes to host an event put on by the best of Cleveland for the best of Cleveland.

public hall party ohio production

Sponsor:

Entertainment Sponsor:

PHOTO BOOTH SPONSOR

VIP ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR

Amy Van Duyne Joins The Rock The House Family

August 19, 2013/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

Welcome To The Team

We’re proud to announce that Amy Van Duyne has joined the Rock The House family as the Executive Assistant to Founder/Owner, Matt Radicelli.

“This isn’t an easy position to succeed in.” Says Matt. “This job is all about keeping me moving as efficiently as possible. I’m really happy Amy chose to join our team. She gets it.“ says Matt.

Her job also includes “other tasks as needed” which will include design, market research, business analysis, project management, and anything else that will help advance the growth of RTH.

Amy describes it best, “I’m like a battery in a fan, I keep things running and it’s a lot easier than spinning the blades yourself.”.

Background

Amy earned her Bachelor’s in Education at Ashland University, then bolstered her special event resume with non-profit work for almost 4 years. During that time, she produced annual adult and youth conferences, organized national and international committees, and assisted the progress of a wide array of initiatives with only a limited volunteer support staff.

With a growing fascination with special events, Amy accepted a position in a floral studio; then decided to go back to school to earn a Certificate of Tourism, Convention, and Event Management. While studying in Indianapolis she gained valuable experience as a member of ILEA’s Indiana Chapter, working at Kahn’s Catering as a server, McNamara Florist, and managing a Pilates Studio.

After she earned her Event Endorsement, she was offered a position at Neil Leeson Decor Floral, one of the region’s most well-known and respected Floral & Decor organizations. Amy quickly worked her way up the ladder and eventually earned her position as Director of Weddings & Special Events.

“I really enjoyed working with the team at Neil Leeson. While I was there, I was able to help streamline the business, create internal and external controls, and really strengthen the brand. It was a really great team.” Says Amy.

RTH, Goals, & The Future

With aspirations of owning her own business, Amy decided to make a transition that would allow her to learn more about production and entertainment; areas she had not been exposed to.

Nick Borelli, Rock The House’s Marketing and Communications director adds, “I also chose a career here at Rock The House to learn more about live event production and entertainment. RTH has a really great culture; and for someone with Amy’s skill-set and drive, coming to work every day [at RTH] is going to feel like coming home – she fits right in.”

Most companies would think twice about hiring someone with aspirations of starting their own business but Matt sees it very differently:

“I’m an entrepreneur… and I have a lot of respect for anyone that wants to be in control of their own destiny – even if it means they want to start their own business. If we hire the right team members, compensate them fairly, and treat them with respect and dignity, there’s a good chance we’ll be partners in some sort of business endeavor someday.”

Amy is excited about the present but sees everything she does as experiences that are shaping her future:

“Working at Rock The House is a win-win. Not only does the company offer what I need to catapult my career goals, but I can also offer the team my knowledge and previous experiences that will help move the company forward as a whole. Whether I’m here for two years or 10 years, it is my goal to increase the company’s growth and make some great friends along the way.”

As a member of the ILEA Cleveland Board of Directors, Amy has already made a name for herself in the Cleveland event industry. She credits ISES with boosting her career goals by allowing her to network with the best in the industry, gain industry-specific education from peers, and connectivity beyond the region as a member of an international group of professionals.

Beyond Amy’s team goals, she has set personal goals for the next five years and beyond:

“One of my first goals is to obtain my CSEP (Certified Special Events Professional) designation. It is not only a symbol of professional achievement, but it also shows the respect and commitment I have to the industry.”

Rock The House has always been a company full of ‘Rock Stars’ who are hungry for new challenges and are committed to pushing the boundaries of what we can offer our clients. This is why we know Amy will fit in perfectly in our culture and help elevate everything she touches.

:: Congratulate Amy today on her new position, or connect with her to find out how she [and Rock The House] can help to make your next event ROCK! [email protected]

WKYC Health & Wellness Expo 2013

August 16, 2013/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

WKYC to host Health & Wellness Expo

WKYC is playing host to an inaugural event, guaranteed to bring thousands of people downtown to the brand new Cleveland Convention Center.

The station is hosting their first annual Health & Wellness Expo on Saturday, September 7^th. The event runs 10 am to 6pm and is free and open to the public and is presented by Cleveland Clinic Children’s, Mace and The Dental Specialty Group.

The Expo will focus on all aspects of a healthy lifestyle and is designed to help Northeast Ohio residents learn more about their health in an informative and fun environment. Those who come to the Expo can get free health screenings for cholesterol, blood pressure, BMI and skin cancer, just to name a few. A Health Forum Pavilion will feature panel discussions on trending health topics, plus a cooking stage with area chefs and a demo stage with the latest exercise and dance moves.

There is plenty of interactive fun for the whole family. Meet the WKYC-TV team and give weather and sports anchoring a shot. Or climb a rock wall, work on a golf swing, or kick around a soccer ball.

It’s fun, it’s free and it’s being held in the coolest new spot in Northeast Ohio! Check out the WKYC Health & Wellness Expo on Saturday, September 7^th.

Rock The House Brings Conference To Cleveland

August 13, 2013/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

Creativity Always Wins The Bid

The annual DJ / MC Entertainment conference “Think Tank” is held in a different city each year. The host helps facilitate an event that brings the best of the best in the world of event entertainment together to learn, collaborate, and celebrate.

This year, Think Tank member, Rock The House, created a video as our pitch to be the host city for this important event to our industry. Sure, we could have created a Powerpoint presentation and simply listed what makes Cleveland special…but that’s not our style. We’re in the creativity business and that’s how we won the hearts of these business owners.

There may be cities that shine a bit brighter than Cleveland, but none of them would welcome these event professionals with more open arms.

Driftwood Catering Open House

June 14, 2013/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

Welshfield Inn Banquet Center

We had the pleasure of providing lighting and sound for the June 13, 2013 Driftwood Catering Open House at The Welshfield Inn Banquet Center in Burton, Ohio. This newly remodeled banquet center is easy to access for Main Market Road but is located on 19 acres of rural land. With a restaurant, banquet facility, and room for a tent, this is a really flexible venue for weddings, corporate events, or really any type of party.

We have developed a strong relationship with Driftwood Catering as well as the other restaurants owned by Chef Chris Hodgson. Chris is currently competing on the reality TV Show, The Next Food Network Star and was featured on The Great Food Truck Race for his food truck “Hodgepodge“, which was also at the Driftwood open house Thursday. Chris and partner Scott Kuhn (celebrated local restauranteur) have worked with us on event’s at their downtown Cleveland location Hodge’s as well as corporate events such has Hyland Software’s Holiday Party. We wish them nothing but the best of luck as they expand further in the event industry in Ohio.

Team Member of the Month: Brent Motika

May 2, 2013/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

Passion For Audio

Brent has had a great month!

Brent has a passion for all things A/V but particularly audio. Brent has continued to better himself and to push us as a company to increase the quality of our audio production and equipment. He has really stepped it up by setting aggressive goals and to doing whatever it takes to see them through. His hard work and leadership has allowed production managers Ryan Durfee and Ben Allison a chance to focus on operations as we begin our busiest season. Brent also completed the technical site survey, gear speck, and management of this years Make A Wish Gala, with rave reviews from the client.

Creative and Talet Director, Ryan Konikoff explains just one reason why Brent is one of Rock The House’s best:

“The Cleveland Airport Marriott has requested him personally 3 times in the last few months to come in and mix audio for several of their largest clients. Mary Francis Ody, Director of Catering and Special Events recently told me at a social event that one of her clients wanted him back for an event in two weeks because of the stellar job he did the week before.Being singled out by a partner like this is a big deal to us. Brent is here to work, and he works hard, but he has huge heart and it shows. He fully understands and embraces the idea of The Rock The House Family and works to make sure that all are included and feel the same rewards he does from a job well done.”

Brent has been with Rock The House for over two and a half years and has worked as a technician in many different areas of the company. His passion for audio comes through in his love of music. Music and sound will always be at the core of Rock The House and Brent has brought us to another level. Brent knows that we’re in the business of fun and that means having fun at what you do is just as important.

Production Manager, Ryan Durfee had this to say about Brent:

“Brent has become a lead tech specifically for larger audio events. It is important for the RTH team to see someone who puts effort and can handle new as well as more responsibility while maintaining a high level of professionalism. The surge of responsibility and work load at the start of our busy season brings wears us all. Brent has been able to keep a positive attitude and keep on his responsibilities as they continue to grow.”

In addition, Production Manager Ben Allison says this about Brent as Team Member of the Month:

“Brent was chosen for team member of the month because of his dedication to the company as well as our clients. He is a team member that others can look to for help and encouragement. He is constantly looking for opportunities that he can have full ownership of and thereby spread the responsibilities across the team instead of on the two production managers, which is greatly appreciated.

When we asked Brent what he liked most about being part of the Rock The House team, here’s what he said:

“The happiness it brings. We throw parties, and we’re damn good at it! The smiles, the laughter, and happiness that comes as a result from all your hard work, that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”

Thanks for all your hard work, Brent! You’re one of the reasons why Rock The House is great!

A Prom To Remember 2013

April 9, 2013/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

A Magical Night of Hope

Rock The House is really proud to have helped create “A Prom To Remember” on April 5, 2013 at The Ritz Carlton. A Prom to Remember‘s mission is to provide the ultimate prom experience for teens who have been affected by cancer. Their goal is not only to provide them something incredible to look forward to, but also to give them an experience that will give them lasting memories. This event that helps provide hope, strength and inspiration.

We’re very excited that many Cleveland businesses offered their services to help make this event one of the best proms anyone could hope for. Guests arrived via limo to a red carpet walk where they had their photos taken and were interviewed by WJW/Fox 8 reporter Kristi Capel. Attendees ages ranged from 12 to 19 with a number of guests making repeat appearances. Cleveland Browns players Greg Little and Dan Gronkowski were both on hand to hang out and play games with the students as just one of the surprises this event had in store for the guests.

Thanks to Jane Knausz, Prom Chair, for these kind words on our participation:

“Thanks so much for DJing Prom 2014. I got a lot of good comments about the music, etc. You are a welcome addition to our team! As you could see, the kids had a great time. I was very comfortable with your music selection. And I did hear you making announcements about eating and hydrating! That was perfect. The kids have so much fun, they forget about that. And with their health, it is really important they take care of themselves.”

All of us at Rock The House are excited that we had the opportunity to provide the entertainment and lighting for this important event. Being able to do what we excel at for worthy recipients is at the heart of our RTH Gives Back program.

Check out these links that talk further about A Prom To Remember:

November Team Member of the Month: Ryan Durfee

November 8, 2012/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

Taking Production To The Next Level

Our Team Member of the Month for November is Ryan Durfee who has been with Rock The House for the last 9 months. Ryan was hired as a production manager and has quickly made a large impact on Rock The House. His commitment to productivity is shown in how he uses his time in the shop. If Ryan has 15 minutes between appointments he will use every minute to work on something in the shop until the meeting begins. He’s always working!

Ryan was selected by the staff and management for the Team Member of the Month because he came on board and immediately worked on implementing our new inventory system while managing and training a staff during our busy wedding season. Taking on a big project while managing a team during a peak season and coming out on the other end is a pretty impressive accomplishment and Ryan did just that.

Creative & Talent Director, Ryan Konikoff has this to say about Ryan Durfee’s efforts thus far:

“He is very organized and has taken important steps to keep the shop just as organized. He is just as creative, however, and can design and operate with the best of them onsite. Finally, and MOST importantly, Durfee never forgets that our clients are our bosses. Ryan is always willing to go the extra mile to make sure we can achive last min requests, events, and changes.”

One of Ryan Durfee’s first decisions was making sure that there was always a production staff team member at the shop to see each show back at the end of each busy night. This often means the staff member is here until 4 or 5 AM. For the first month, Ryan made sure he was that staff member in order to create the systems needed for this initiative to succeed.

Ryan Durfee’s own words are the reason why he is one of the most important asset of Rock The House’s future:

“I enjoy enjoy most that I am a part of every event. At some point, I touch every event and have a chance to keep our best foot forward by my thoughts and observations. Seeing or hearing positive reports from our clients is the best way to tell that we have been successful.”