Stephen Stawicki, MBC™
The Wedding Connection, www.theweddingconnection.net, Huntington Woods, Mich.Employees: 2 full-timeRevenue breakdown: 60% ceremonies, 15% consulting/coordinating, 15% counseling, 10% baby namings and funeralsContact: 248.543.7396, info@theweddingconnection.net, Facebook, LinkedInFamily: I am married to Rabbi Miriam Jerris, PhD, and we have five children, ranging in age from the late 40s to middle 30s, and six grandchildren.Education: I am a graduate of the Cooper School of Art, which used to be in Cleveland, Ohio, and now no longer exists. I have also completed some college and technical school studies.Past Career: I was in advertising for 30 years.On the ABC: I’ve been a member since 1992. I believe it’s important to belong to trade groups and associations that contribute within my chosen field.MBC™ Status: I received my MBC™ in 2005. I felt it was important to be the most knowledgeable and respected in my field to be of better service to my clients. I was also the guinea pig who volunteered to do the first oral presentation to become a Master Bridal Consultant™. It took place in front of eight to 10 of my peers and the Monaghans (ABC founders). What we learned in that forum became the standard that others have followed.Other Memberships: The National Association of Catering Executives (NACE).The Business: We started the business in 1990 when I was ready for a career shift. The Wedding Connection is a full-service event company. We offer total or partial involvement in all life-cycle events: baby namings, corporate event planning, wedding ceremonies, bridal consulting, same-day coordination, same-sex ceremonies and events, couples counseling, and funerals.Goals: I’ve been doing events for 40-plus years, and now that I’m over 71, I’ve pretty much accomplished my goals. My wife, who is younger, serves as the Rabbi for The Society of Humanistic Judaism, a position that requires a lot of her time, and also has duties with The Wedding Connection.Current trends: What happens on television, both good and bad.Marketing Strategy: To continually evolve with the times.Staying Fresh: I love the people! And, more importantly, I love the wedding professionals with whom I work.Ideal Client: All my clients are ideal. At my age, I wouldn’t work with any client who gave me grief.Words of Wisdom: The wedding business is 24/7. Network and then network some more.Recently read: The Lazarus Project by Aleksandar Hemon.Inspiration: I read the trades, watch shows like David Tutera’s “My Fair Wedding,” and attend many meetings for information.On Giving Back: In the past, I volunteered more. Now, I mostly give back by mentoring others.[nggallery id=14]