Our Team
Robin Bender | CEO & Event Manager
Robin, our Event Manager, brings a formidable blend of experience and expertise to her role. With nine years at the helm of a premier sports bar and entertainment venue, coupled with an additional 14 years managing schedules and booking bands for various distinguished venues, her industry tenure is both extensive and impressive. Her 23-year background in real estate has honed her acumen in contract negotiation and management, ensuring a thorough and meticulous approach to every event. Detail-oriented and committed, Robin guarantees that every aspect of your event will be flawlessly executed, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience.
Joe Araiza | Production/Talent Manager
As our Production/Talent Manager, Joe possesses an impressive breadth of experience in the music industry, spanning over 30 years. His career encompasses national tours with bands and extensive studio/session work in major music hubs including Nashville, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Seattle. Additionally, with more than a decade in theater production, Joe's expertise extends to organizing events of all scales, artist relations, stage management, and hospitality. His deep knowledge and relentless work ethic are instrumental in ensuring the success of every event. Trust in Joe to deliver a truly exceptional experience.
Jenn Kawa | Vendor Manager
Coming Soon…
Chuck Helmink | Security & Safety Manager
Chuck is a distinguished US Marine Corps veteran, having served with honor from 1990 to 1992, including two combat tours. Following his military service, he joined the Portage Police from 2002 to 2007, where he led a security team responsible for safeguarding a variety of events. These ranged from weddings and concerts to traffic control at parades and sporting events. From 2003 to 2008, Chuck further enhanced his security expertise at the Chicagoland Speedway, where he was instrumental in ensuring the safety of over 75,000 attendees. His responsibilities covered all aspects of event security, from front-stage operations to personal security for artists during concerts and autograph sessions. Chuck's extensive experience in high-stress environments ensures a profound commitment to the safety and security of all involved, guaranteeing a secure and smoothly managed event.
Kirt Witham | Production & Staff Manager
Kirt is a seasoned Professional Operations Manager, boasting over 30 years of comprehensive experience in management, project management, and event management. He has successfully coordinated, planned, and supervised projects involving hundreds of direct reports. As a multi-business owner, Kirt has adeptly overseen all facets of operations and business development, including marketing strategies. His prowess extends to managing multiple project sites across the nation for Fortune 500 companies, demonstrating his capability to handle large-scale operations with precision. Furthermore, as a Construction Manager, Kirt has expertly directed construction projects valued at hundreds of millions of dollars, showcasing his extensive knowledge and exceptional leadership in high-stakes environments.
Matt Price | Vendor Manager
Coming Soon…