Interview with Mona S. Meretsky, CSEP, President COMCOR Event & Meeting Production, Inc. & COMCOR Consulting Services, Inc.

Tell us about your business.
COMCOR produces special events for corporations, non-profits and individuals as well as meetings and incentive programs.  Our consulting division has been used to help in the design and re-design of an event space, to train staff at a company which has downsized, to act as an expert witness for matters to do with our industry and, to assist in the marketing of event venues.

Please tell us what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place?
I must admit, my worst fault is impatience.  When I get an idea, after researching it for feasibility, I want to run with it!  Oftentimes when you work for others that can’t
happen.  Being my own boss obviously has its pluses and minuses but all in all, I like to be  ‘in control’ of me.

What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?
My mentor was my first boss after college who encouraged me to learn everything possible and then spread my wings.

What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?
There are two, … being inducted into the Events Industry’s Hall of Fame in 2004 by Event Solutions magazine and, being honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by Special Events magazine in 2005.In my wildest dreams, I never thought when I started in this industry in 1973 that it would come to this.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?
Diversify, … don’t ever put all of your eggs into one basket.  If you have a client in the Pharmaceutical industry, look for another client in an unrelated industry such as Finance.  If one industry is having problems hopefully the next one won’t be.

What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?
Actually there are two things, ….. get everything in writing and get paid in full before your event begins.

Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you succeed?
Being active in a professional association for your industry is a great way to network not only locally but internationally.  Attend both local and out of the area meetings.  You will learn a wealth of knowledge and pick up possible leads along the way.  If you’re in this industry associations you might want to look up are ISES (the International Special Events Society) and there is a South Florida/Caribbean chapter and MPI (Meeting Professional International).  There is a tri-county chapter of this association as well.

What is Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year?
Make it through this difficult time for our country but most specifically for our industry as a strong, solid company.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Never stop learning!

How can our readers find you online?
If you have any questions you can look us up at www.comcorevents.com; or on linkedin or plaxo.