Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaron T Tharp.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It all really started when I went to Orlando for a conference and was introduced to the world of convention resorts, Gaylord Hotels to be exact. I was totally mesmerized by the size and at that moment realized I had to move from my small rural town in Indiana to Orlando and work for this resort. Within a span of 45 days I was living and working at that very hotel as a Front Desk Agent. Fast forward 8 years and I was in many different roles at both the Orlando and Washington DC properties from Accounting, Convention Services to managing the hotel site visits.
Managing the site visits opened my eyes to a whole new world in designing experiences, wow factors, and gave me the creative outlet that I had been striving for. From custom flash mobs to creating a music video, rewriting lyrics, and creating a unique takeaway to highlight the resort in a completely unique way.
From there, I joined Hello! Destination Management working as an Account Manager, getting my feet wet within the new world of Destination Management, learning the business and then getting promoted to Creative Services assisting the team with designing and putting together proposals. Getting that little taste of designing really pushed me to want to become a designer myself.
When an opening in our Texas office became available I jumped at the opportunity and made the journey to Texas. And it couldn’t have worked out any better for me honestly. In the last few years I have been challenged and pushed in so many rewarding ways, being able to grow the Texas office and really create a name for Hello! out here. Being able to create memorable moments for our clients has seriously been a dream come true. I set a goal for myself when I moved out here that I wanted to be the Director of Creative and I wanted to do that in 5 years. I guess when you really set your mind to it and push yourself, staying up late, over delivering, and staying positive great things will come. After just two years I was promoted to that very position which I cannot even explain how lucky I feel.
I am so fortunate to work for a company that puts its employees first, who is all about educating, challenging the norm, and rewarding the employees in so many ways. It’s so amazing to be able to come to work and be with people that are so passionate, so enthusiastic, and who don’t settle for mediocrity. It drives me to be a better designer, a better friend, and better leader.
Has it been a smooth road?
Is anything really smooth and easy in life? I’ve had my fair share of setbacks throughout my career, not winning that big piece of business or not getting that promotion I was hoping for, or letting someone down; we all have a struggle. One thing I learned real quick in life is how you bounce back from those setbacks or struggles. It’s how you respond to the struggle that everyone is paying attention to. And if you want to do better and learn from it you reflect, reevaluate, and make the proper adjustments to make sure it doesn’t happen again. As long as I can say, “I tried my best, I gave it all I could,” that’s all anyone can really ask of you right?
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Hello! Texas Destination Management – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Based on Integrity, Enthusiasm and an Intense desire to succeed, Hello! Destination Management company consults with the corporations and associations to provide impactful meeting and event solutions to attendees through thoughtfully designed themed events, tours, teambuilding activities, brand activations and transportation solutions. As a mulit-award-winning full-service destination management company, Hello! Destination Management serves meeting planners in 10 of the country’s most popular meeting destinations. From its origins in 1986, as Hello! Florida, Hello! Destination Management has grown to over 200 full-time trained employees serving clients from coast to coast.
Hello! Destination Management is known for delivering consistently outstanding and memorable guest experiences. As a turn key solution provider, we listen to our clients’ goals, craft a customized solution in the client’s vision, develop an operational plan and then our professionals use their wealth of local expertise to oversee their program’s successful execution. From fun-filled incentive trips to important corporate meetings (and everything in between,) Hello! partners with our clients to deliver extraordinary events with flawless service that exceeds expectations.
Hello! is owned by the Mears family with roots tracing back to 1939. With 79 years of sound business history, our family owned company does not franchise like many multi-company networks. Because of this, clients can rely on consistent philosophies, systems, and service results. Our clients, employees, and suppliers can count on a consistent approach rather than unpredictable swings in business practices to accommodate quarterly earnings pressures from investors. Additionally, rather than outsourcing an event’s creative design like many other DMCs, Hello! has an in-house, multi-award-winning Creative Services department with thirty team members located throughout each office as well as a national creative team, located in Orlando. Local team members are experts at the products available in their market, but have access to trends and expertise from the entire department, helping clients design a uniquely fashionable experience. Finally, one of Hello!’s most valuable assets is the National Resource Group (NRG), a team of specialized members with expertise in all facets of the DMC process. The NRG is a resource for all 10 Hello! offices, dedicated to helping our teams discover new ways to enhance the guest experience.
Hello’s cause is to be recognized as the best in the business by our clients and to maintain a positive and professionally rewarding environment for our employees. This translates to an unsurpassed dedication to our clients and motivated employees who live our core values of Integrity, Enthusiasm, and an Intense Desire to Succeed. With local experts in each of our 10 offices – Hello! Arizona, Hello! California (San Francisco), Hello! California (San Diego), Hello! Florida (Central), Hello! Florida (South), Hello! Las Vegas, Hello! Nashville, Hello! Texas (Dallas), Hello! Texas (Austin), and Hello! Washington, D.C. – we have the commitment, passion, and expertise to design unparalleled events that bring guests together through their shared experience.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love this city, I mean, I do feel like I was misled on how hot and how cold it gets here but I can deal. There is just so much to do here, from the amazing restaurants, museums, nightlife it’s all so truly amazing. So many unique neighborhoods with their own look and feel.
I remember when I first came to visit and was thinking, “here we go, I better get a cowboy hat and boots” Boy was I wrong, this is an actual city with an amazing and modern skyline, so not that country stigma I and I am sure most others think it is.
Dislikes, hmmm, can I be honest? It’s probably gotta be all the construction on every street and highway with pot holes on pot holes.
Contact Info:
- Website: hello-dmc.com
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
