Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Romero.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jennifer. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started my journey as a runner I had a passion for running and being a part of the running community, I enjoyed it so much that I always wanted to be involved I loved being a part of events that were benefiting a charity, it made me feel good that I was giving back in some way or another whether I was paying to run or volunteering for the event.
In 2015 I had landed a job as a volunteer coordinator, this position had quickly turned into a race director position, I had to learn a lot in a short amount of time, but I was up for the challenge! In 2017 I had decided that I wanted to own my own company and have my own event, the planets aligned in my favor and poof I had Firefly Run! Firefly Run was established in 2010 and was a successful event, the run had fell off the bracket and Firefly Run was no longer to exist, I purchased the run and brought It back to life, I knew it was going to be a challenge, but the passion I had for events, the adrenaline I felt from putting on the event from start to finish I knew that I couldn’t fail, something inside me just said failing isn’t an option this is what I want and I’m going to do it!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Yes and No… I knew It was going to be hard, new company… managing staff… and the big one was being financially responsible for everything it was a big pill to swallow, always wondering if I was making the right decision, I knew I had done everything right when I had sold out events and hearing great feedback from the runners, of course, we can’t always make everyone happy but we will always try our hardest to make it happen, we always try to find the YES and help where we can if it’s in our power.
Please tell us about Firefly Run.
Our event is unique in its own, Firefly Run is an event meant for ALL ages it’s a nighttime run so no waking up at 5 AM, that’s right just hit that snooze button! We provide live entertainment from local dance studios, local performers that will come out and sing, DJ, costume contest. Our event isn’t a run and done type race. It’s more of a stay and plays kinda thing! Everyone dresses up in colorful LED lights/costumes and let me tell ya people get really creative!
This is my favorite part with every event that I do, I always have a moment to myself where I just stop in my tracks and take a look at the whole event that’s my AHHH moment it’s so beautiful to me it gives me chills to know that we have done an amazing job, we’ve provided a great event experience for everyone, seeing people laughing and dancing getting to know one another is awesome.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
First and foremost, my husband, Richard Romero is my biggest supporter he is my lead production guy, he is the mastermind behind all of my crazy ideas, if it wasn’t for him we’d look like a wet firecracker!
My daughter Savanah Romero is my Assistant Race Director, she is only 17 BUT she is absolutely an amazing hard worker, she knows everything about this industry, she’s been watching me for quite some time now and I put nothing past her, I can give her any task and I know it’s going to get done. My two ground guys Nick Sorrentino and Johnathan Lopez these guys have been by my side since 2015, they have supported me/us and are always willing to travel, they are up for any adventure we throw at them even if it 100 degrees or freezing outside they never stop until we are done.
Mark Lerma, the best course director we could ever ask for without him, we’d be lost! Even when he’s done with the course work, he’s not one to leave us behind, he helps until we are all packed up. Megan Roberts is a big supporter and positive person in my life she’s a hard worker she has done everything from packet pick up to set up/tear down she’s not afraid to jump right in and get her hand dirty and help the guys out!
Amber Villanueva was the original race director for the firefly run, I met her when I bought the Firefly Run, we connected immediately and we are very close friends. Amber was devastated when Firefly Run fell off the bracket, she picked herself up and now she owns Yoga721. I couldn’t be more proud of her. She helps me with some much stuff and has always supported me, she’s my positive thinker, she’s the voice of reason just when I think it can’t be done bam she helps find a way!
Last but now least, My two children Alyssa Romero the photographer and my son Rick Romero he loves to help the guys and he always at the finish line passing out the medals to the runners.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.FireflyRun.com
- Email: Info@fireflyrun.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/fireflyrun/
- Facebook: Facebook.com/fireflyrun/
Image Credit:
1. Alyssa Romero
2. Yow Media
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