LASTING IMPRESSIONS - Key Persons
Andrea started with Lasting Impressions in 2011. She started in the linen department ironing then became a leader within the department working very hard everyday to learn all the positions. Andrea was born in Morelia, Mexico and moved to the US 14 years ago. She went to high school in Chicago and learned to speak English. Andrea enjoys spending time with her two daughters and husband, and she loves to cook for them. She loves her job and her team in the linen department.
Cara came to Lasting Impressions in January of 2014 as a sales assistant. Her focused attention and eye for details have made her an integral part of our team. Her affection for everyone she works with also gives her a true talent for knowing what's going on in everyone's world. Outside of the office, she has a very active life which revolves around her two young children and their pets. They enjoy hiking, playing soccer, going to the zoo, watching movies, and making memories in their new house.
David started with Lasting Impressions in 2016 after a successful career in retail management and customer service. Starting as an Installer, David quickly found a love of the Event Industry and ensuring that our customers have an excellent, memorable experience. Utilizing his ability to think outside the box, he has a passion for technically demanding jobs, in which he ensures that the customers vision is made into reality. When not working, David spends his time performing music with his band, caring for his many aquariums, and researching new skills.
Job Titles:
- Operations Manager
- Operations Manager in Cleveland
Jake is the operations manager in Cleveland. Jake is 23 and has worked for Lasting Impressions for 7 years. He graduated with a Bachelors degree in Business Management at Capital University in May 2019. When not working, he enjoys playing PS4 video games, smoking cigars, listening to music, snowboarding and going to sporting events. Jake is an avid Ohio State and Cavs fan.
Jody has been with the Lasting Impressions family since 1998 and as our longest standing employee, she has just about seen it all. She graduated from The Ohio State University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in French Literature. With nearly ten years in the restaurant business, both during and after college, she brought invaluable food and beverage knowledge and strong customer service skills to our team. Over the past 19 years, Jody has been an integral part of our company's progress and expansion and has become an industry leader in our community. She was one of the founding board members of the Columbus chapter of NACE and served many years on the boards of both Columbus NACE and ISES. She knows every facet of our business, with a special focus on fabric and table linens, as well as extensive knowledge and experience in tenting and very large projects. Outside of her LI universe, Jody enjoys cooking and gardening, spending summer weekends on the boat with her family, continuing her quest to find the perfect beach and drinking wine with all of the above.
JP grew up in Delphos, Ohio. He graduated from Bowling Green State University with a bachelors degree in accounting. He worked as a CPA and Controller for several companies before becoming involved with Lasting Impressions in 1993. Together with his business partner, Karl Liesinger, Lasting Impressions began to grow, culminating with the purchase of KG Marx in 1998. JP became sole owner and president of Lasting Impressions in late 1998. He is currently president of the Columbus Equipment Rental Association and is on the board of the Ohio Rental Association. He is also on the board of Columbus Early Learning Centers. JP is married to Patty Fritz for over 26 years. They have twin sons who are both attending college. JP's furry kids currently consist of two chocolate Labrador retrievers and a black cat. When JP isn't busy at work he enjoys playing soccer, reading historical novels, cooking, collecting wine and drinking craft beer.
Mark grew up and still lives in Newark, Ohio with his wife of 25 years. They have two adult children, both currently attending college. His hobbies lie in quarter horses, along with bucking bulls. In his first two years of managing our tent department of up to twenty employees, his guidance helped LI to become the best tent company in Columbus. In 2015, he accepted the added responsibility of managing our operations alongside tents, motivating department leaders and optimizing many facets of Lasting Impressions.
Melissa moved to Columbus in 1999 to finish her degree at OSU. She started at Lasting Impressions that spring and has basically been managing the office since. Overseeing accounts receivable, IT, the main sales office in Columbus, she also tries to boost office morale with chocolate, plants, music, and advice on any topic. When she's not at work, she would love to spend her time writing, reading, crafting, baking, gardening, but is generally too busy with her husband, son and young daughter and renovating her forever house.
Mike was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. He is a graduate from Whetstone High School. Mike's attention to detail makes him a perfect fit for his position at LI. In his spare time, Mike enjoys golfing and bowling. He's even bowled a perfect 300 game! Mike spends as much quality time as possible with his wonderful wife and furry kids.
Patty is from Youngstown, Ohio (Y-town). She graduated from Youngstown State University in 1985 with bachelor degrees in both Computer Science and Mathematics. She has lived and worked in Columbus, Ohio since graduating from college. She was a systems analyst and engineer at Chemical Abstracts for 10 years. Patty then worked as a Senior Computer Consultant. She met JP in 1987 and has been married to him for over 26 crazy years. They have twin sons who are now in in college. Empty nester Patty joined the Lasting Impressions staff in the Fall of 2015. She is using her various skills from her IT background to help the company's Sales staff. She still spoils her four legged kids - 2 chocolate labs and a black kitty as much as possible. When Patty isn't walking the dogs in the park or by the river, she enjoys reading mystery novels, visiting Columbus Zoo, checking out art and good restaurants with her hubby and planting flowers and veggies in her gardens.
Job Titles:
- Director of Business Development & Sales
When it comes to understanding and executing one-of-a-kind events, Ryan has a natural knack. With over a decade of experience in the event and hospitality industries - with concentrations in event planning and management, floral design, catering, marketing and sales - he has a passion for everything events. Ryan has orchestrated memorable events - ranging from concerts, city events and automotive events to weddings, private & corporate soirees and fundraisers - with his industry knowledge and eye for detail. He is active in several industry associations to include Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Ohio Chapter, Live Events Coalition, and the International Live Events Association (ILEA) Cleveland Chapter where he serves as VP of Programs & Education. When he's not in event mode, Ryan enjoys cooking, traveling and exploring Cleveland's flourishing restaurant scene.
Tyler has been with Lasting Impressions for 6 years. He joined our tent department after he graduated from high school in 2015. Tyler was a seasonal tent crew member for the first 3 years while he was attending college at The Ohio State University studying physics. He has been full time in the tent department for 3 years and Tyler has recently worked his way up to the Tent Manager position. When Tyler's not working, he likes to spend his free time at the gym or taking his German Shepard, Frankie, on walks.
Veronica is our newest Sales Associate at Lasting Impressions, with over seven years of experience in customer service. Veronica is always passionate about helping others, and in this case making sure any event big or small is successfully executed. She is a full-time student at Kent State University, finishing up her Bachelor's in Business Administration with a minor in Human Resources. When Veronica isn't at work, you can find her hiking in the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley National Park, kayaking with friends, trying out new restaurants, and playing tennis.
Zach graduated from Miami University in 2019 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Nutrition. He has been working for the company part time in the tent department for 7 years and full-time for the last two years. Zach's years of experience in tenting have given him the skills to help customers envision their event tenting. In his spare time Zach enjoys powerlifting, snowboarding, hanging out with family and friends and going to sporting events such as Ohio State football and Blue Jackets games. Zach also enjoys trying different foods, new dark rums, various wines and craft beers.