IDEA FOUNTAIN - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Operations Coordinator - Houston
Job Titles:
- Program Manager
- Program Manager - Dallas
Casey is the Proposals Coordinator and oversees the development of new programs as well as "all things proposals" for Idea Fountain. If an event proposal goes out, it has come across Casey's desk at least once.
Having graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Cinematography, Casey spent the next several years pursuing a Master of Interdisciplinary Studies Degree, learning business management and refining her skills in production management.
In 2014 Casey left academia to pursue her own business interests working in the television industry in various capacities from drone camera operator to director, but finding her true calling was to work within the LGBT community to help others embrace who they are.
Beginning in 2015 Casey began working with Heartland Transgender Events. Seeing the change in people when they are permitted to be themselves, without fear of judgment or physical harm, she worked with them to expand their semi-annual events and to grow the event to more than double in size. Today they proudly boast to be the largest transgender event in the southwest and to have had regular guests from four continents. Casey now proudly serves on the Board of Directors for Heartland Transgender Events.
After covid Casey found her way to Idea Fountain and has applied her learned skills and natural creative talents to contribute to the Idea Fountain team.
In her spare time, Casey enjoys riding her motorcycle and traveling across the country, happily following her wanderlust. She is an adventurous person who loves the adrenaline rush from paintball and extreme sports.
Job Titles:
- Training Coordinator
- Training Coordinator - Dallas
Job Titles:
- Warehouse Manager
- Warehouse Manager - Dallas
Cody works as the Warehouse Manager for the primary DFW office. With 7 years of warehouse experience, Cody is a hardworking, dedicated, and detail-oriented individual and an amazing team player. He enjoys working in the heat and working up a sweat as he prepares for the next event. A typical day for him is staging games, loading the truck, or just overseeing all team building and casino equipment. He can oftentimes also be found at events as a Casino Dealer or Team Building Facilitator.
His favorite thing about the company is the family camaraderie amongst the staff. The natural connections between everyone truly makes the office feel like a home away from home.
Cody is an avid TOLO listener of the local Dallas sports radio station 105.3 the fan. Most of his free time is spent enjoying the new life experiences of fatherhood and building his epic Yu-Gi-Oh! collection.
As founder of Idea Fountain, Crystal brings almost 30 years of experience to the table from the hospitality industry. You can depend on Crystal to give her full attention to the details and deliver her commitment to excellence in customer service. Her passion to give her clients a unique experience ensures that you can focus fully on your guests and never sweat the small stuff. Gaining her immense respect among leading professional partners and contacts throughout the Dallas and Fort Worth Metroplex, Crystal is an active member of Meeting Planners International(MPI), National Association of Catering and Events(NACE), Texas Alliance of Convention and Operations Managers (TXACOM), Richardson Young Professionals(RYP) and other industry organizations. Her diverse skills include photography, catering management, transport/ travel logistics, and entertainment production. Her resources and skills allow her to stretch the limits for great events. She ensures that Idea Fountain continues to keep up with the latest trends in team building and casino parties to suit the growing needs of modern business. If you need something done, she is the one to call.
Her industry peers have acknowledged her dedication to the industry and have awarded her with the 2015 National Association of Catering and Events Rising Star Award. 2016 National Association of Catering and Events Event Professional of the Year. 2016 Texas Alliance of Convention and Operations Managers Gamma Award and the 2017 Texas Alliance of Convention and Operations Managers Industry Professional of the Year. Along with 2019 Texas Alliance of Convention and Operations Managers Community Partner of the Year and 2021 President's Award from the National Association of Catering and Events.
With almost 2 decades as a Dallas/Fort Worth resident, her love of North Texas is constantly evolving as she seeks out new experiences and ways to enjoy the area. In her free time, Crystal served as the President of the Texas Van Federation, she is the current President of TxACOM. She has picked up the love of gardening, with successfully not killing most of her new plants. She also loves returning to her photography roots to view the world from a personal perspective. A true Renaissance woman.
Job Titles:
- Marketing Coordinator - Houston
Job Titles:
- Operations Coordinator
- Office Manager - Dallas
Miranda is a jack of all trades and is affectionately called the Office Mom when it comes to the DFW office. Depending on the day, Miranda can be found prepping supplies for upcoming events, planning scavenger hunts, making sure the office staff is taken care of, or a multitude of other tasks.
Working with individuals and groups has been the focus of each step of her career in one way or another. A major goal she has in life is to balance work and fun and being part of the team at Idea Fountain is it. Work is a daily outlet for creativity and curiosity as new opportunities to fill clients' needs are presented. Flexibility is a must in her day-to-day life.
Miranda is a curious person who seeks out new information and experiences often. Balancing work and adventure, the opportunities she's found to continue her fulfillment of curiosity throughout her life have been countless. Travel, home remodeling, and cooking, are things she likes. She values simple quiet things like listening to audiobooks, hanging out with friends, or just enjoying quiet nights at home.
Job Titles:
- Operations Coordinator
- Operations Manager - Dallas
Ryan joined the Idea Fountain team as Operations Coordinator after more than seven years of working for company in a variety of roles. From casino dealer to trainer, team building facilitator to program lead, Ryan has done it all. Now, he is thrilled to get to help clients and teammates alike have an excellent IFI experience by planning and executing our amazing events.
During Ryan's previous experience as a college writing teacher, he incorporated games, play, and especially teamwork into his lessons. The importance of positive collaboration to achieve shared goals has always been a key element of his style, whether in the classroom or out of it. Now he uses this skillset to support and benefit his team.
When he isn't immersed in learning and mastering new games in our warehouse, Ryan can be found hunting monsters for XP in online games with his friends. Barring that, he may be reading the newest Brandon Sanderson novel with his rescued cat, Poinsettia LeBlanc.