IN BLOOM - Key Persons
Al Vagnini - CEO, Founder, President
As the founder and president of Powerstation Events, Al's extraordinary vision, creativity and tenacity have been the difference between simple success and absolute mastery. The success began in 1983 with the creation of Universal Audio Consultants, providing sound and production support for local events. Thanks to his determination and hard work from the very beginning, the mastery is culminated in what is now the most respected event and production services company in the region and his expertise is called upon by clients and corporations across the country. He has been recognized for his excellence in business many times throughout his accomplished career including his receipt of the Harold Webster Smith "Entrepreneur of the Year" award. There is no challenge too great for Al and he has built Powerstation's foundation of excellence on that philosophy. His commitment is undying and his goal is perfection.
Job Titles:
- Youth Event Sales Specialist
Alex is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter and has been an active musician since he was 16.
Throughout college, where he studied music business with a concentration in performance, Alex played in several bands, performing at school events, retirement parties, and private parties. His first experience DJ'ing was when he was a college radio DJ where he focused on music based on social justice and won best radio station of the year.
Alex brings excitement and great knowledge of the industry to the team where his goal is to help people plan and execute the event of their dreams.
Job Titles:
- Decor, Design, & Inventory Specialist / Button
Job Titles:
- Director of Video of Live / Sporting Events
At the video helm of our most prominent large-venue accounts, Bobby brings a great deal of experience and skill to Powerstation Events' Video Department. He has the perfect blend of professionalism and artistry. This was made evident by his 10 years of respected work at NBC Connecticut which earned him a Peabody Award. Bobby truly loves what he does and it most definitely shows in the high-quality results he achieves at every event.
Job Titles:
- Social Media & Digital Marketing Specialist
Brianna graduated from Sacred Heart University with a degree in Communications & Media Studies with a concentration in Advertising and Public Relations in 2021. Joining us as a Social Media & Digital Marketing Specialist, she is thrilled to use her knowledge and skills in the media and marketing realm to help Powerstation thrive on all platforms!
Job Titles:
- Director of Photography & Videography, Senior Lead Photographer
Charlie's years of sales and marketing experience are just a part of what he brings to Powerstation Events. He also has several years of professional DJ experience. His success is due to his friendly, organized and accommodating approach to everything he does. Powerstation Events has always carried the torch when it comes to these values and Charlie exemplifies them.
Job Titles:
- Technical Operations Manager & Audio Engineer
Job Titles:
- Manager
- Videographer & Editor
As the manager of our videography team, Grady brings leadership and energy to the department. He has artistic talents in all aspects of video production, including shooting, editing, and production creativity. His easy-going personality keeps the team positive and engaged on a daily basis. We are excited by the innovation and progress he has brought to the Powerstation Events Video department and we look forward to his ongoing advancement of the team.
With more than 15 years at Powerstation Events, Heather has been a vital asset to our company. Her sharp eye for detail and creativity make her an excellent Creative Director, handling all digital artwork, ads, marketing material, graphic design and retouching. Additionally, Heather's passion for photography shows through the relationships she builds with her wedding couples and the stunning images she creates at every event. Her leadership, empathy and imagination make Heather a great member of our team.
Job Titles:
- Event Designs Floral Manager & Lead Floral Designer
With more than 20 years of experience in wedding planning and wedding design, we are honored to have Helena as our In Bloom Event Design Manager. Her passion for interior design is what allows her to advance her skills beyond the competition while still investing the utmost focus on her projects. With CFA Certified training in event design, Helena understands that the perfect floral arrangement can take your event's decor from basic to extravagant!
Job Titles:
- Decor Stylist & Decor Sales Specialist
Jenna graduated from Johnson & Wales University with a degree in Sports/Entertainment/Event Management, concentrating on weddings & ceremonies. Through her internship, she found a love for event decor, and found it truly rewarding to work in a highly creative environment. Throughout her career, Jenna has been able to apply her experience in tent decor to a wide range of events - from weddings to music festivals. She enjoys being hands on in the design process, and strives to create a show-stopping look for her clients.
Jesse started on our DJ team but found himself a spot as part of our full-time office staff due to his 11 years of experience planning and DJing youth events. Between his event experience and his 7 years in customer service, he has a great sense of professionalism and an infectious smile that makes people feel warm and welcome. He joined the industry a few years after his own Bar Mitzvah in hopes of helping others create memories that will last a lifetime. His music interests span from show tunes to hip-hop and everything in between. He loves the classics and is well-versed in what's current. He is currently a student at Central Connecticut State University for business management and he is a great addition to our team.
From nearly the beginning, Jim has been the man behind the scenes creating the technical successes of Powerstation Events and continues to be a cornerstone in our evolution. As VP of Operations and Field Ops Director, he calls upon his electronic and computer expertise along with his penchant for pleasing clients and fellow employees alike to create solutions to every challenge. Jim also manages our Technical staff and has a degree in Computer Systems from Greater New Haven State Technical College.
Job Titles:
- Director of Technical Operations & Senior Audio Engineer
John brings a wealth of experience, talent and expertise to Powerstation Events. John's long list of achievements includes audio engineering for artists like George Benson, The Band and Tyrese. His work as a teacher and consultant also make his contribution uniquely critical. He is also the founder of Powerstation Events' Big Rig Mobile Recording and has experience in audio studio design. He is the perfect leader to move our Technical department to the next level.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Warehouse Manager & Technical Manager
Katie has worked in event operations since the age of 16, helping to execute all kinds of events from Weddings to Corporate gatherings to everything else in-between. Katie has seen it all! She is eager to learn every aspect of the industry, and has taken everything she knows about events to her new role within the Powerstation team. As the Office Manager, Katie makes sure to go the extra mile to make sure that our clients receive the upmost support with personalized experience for each person that she connects with.
Ken is Powerstation Events' full-time video editor as well as a videographer. Ken is a dedicated craftsman who is always hard at work creatively shooting and assembling high-quality video productions. His hard work and dedication to his craft are evident in his final output. He is personally sought by ESPN, St. Mary's Hospital and others who have come to expect his creative work in the editing studio.
Job Titles:
- Director of Business Development
Liz opens the line of communication between clients, customers, and businesses to get events done successfully. With more than 20 years of working with both public and private sectors, Liz has experience in management consultation, team building, professional development, strategic implementation, and company collaboration. In addition to her full-time role with Powerstation Events, Liz has been on the Board Of Directors for Meeting Professionals International Connecticut River Valley Chapter for over five years and she currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Easterseals of Greater Waterbury and Northwest Connecticut region. Balancing the everyday demands of our growing business, Liz handles her responsibilities with grace and a smile.
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations
- Senior Director of Operations for Powerstation Events
Mandi graduated from CCSU in 2005 with a Communication Degree with a concentration in Public Relations and Promotions. After graduation, she took a job with Powerstation Events as a receptionist. With her real passion being Event Design and Planning, Mandi launched the Design and Decor division of the company in 2010.
Today, Mandi is the Senior Director of Operations for Powerstation Events and while helping to oversee the company as a whole, she is still actively involved in design, decor, and production for large-scale and high-profile corporate and wedding clients.
Marianne is a Powerstation Events veteran and has played a key role in the company's success. She is a meticulous, organized professional who is trusted with the company's most important financial data and planning. Marianne has a bachelor's degree in accounting from Central Connecticut State University and is a certified notary public. We're very happy to have her on our team!
Maureen joins Powerstation with a lifetime of experience in finance and accounting. Her attention to detail and organization makes her an important member of our corporate and wedding teams.
Maureen enjoys traveling to Florida, listening to country music, and baking treats to share with the rest of the office. (We especially like her lemon cookies and homemade fudge!)
Mike is a driven, creative and personable videographer and editor. He is easy going with clients and pays close attention to detail and quality in various situations. His experience ranges from filming weddings and music videos to corporate documentaries and more. He is trusted by companies such as Webster Bank time and time again to deliver consistent and quality work.
Nate Mackey is Powerstation's very own swiss army knife. Over the years, Nate has been a wedding videographer & freelance videographer, as well as the Lead Producer for NSN, a collegiate sports broadcast company. In addition to his strong background in video production, Nate's technical skills make him an important member of our crew team. You can find Nate building set props, hanging lighting fixtures, or fabricating anything needed to get your show looking spectacular.
Fun Fact: "Anything is possible, with the proper planning" and "Anything worth doing, is worth doing right" are two of Nate's favorite quotes.
Job Titles:
- Event Designs Decor Manager & Nicknacks Designer
Rachel graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a bachelor's degree in Communication with a focus in Public Relations. As Creative Director, she contributes her creative eye to the upkeep of our company image across various platforms. She also sees to the creation of marketing materials and graphics and photographs both wedding and corporate events for promotional purposes. Rachel is enthusiastic, eager to learn and a great addition to our team!
For many years, Rich has been one of the mainstays of the Powerstation Events team. As Sales Director, Rich's friendly and courteous demeanor combined with his unique understanding of our clients' needs make him a highly respected leader and a model for all of our employees. Rich is also our Classical Music expert and has a degree in Anthropology from Trinity College.
Job Titles:
- Technical Production Manager
Seb is our resident Aussie. Starting his career in the industry back in 2008, he has held a number of different positions in the event industry in areas including corporate AV, touring concerts and festivals, international sporting events, and most recently, touring as a Swing Technician with Cirque Du Soleil.
Seb brings to the table a solid "jack of all trades" background and always aims to make every event, big or small, a smooth and memorable experience.
Stephanie graduated from Loyola University in 2014 with a degree in music business and venue management. Her passion lies firmly within the event industry, coming to Powerstation Events with years of experience in floral design, event decor and event management. Stephanie brings her creativity and eye for detail to Powerstation as an event operations and logistics specialist and will continue to follow her passions within the company.
Stephanie is organized, personable, ambitious and is delighted to join the Powerstation family. She has experience in Business Management, the Creation of Business Processes and Procedures, and the Engagement of Client Relations. With a degree in Communication and Business, she has a passion for several aspects of the company, from the Design and Decor creative development, to the execution of Event Operations and Client Communication. With Stephanie's vast interests and experience in several avenues, she is thrilled to use her knowledge and skills to provide a unique value to the Powerstation team!
Job Titles:
- Director Corporate Events
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Technical Manager