THE RIGHT FIT - Interview with Tom Chelednik

THE RIGHT FIT - Interview with Tom Chelednik

Welcome to The Right Fit! In this episode, we sit down with Tom Chelednik, Director of Vendor Engagement for WeddingPro, the company behind The Knot and WeddingWire. With decades of experience in sales, marketing, venue operations, and business development, Tom has helped thousands of wedding professionals navigate an ever-changing industry. Whether you're a wedding planner, DJ, photographer, venue owner, florist, or any type of event professional, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help you attract better clients, improve your sales process, and build a stronger business. In this episode, we discuss: • The impact of Gen Z on the wedding industry • Why most wedding pros have a booking problem, not a lead problem • The importance of speed-to-lead and follow-up systems • How to build trust with couples before they ever book • Using automation and AI without losing authenticity • Scaling your business through delegation and systems • Creating a long-term exit strategy for your company Follow us on social media to catch guests announcements, exclusive content, and so much more! Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/therightfitshow/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@TheRightFitShow] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@therightfitshow?_r=1&_t=ZS-94pMDurWOrx] Connect with Tom: tchelednik@theknotww.com [tchelednik@theknotww.com] WeddingPro: Instagram [https://sprout.link/weddingpro?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGndGvItLfA3hx4hVAofK9tY5PxmKoH1vDRBbQfsTh9ct202sJ20pL-Y9baKBk_aem_x-kh73raMIckWYoZsR79qA] | Website [https://sprout.link/weddingpro?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGndGvItLfA3hx4hVAofK9tY5PxmKoH1vDRBbQfsTh9ct202sJ20pL-Y9baKBk_aem_x-kh73raMIckWYoZsR79qA]

THE RIGHT FIT - Interview with Emily Sestanovich

Welcome to The Right Fit! In this episode, wedding coordinator Emily Sestanovich shares her journey into the wedding industry, the family influences that shaped her career, and her decision to go full-time. She discusses communication, trust, balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, retiring outdated wedding trends, and creating fun, stress-free wedding experiences for every couple. Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to Emily and Her Background * 06:19 Venue Preferences and Event Styles * 13:28 Client Engagement and Service Hours * 19:55 Transition to Full-Time Wedding Planning * 25:03 Getting to Know the Couple and Their Families * 30:16 Handling Special Circumstances and Client Requests * 35:59 Retiring Wedding Trends and Vibe Killers * 44:14 Client Selection and Emphasis on Having Fun Follow us on social media to catch guests announcements, exclusive content, and so much more! Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/therightfitshow/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@TheRightFitShow] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@therightfitshow?_r=1&_t=ZS-94pMDurWOrx] Connect with Emily: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/emilyelaineevents?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] | Website [https://www.emilyelaineevents.com/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGngm1sVU5tgoiKT52etGG50V5lNZiPYAUQ06LBCyENg0PeG6e_u86lK2AFP10_aem_lbAgboGbSSeAVKYyoEDt6g]

THE RIGHT FIT - Interview with Shannon Tarrant

Welcome to The Right Fit! Today, we sit down with Shannon Tarrant, wedding industry expert and founder of Wedding Venue Map, to talk about the evolution of Central Florida’s wedding market and how her local wedding directory became a trusted resource for couples and vendors alike. The conversation dives into the challenges of booking vendors, the importance of transparent pricing, and why speed-to-lead and automation are changing the wedding sales process. Shannon also shares valuable insights on networking, community, and building a strong village within the industry. Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to Shannon Tarrant * 14:53 Motivation for Creating Wedding Venue Map * 21:51 Wedding Coaching and Sales Strategy * 26:57 Challenges in the Wedding Industry * 32:20 Mistakes in the Wedding Planning Process * 40:13 Speed to Lead and Automation * 47:03 Networking and Building a Village Follow us on social media to catch guests announcements, exclusive content, and so much more! Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/therightfitshow/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@TheRightFitShow] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@therightfitshow?_r=1&_t=ZS-94pMDurWOrx] Connect with Shannon: https://www.instagram.com/classyjv?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theshannonexperience?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] | https://www.catalystbridgeagency.com/Website [https://www.shannontarrant.com/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGna2UGRVC0SO6rEM3jqr_S6oCUvaesuuM3iC4yDvw9aIohCwhUj9lju5sn7Gk_aem_Smg-_Q_xR8ayEPa5fO2Enw]

THE RIGHT FIT - Interview with Leandro Da Silva

Welcome to The Right Fit. Today, we’re talking with Leandro Da Silva about his journey as a photographer, his passion for storytelling through art, and the importance of community and collaboration within the creative industry. Throughout the conversation, Leandro shares his perspective on mentorship, growth, and finding your own voice as an artist. We also dive into the evolving wedding industry, discussing the importance of adaptability, taking responsibility as a vendor, and embracing change in order to grow. Most importantly, we explore the lasting value of photography — not just as images, but as timeless memories that preserve emotion, connection, and life’s most meaningful moments. Chapters * 00:00 The Journey of a Photographer * 08:35 Building a Photography Business * 22:34 Mentoring and Community in Photography * 33:46 Challenges and Adaptation in the Industry * 39:52 Adaptability and Change * 45:01 Client Understanding and Objections * 51:20 Client Appreciation and Emotional Connection * 01:00:13 Client Vibe and Tension Follow us on social media to catch guests announcements, exclusive content, and so much more! Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/therightfitshow/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@TheRightFitShow] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@therightfitshow?_r=1&_t=ZS-94pMDurWOrx] Connect with Leandro: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/leandro_da_silva_photography?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] | Website [https://www.leandrodasilva.com/inquire?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnRToKBfZo4EAc-16sp95fkjH3MpRAQT2lrDkycsYXvaBLqCjGrnTjxdiaRPM_aem_LfGjkQQXjqgvN44yai60tA]

THE RIGHT FIT - Interview with Ananis

Welcome to The Right Fit! Today we sit down with Ananis for an honest conversation about the mindset behind being a successful wedding planner, the anticipation that comes with every next step, and the confidence built through experience. Ananis opens up about the importance of building a strong team, learning how to delegate, and releasing control as an entrepreneur in order to truly grow. She also shares her passion for giving back through Gather & Give, the nonprofit initiative she co-founded within the events community. Chapters * 00:00 The Mind of a Wedding Planner * 18:43 Journey into Wedding Planning * 27:16 Balancing Work and Family * 33:27 Protecting Creative Vision * 39:09 Building a Supportive Team * 46:48 Gather and Give Organization * 52:43 The Importance of Giving Back * 59:12 Teaching the Value of Hard Work and Commitment Follow us on social media to catch guests announcements, exclusive content, and so much more! Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/therightfitshow/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@TheRightFitShow] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@therightfitshow?_r=1&_t=ZS-94pMDurWOrx] Connect with Ananis: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/eventsbyananis?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] | Website [https://www.eventsbyananis.com/]