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What’s Your Story?

A woman with glasses, dark hair, and a black jacket standing on a theatre balcony with ornate red and gold seats and intricate gold decorations inside a grand opera house.

I Spent Years Needing a More Intuitive Partner for Branded Products.

So I Became That Partner.

Here's what I learned:

For 24 years, I worked in corporate operations. Planning conferences, managing franchise systems, and coordinating branded products for countless events.

I needed vendors who understood that these moments mattered. That first impressions set the tone. That quality reflects brand values. That strategic guidance creates better outcomes.

Sometimes I found it. Often, I didn't.

I'd receive catalog links when I needed consultation. Generic recommendations when I needed strategic thinking. Rush timelines when I'd planned ahead. Hotel storage fees when shipping schedules were ignored. 

I kept thinking: there has to be a better way to do this. Now there is.

rita@creativeconnectionsstudio.com
614.905.0773

My background:

  • 10 years in legal operations (precision, attention to detail, stakeholder management)

  • 7 years at Wendy's International (franchise operations, brand standards, compliance)

  • 7 years at Epcon Franchising (conference and executive retreat planning, franchise support, operational excellence)

At Epcon, I:

  • Planned their annual conference for 400+ attendees for several years (NPS scores +74 to +93)

  • Managed relationships with their top 10-12 franchise builders (successful entrepreneurs with high standards)

  • Restructured their sponsorship program (80% revenue increase in 3 years)

  • Coordinated branded products, venue partnerships, vendor relationships, and culture-building programs

I've been the client who needed:

  • Strategic partnership (not just order-taking)

  • Quality products (that reflect brand standards)

  • Reliable execution (proactive communication, met deadlines)

  • Professional results (so stakeholders are impressed)

Have we worked together? I'd love your feedback. Your comments make a real difference for future clients trying to decide if I'm the right fit.

Group of five young adults in a meeting room, gathered around a laptop, smiling and discussing, with colorful abstract artwork on the wall behind them.

What the Studio offers:

Through our ASI partnership, we maintain access to over a million quality promotional products.

Whether you need:

  • Holiday corporate gifts

  • Employee welcome experiences

  • Event attendee packages

  • Client appreciation gestures

  • Branded apparel and gear

  • Turnkey event packages for homebuilders

  • Custom solutions, including full-service planning and program management based on your needs.

You receive strategic sourcing, quality products, and professional partnership.

Also available: Venue sourcing and comprehensive event coordination through our Fora Travel partnership.

Let's create something exceptional together.