HEIDI VAIL - Founder and CEO...

Unlike most people who venture into the food business, Heidi's passion was not cooking. Her career began as a professional, and single mother of two Heidi has always been a self-motivated, determined, strong woman, with a drive for independence. She majored in marketing/merchandising at SCC, and ASU. Recruited from Plaza Three Academy by Diamond's (now Dillard's), Heidi worked the corporate ladder for seven years in the fashion industry. She left Dillard's to pursue a District Management position. After two more years in retail, Heidi felt it was time for a change. The next three years Heidi spent as "Cupid" directing one of the world's largest dating services. "Until now, that was the most fulfilling job I've ever had," says Heidi.
 
 Since 1992, Heidi has worked to build her catering business into the successful event planning/catering company it is today. In the beginning, she had her hand in everything. From jack hammering the floor to laying the pipes for the sinks, as well as the accounting, planning menus, cooking, loading trucks, building props, serving at events, Heidi did whatever it took. In 2004, when it came time to buy a new building, Heidi put on the general contractor hat and presided over the building of her new 11,000 square foot, state-of- the-art kitchen, show room and rental warehouse. Now in 2005, Heidi’s organization consists of a multifaceted, experienced team of professionals ranging from event planners and designers, and a talented culinary team to over 50 site chefs, food servers, scullery workers, banquet captains, floor captains, bartenders, rental set up crews and drivers. Today things haven’t changed much; Heidi still has her hands in everything. However, after assembling a great team, she can focus on the part she loves--planning events. Don’t be surprised if she answers the phone when you call or shows up at your event to check in.

Troy Vail – Director of Operations

 

Drew Coleman – Event Planner 

Drew was born in the small rural town of Dixon, IL. He left the Midwest to study Business at Arizona State University. While attending school, Drew took a job as a server at the formerly named Heidi’s Home Catering. He really loved working with Heidi, and by the end of his college career, he was a key player and responsible for hiring, scheduling and training servers as well as overseeing and coordinating events and operations.

Drew graduated from ASU with a degree in Computer Information Systems in 2004, but his real passion was in event planning. He had experience in every aspect of events and catering, except sales. As Heidi’s business grew, her demand for a sales team developed and Drew joined the Heidi’s sales team in June 2005.  

Karen Balliett – Floral Designer 

Karen is the owner of My Fantasy Florals located inside Heidi’s Events and Catering. Hailing from Minnesota, she has lived in Arizona since 1968 and has been a floral designer in the Valley for over 15 years. With a background in art, Karen dabbles in watercolor painting, has done children’s fashion design, is an accomplished writer, interior designer and a calligrapher.

She has served as a community board member for the Tobacco Use Prevention Program which teaches children the dangers of smoking, has volunteered at the Child Crisis Center and is actively involved in politics. When not creating beautiful floral designs, she enjoys sports, reading and spending time with family and friends.