Hey There
Thank you for visiting! I’d love to share a bit of my journey and why I’m so passionate about what I do. My professional path has always been closely tied to my personal experiences. From a young age, I knew exactly which industry I wanted to be part of—and that passion has guided me ever since.
Growing up, my parents traveled twice a year for national and regional conferences, and I often tagged along. We explored cities across the United States, staying in hotels that became my playground. (It was the ’80s—we were all independent, adventurous kids!) I examined every corner of those properties, and one memorable day, a General Manager noticed my curiosity and gave me a full tour of both the front and back of the house. Seeing how seamlessly everything worked together sparked my lifelong fascination with the Hospitality and Travel Tourism Industry.
From there, I never looked back. I earned my BS in Hotel & Resort Management from Rochester Institute of Technology, traveled widely to gain experience, and eventually returned to Buffalo, NY to continue building my career. Since coming home, I’ve had the privilege of working with outstanding organizations and curating a path that blends passion, expertise, and growth.
All About Me
As I’ve grown professionally, I’ve had the opportunity to work in unique situations, face challenges, and even navigate a few catastrophes—all of which taught me invaluable lessons. My career began in food & beverage, working my way up from the ground level to Director roles across multiple companies. Along the way, I helped open, close, and operate restaurants, bars, and clubs—roles that shaped my resilience and drive.
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Where I truly discovered my passion was in Convention Services and Event Planning. The thrill of meticulously organizing a large-scale conference and seeing it come to life is a satisfaction unlike any other. More recently, my focus has expanded into Tour, Travel, and Transportation. While I haven’t mastered driving a bus just yet, I’ve developed a specialty in creating unforgettable experiences and building strong relationships.
You may be wondering how this history connects to the services I provide today. Every offering at Folan Professional Services is rooted in real-world execution and supported by formal education. I am currently pursuing my MBA in Business, which allows me to extend my knowledge and apply it directly to client needs. By combining education, professional expertise, and lived experience, I’ve built the foundation for Folan Professional Services—and I’m excited to share it with the world.