It’s rare to find coworkers that feel like family, but at the Porter County Expo Center, the staff can’t say enough kind things about each other.
There are only four full-time employees on staff at the Porter County Expo Center. Lori Daly serves as the director, and Tammy Mangold is the assistant director. Arman Dogruyol was hired after the event manager position was created in 2019, and Jake Pappas is the maintenance supervisor. Together, they run all of the behind-the-scenes tasks for events and functions.
“I have a lot of interest in a team mentality. I think it's really important that you have an element of family involved when it comes to an occupation. Our team is very close with their strengths that help each other out when needed. We're all very flexible and accommodating towards each other. Our objective is always to benefit the client, and I think collectively we always accomplish that to the best of our abilities,” Dogruyol said.
A teamwork mentality is a major advantage in an environment like the Expo Center. When the workday revolves around coming together to produce one final product, it’s imperative for the group to be able to work both individually and collectively.
“We all know our role here at the Expo. Individually, we work very well, and then come together as a team — it just works,” Daly said.
Knowing how to do a job is just one part of creating a productive workplace. Without a supportive, group-oriented atmosphere, it can be difficult to meet expectations.
“My main goal is ensuring that we exceed our clients' expectations with excellent service and successful events. I work with the clients to figure out what their needs are for their various events, and then work with them on making it the best and most successful event that it can be,” Mangold said.
No matter the event, the client is the team’s first priority; even when the client is one of its own team members.
“The first thing that comes to my mind is when my daughter got married. My staff came together and worked right alongside me to make sure everything went off without a hitch and that I could enjoy myself. It was flawless, they nailed it,” Daly said.
The team’s dedication to providing a seamless event is backed by years of experience. The crew comes from various backgrounds, which aids them in providing the best possible experience for every client, no matter their needs.
“I have 15 years of hospitality and food and beverage experience, along with a wealth of knowledge in customer service and event planning and execution. This is what I know, and this is what I can do and excel at,” Mangold said.
Each staff member has confidence in their skills, and it greatly benefits how the business operates. The team is ready to make anything happen and loves the process of figuring out new ways to accomplish a goal.
“It's been an interesting two years, so far, and I think a lot of the time for me, it's not necessarily always about the events that we hold. Really, most of [my favorite moments] are the morning conversations that we have. It really does help set the tone and the pace of what we are expected to accomplish and what we can accomplish over the week. Those are the kinds of moments that I enjoy the most and linger the longest,” Dogruyol said.
No matter the task, the staff at the Porter County Expo Center is eager to make the event a success. With years of experience and a team-oriented mindset, the team works to ensure the best service for every client.
“We work as a team. We all have our expertise and our knowledge that we can pull together and it just makes it a wonderful experience. Not only for us but also for our clients,” Mangold said.
For more information about Porter County Expo Center, visit www.portercountyexpo.com.
