Today we’d like to introduce you to Don Shier.
Hi Don, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I began my career at Hennepin Theatre Trust as a consultant to help build their event business at The Hennepin. I have been associated with Hennepin Theatre Trust for many years as a hospitality partner for other businesses I have worked for in the Twin Cities. I am now in my 5th year with the organization. I am thrilled to have connected the dots with many of my passions. I love the performing arts, travel, food, wine, singing, choir directing, and the hospitality industry.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have been fortunate to reinvent myself twice in my career when I have outgrown something. The challenge is the time between the decision to make the change and being patient until the universe decides what to put in my path. I’ve had to learn to sit back, breathe and trust that the right thing will come to me when the time is right. After that, it is a smooth road. My current position is the best example of this I can think of and I couldn’t think of a better fit.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My role is essentially about building relationships. That includes potential clients I meet at networking events in the Twin Cities, past clients, colleagues, and hospitality partners. That relationship often grows into something much larger between clients, partners and the theatre district. I am proud of my work in the Twin Cities as those who have worked with me trust me to take excellent care of them, lead with yes and deliver a quality event. What sets my work at Hennepin Theatre Trust apart from past jobs and other event centers is that, being a non-profit, proceeds from events at The Hennepin are invested in other internal programs such as our Education and Public Art programs.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
With our theatre’s dark and no events at The Hennepin during Covid, we used that time to strengthen our foundation and prepare ourselves and the community for the day when we could welcome back our patrons and clients. A stronger website and social media plan was developed during our down time. Covid provided us an opportunity to improve awareness and engagement at The Hennepin and within the theatre district.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thehennepin.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehennepin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHennepin
Image Credits
Photos by Bruce Challgren, Photopixels
