Hidden Gems: Meet Mark Lindstrom of Cerona Creative

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Lindstrom.

Hi Mark, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey in media and events began early — I discovered my passion for video production in elementary school, the very first time I picked up a camera. That passion grew through junior high and high school, where I immersed myself in classes, projects, and hands-on work. By the time I graduated, I knew this was more than a hobby; it was a calling.

At just 18, I went straight into the industry — script writing, casting, lighting, production — learning every facet of what it takes to bring a story to life. Along the way, I also learned a hard but valuable lesson: not every company is run with integrity or vision. When my first employer’s business collapsed due to poor management, I realized I never wanted to be in a position where I couldn’t influence the direction of my work or advocate for clients. That experience sparked the drive to create something different.

I began freelancing under the name Lindstrom Productions, focusing on video, but it wasn’t long before I was drawn into the event world. At one early event, I saw a team struggling to support a client effectively — and I knew I could do better. Not only better service, but smarter, more transparent, and more cost-conscious solutions that truly put the client first. That moment planted the seed for what would become Cerona Creative.

In 2004, I officially incorporated Cerona Creative, transitioning from video into full-scale event services as opportunities naturally led me there. The name “Cerona” itself came unexpectedly — during a camping trip, I overheard a dog owner calling for their pet, loved the sound of the name, and it stuck. It captured exactly what I wanted: a fresh identity not tied to just me, but to a bigger vision.

Today, Cerona Creative exists to deliver events that are not only flawlessly executed, but also rooted in transparency, creativity, and client-centered service. What began with a childhood passion has grown into a company trusted to design and deliver experiences that make organizations shine while respecting their budget and vision.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has had its share of challenges — I don’t think owning a business is ever completely smooth. Growth itself brings bumps, from scaling operations to investing in spaces like our warehouse, and each stage has its own learning curve. But the biggest test, by far, came during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the span of just ten hours, we watched nearly two years of client events disappear. It was a gut punch, and I’ll admit there were a few days where the weight of it all was overwhelming.

But resilience is part of our culture. Instead of standing still, we pivoted quickly and began offering virtual event solutions at a time when very few of our competitors were doing so. That early move allowed us to continue serving clients and keep their connections alive when gathering in person wasn’t possible.

For me, challenges aren’t failures — they’re opportunities to learn. Mistakes or unexpected setbacks will always happen, but what matters is how you respond. Every bump along the way has sharpened our ability to adapt, strengthened our commitment to clients, and reinforced the belief that integrity and creativity carry you through even the hardest seasons.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Cerona Creative, we specialize in delivering exceptional experiences for corporate in-person and virtual events, non-profit fundraisers, and broadcast productions of all sizes—from intimate gatherings of 25 attendees to large-scale events for 2,500 attendees. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to integrity and client-focused service. When we make a promise, we keep it—no bait-and-switch, no surprises, just honest communication and results you can trust.

Our mission is to bring each client’s vision to life with creativity, precision, and attention to detail, all while staying within budget. We take pride in crafting events that are not only flawlessly executed but also memorable and meaningful, ensuring every element—from logistics to lighting—reflects the client’s goals and brand.

Above all, we want your audience to know that working with Cerona Creative means partnering with a team that cares as much about your event as you do. We deliver professionalism, reliability, and a dedication to creative excellence that turns every project into an extraordinary experience.

What matters most to you?
What matters most to us at Cerona Creative is honesty, integrity, and building lasting relationships with our clients. We’re not focused on a single event; we aim to be a trusted partner for years to come. We understand that budgets can ebb and flow over the life of an organization, and our goal is always to work within your budget—never to maximize our own profit. By delivering with transparency, care, and creative excellence, we build strong, lasting partnerships grounded in trust and mutual respect. Our clients know that when they work with us, they’re partnering with a team that truly cares about their vision and is committed to supporting their long-term success.

Contact Info:

• Other: 877-8CERONA, (877)823-7662, sales@ceronacreative.com