Meet the Team
We can’t wait to work with you
24 Carrots is proud to have the most talented and hardest working team in Southern California. While we all have unique skills and come from different backgrounds, there is one thing we share: A genuine passion for helping people make unforgettable memories together. You’ll love how we treat you like family and make you feel right at home!
NORM BENNETT
Founder
NORM BENNETT
Founder - norm@24carrots.com
This Swiss born, American raised chef-owner traveled all over Europe and the United States working in some of the finest hotels and restaurants after earning his credentials from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. In 2004, Norm channeled his passion for culinary excellence into 24 Carrots catering and events, where his elevated standards made the perfect foundation for success. His background is heavily infused into event menus, where fresh ingredients and memorable cuisine is top priority, and many of his secret recipes are long standing client favorites. Norm is known to be a strong believer in excellent wine, deep sea fishing with his crew, and football season. When he’s not testing out the newest fad dessert or adding to his 180 gallon salt water fish tank, Norm loves spending time with his three grandsons, who he and his wife Sherri refer to as their little soccer team.
Favorite food? I like love it all!
Quote:
We must always remain our biggest competitor.
LAURA FABIAN
Chief Executive Officer
LAURA FABIAN
Chief Executive Officer - laura@24carrots.com
For the past 10 years, Laura has had the opportunity to create and execute an extensive list of events that range from small intimate gatherings, to large public grand openings and unveilings. This hands on experience, combined with a keen eye for detail and a perfectionist’s palette, has helped her guide the 24 Carrots team to success year after year. Earning a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Marketing from Chapman University, Laura is affectionately referred to as the glue of 24 Carrots – the perfect balance of creativity and purpose. Laura and her husband Dave had the company’s first “baby carrots,” with her sons Hudson and Grayson being a favorite topic of conversation in the office. Often teased for being the most particular eater at 24 Carrots, Laura has a soft spot for butterscotch, Hangar 24 beer, and vanilla-vanilla Sprinkles cupcakes.
Favorite food? Pizza and Ice Cream
Quote:
Success is not the key to happiness; happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful!
JIMMY OLANG
Chief Operating Officer
JIMMY OLANG
Chief Operating Officer - jimmy@24carrots.com
Jimmy's love for cooking was established early on, as he grew up playing "sous chef" to his mother and grandmother during the holiday season. His curiosity was sparked by the Persian food he was around as a child, and this interest turned into a true passion for the kitchen. After graduating with honors from Le Cordon Bleu, Jimmy had his first real taste of chef life, and he knew immediately that it was for him. Jimmy has worked for many prestigious culinary groups, and cooked for the Dave Matthews Band, Paul Okenfold, John Mayer, and Danny DeVito to name a few, but his most invigorating cooking experience was working at Hawkeye Ranch in Wyoming as a personal chef. Jimmy's high standards for excellent cuisine translate seamlessly to the 24 Carrots kitchen, and the best way we know how to thank him is with fresh sashimi!
Favorite food? Sushi and head to tail pig.
Quote:
It's the small things in life.
Dave Fabian
Chief Financial Officer
Dave Fabian
Chief Financial Officer - dave@24carrots.com
Dave’s extensive experience in finance and accounting stems from the launch of several successful businesses over the last fifteen years. A graduate of Pepperdine University, he loves the daily challenges and team atmosphere at 24 Carrots that fosters a true family atmosphere. His nose for numbers allows him to work alongside Norm and Laura to effectively guide key business decisions and raise accountability across all departments. Dave never passes on sampling desserts in the office and loves to spend time with his family on days off. His perfect day probably involves the beach, a beer, and a good book.
Favorite food? Filet Mignon and a bold cabernet
Nicholas Weber
Executive Chef
Nicholas Weber
Executive Chef - nicholas@24carrots.com
Favorite food? Bean and cheese burrito
Quote:
If I'm not back in five minutes.....just wait longer!
Jonas Spaugh
Director of Operations
Jonas Spaugh
Director of Operations - jonas@24carrots.com
Originally from North Carolina, Jonas has an invaluable work ethic and an infectious positive attitude. As he oversees the daily operations of the production side of 24 Carrots, he is always one step ahead of the team. This enthusiastic Duke fan motivates his team by empowering them to do well, and is always working right alongside them, leading by example. Every salad fork and every packed truck that goes out to events is meticulously cared for due to his diligence and thoughtful precision. Jonas enjoys the company of his faithful dog, Bosco, and though he passes on most desserts in the office, he can never turn down a pie (a la mode of course).
Favorite food? Southern BBQ pulled pork
Quote:
Live life at a Southern pace.
ELISE LUNA
Director of Sales
ELISE LUNA
Director of Sales - elise@24carrots.com
During her many years of professional experience in the event industry, Elise has cultivated her passion for creating events into a fine-tuned expertise and breadth of knowledge that is invaluable to her clients. She began her career in Event Marketing at Nordstrom, managing all aspects of the planning and execution for countless events. Now at 24 Carrots Special Events, Elise has applied her knowledge of planning large-scale, high-end events to creating unforgettable event experiences and providing flawless execution of every event she manages, small and large. Elise is known for her colorful nail art, her love for pumpkin flavored anything, and you may recognize her from her appearances on the Real Housewives of Orange County as Vicki’s 24 carrots Event Designer.
Favorite food? Pumpkin everything
Quote:
It’s kind of fun to do the impossible!
LYNN WAGONER
Director of Business Development
LYNN WAGONER
Director of Business Development - lynn@24carrots.com
Lynn’s passion for parties was lit long ago when she first discovered the joy in executing a well-planned event. It may have just been her high school Homecoming, but it spawned a lifelong love affair. Lynn graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a double major in Psychology and Art and promptly joined Victoria King Public Relations, traveling the world representing luxury hotels and resorts. Her love for planning pulled her away from island hopping and she began her career in the events industry in 2006. Lynn joined the 24 Carrots team in 2009 as an Event Designer, transitioning to Director of Venues and now our Director of Business Development. When Lynn is not busy procuring new relationships, you can find her on adventures with her husband, Kris, and kids Elle and Bodhi. They love to spend time outdoors – be it camping or a Sunday morning champagne brunch. She is also slightly obsessed with her pup, Archimedes Ulysses Wagoner – Archie for short!
Favorite food? Pickles!
Quote:
We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.
Carizza Rose Villa
Director of Marketing + Creative
Carizza Rose Villa
Director of Marketing + Creative - carizza@24carrots.com
As a former client, Carizza was a fan of 24 Carrots long before joining the team. After working for a wedding and event planning company, she found her sweet spot at 24 Carrots. Carizza oversees the overall image of the company, and is proud to represent 24 Carrots at industry functions, social events, and fundraisers. She’s rarely spotted without a flower headband or bow in her hair, and is known for her unashamed love of brunch and Star Wars.
Favorite food? Brunch!
Quote:
Food is my love language.
Taryn Albright
Director of Human Resources
Taryn Albright
Director of Human Resources - taryn@24carrots.com
When you find out that Taryn is originally from Monterey, you’re not surprised to find out that some of her favorite things include reading, hiking in Big Sur, and moonstones. Though a free spirit at heart, Taryn is known at the office for her commitment to ensuring that all events are appropriately matched with the best staff. Managing over 200 servers and 400 employees is not an easy feat, but she doesn’t let that faze her team approach and open door policy.
Favorite food? Anything with cheese.
Quote:
If it’s not fun, you’re not doing it right!
Melissa Chapman
Director of Staff Development
Melissa Chapman
Director of Staff Development - melissa@24carrots.com
Melissa is our stickler for all things service. With a history of 19 years in the hospitality industry, Melissa is continually perfecting our service standards and developing our staff the 24 Carrots “way.” No event is too challenging for her, and she leads by example for our staff, with a positive attitude and proactive approach. Melissa is originally from Massachusetts, and therefore, a die-hard New England Patriots fan. She’s also been unanimously voted the best story teller in the office, so good laughs are guaranteed when Melissa is around!
Favorite food? Ketchup or anything I can put ketchup on!
Quote:
You’re never fully dressed without a smile.
Margeaux Aragon
Executive Pastry Chef
Johnny Schoeberl
Executive Sous Chef
Andrew Carrillo
Sous Chef
Darla Loflin
Kitchen Administrator
Kimberlyn Richardson
Senior Venue + Event Manager
The Yost Theater + The 1912
Kimberlyn Richardson
Senior Venue + Event Manager - kimberlyn@24carrots.com
Quote:
Quality means doing it right when no one is looking.
Nicole Gagnon
Director of Special Events
[AV] Irvine
Nicole Gagnon
Director of Special Events - nicole@24carrots.com
Favorite food? Poutine
Quote:
If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world - Tolkien
Shelby Honeycutt
Venue + Event Manager
Huntington Bay Club
Shelby Honeycutt
Venue + Event Manager - shelby@24carrots.com
Favorite food? Cheese.
Quote:
Be happy, and a reason will come along.
Melissa Keller
Venue + Event Manager
Franciscan Gardens
Melissa Keller
Venue + Event Manager - melissar@24carrots.com
Favorite food? Smoothies
Quote:
Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire
Sarah Lawson
Venue + Event Manager
Ole Hanson Beach Club
Sarah Lawson
Venue + Event Manager - sarah@24carrots.com
Favorite food? There is no better feeling than biting into a perfectly-cooked hamburger that’s loaded with delicious fresh ingredients!
Quote:
Good eating is one of life’s greatest pleasures.
Chelsea Cook
Venue + Event Manager
The Colony House
Chelsea Cook
Venue + Event Manager - chelsea@24carrots.com
Favorite food? Coffee, tacos, and sweets.
Quote:
Life’s too short to drink bad coffee.
Sarah Nye
Venue Manager
Rancho Las Lomas
Sarah Nye
Venue Manager - sarahn@24carrots.com
Favorite food? Meatballs and sauce
Quote:
Take care of all of your memories. You cannot relive them.- Bob Dylan
Michele Maney Davis
Senior Catering + Event Specialist
Michele Maney Davis
Senior Catering + Event Specialist - michele@24carrots.com
Favorite food? Lobster, lobster, and lobster!!
Quote:
If you work just for money, you’ll never make it, but if you love what you are doing and you always put the customer first, success will be yours.
Amanda Bartel
Catering + Event Specialist
Amanda Bartel
Catering + Event Specialist - amandae@24carrots.com
Favorite food? Tied between artichokes and filet mignon
Quote:
People who love to eat are always the best people.
Hannah Penprase
Catering + Event Specialist
Hannah Penprase
Catering + Event Specialist - hannah@24carrots.com
Favorite food? Fruit & cheesecake
Quote:
A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything
Heather Brebner
Catering + Event Specialist
Arielle Ortega
Catering + Event Specialist
Elizabeth LaMothe
Catering + Event Specialist
Anna Hargett
Catering + Event Specialist
Shane Fitzgerald
Catering + Event Producer
Shane Fitzgerald
Catering + Event Producer - shane@24carrots.com
Favorite food? Wine and cheese (goat cheese in particular)
Quote:
You have to laugh — especially at yourself.
Kara Felten
Catering + Event Producer
Kara Felten
Catering + Event Producer - kara@24carrots.com
Favorite food? Ice Cream
Quote:
Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.
Kayleigh Meech
Venue + Event Producer
Franciscan Gardens
Kayleigh Meech
Venue + Event Producer - kayleigh@24carrots.com
Favorite food? Sushi and Ice Cream
Quote:
All you need is love. But a little dessert now and then doesn’t hurt!
Shae Hagen
Venue + Event Producer
The Colony House
Kim Faltynski
Venue + Event Producer
Ole Hanson Beach Club
Lauren Hughes
Venue + Event Producer
Huntington Bay Club
Beth Schallert
Venue Producer
Rancho Las Lomas
Erandi Morales Foster
Catering + Event Assistant
Erandi Morales Foster
Catering + Event Assistant - erandi@24carrots.com
Favorite food? Mom’s chicken soup
Quote:
Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.
Monica Wilkinson
Catering + Event Assistant
Monica Wilkinson
Catering + Event Assistant - monica@24carrots.com
Favorite food? Tacos and Maragritas
Quote:
Mind your own buiscuits and life will be gravy
Jessica Strydom
Design Coordinator
Jessica Strydom
Design Coordinator - jessica@24carrots.com
Favorite food? Pasta
Quote:
Normality is a paved road: It's comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow - Vincent van Gogh
Erin Estrada
Marketing Assistant
Lyndsey Heidrich
Human Resources Assistant
Alyssa Hayes
Staffing Manager
Lynn Ferguson
Accounting
Heather Lozano
Accounting
Amber Weber
Office Manager
Trina VanVianen
Receptionist + Administrative Assistant
John Chambers
Manager
Set Crew Division
Jeff Drobik
Manager
Operations Division
Chris Wells
Manager
Operations Division
Rigo Vega
Manager
Delivery Division
London Walker
Manager
Linen Division
Daniel Pabigian
Bar Manager
Nicole Crawford
Operations Assistant
Delivery Division
Keith Edwards
Production Manager
Chris Davis
General Manager
Bistro Division
