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24 carrots catering and events

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 -

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 -

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!


Dave Fabian

Chief Financial Officer

Dave Fabian

Chief Financial Officer -

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


LYNN WAGONER

Chief Business Development Officer

LYNN WAGONER

Chief Business Development Officer -

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.


Jonas Spaugh

Director of Operations

Jonas Spaugh

Director of Operations -

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 -

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!


Carizza Rose

Director of Marketing + Creative

Carizza Rose

Director of Marketing + Creative -

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.


Andrew DeGroot

Director of Food & Beverage

Andrew DeGroot

Director of Food & Beverage -

Favorite food? BBQ

Quote:


Brenda Alcaraz

Director of Human Resources

Brenda Alcaraz

Director of Human Resources -

Favorite food? Breakfast

Quote:

One team, one dream


Connie Thadewaldt

Executive Chef of Kitchen Operations

Connie Thadewaldt

Executive Chef of Kitchen Operations -

Favorite food? TFL Oysters & Pearls and Pizza Rolls

Quote:

Guten Appetit!


Kimberlyn Richardson

Senior Catering + Event Sales Manager

Kimberlyn Richardson

Senior Catering + Event Sales Manager -

Quote:

Quality means doing it right when no one is looking.


Chelsea Cook

Catering + Event Production Manager

Chelsea Cook

Catering + Event Production Manager -

Favorite food? Coffee, tacos, and sweets.

Quote:

Life’s too short to drink bad coffee.


Michele Maney Davis

Senior Catering + Event Sales Manager

Michele Maney Davis

Senior Catering + Event Sales Manager -

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.


Heather Brebner

Senior Catering + Event Sales Manager

Heather Brebner

Senior Catering + Event Sales Manager -

Favorite food? Thai Panang Curry.. Extra Spicy!

Quote:

Never let anyone treat you like a yellow starburst.. you are a pink starburst!


Melissa Keller

Venue Development Manager

Melissa Keller

Venue Development Manager -

Favorite food? Smoothies

Quote:

Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire


Sarah Nye

Venue + Event Manager

Sarah Nye

Venue + Event Manager -

Favorite food? Meatballs and sauce

Quote:

Take care of all of your memories. You cannot relive them.- Bob Dylan


Anna Freeberg

Venue + Event Producer

Rancho Las Lomas

Anna Freeberg

Venue + Event Producer -


Shane Fitzgerald

Venue + Event Manager

The Colony House

Shane Fitzgerald

Venue + Event Manager -

Favorite food? Wine and cheese (goat cheese in particular)

Quote:

You have to laugh — especially at yourself.


Amanda Bartel

Venue + Event Manager

Ole Hanson Beach Club

Amanda Bartel

Venue + Event Manager -

Favorite food? Tied between artichokes and filet mignon

Quote:

People who love to eat are always the best people.


Beth Schallert

Venue + Event Manager

Rancho Las Lomas

Beth Schallert

Venue + Event Manager -

Favorite food? Burgers

Quote:

If at first you don't succeed, order pizza.


Elizabeth LaMothe

Venue + Event Manager

Franciscan Gardens

Elizabeth LaMothe

Venue + Event Manager -

Favorite food? Potatoes in any style

Quote:

Do what you feel in your heart to be right, for you'll be criticized anyway. -Eleanor Roosevelt


Nasime Khoshkbaryeh

Venue + Event Producer

Franciscan Gardens

Nasime Khoshkbaryeh

Venue + Event Producer -

Favorite food? Any shape or form of potato

Quote:

"If you can dance and be free and not be embarrassed, you can rule the world"- Amy Poehler


Morgan Mauriello

Catering + Event Production Manager

Morgan Mauriello

Catering + Event Production Manager -

Favorite food? Popcorn & Pizza

Quote:

Add a little confetti to every day


Erandi Morales Foster

Catering + Event Producer

Erandi Morales Foster

Catering + Event Producer -

Favorite food? Mom's Chicken Soup

Quote:

Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans


Kristin Howe

Catering & Event Sales Manager

Kristin Howe

Catering & Event Sales Manager -


John Chambers

Facilities Manager

John Chambers

Facilities Manager -

Favorite food? BBQ meat

Quote:

It always feels impossible until it's done


London Walker

Operations Manager

London Walker

Operations Manager -

Favorite food? Coffee, vodka and pizza

Quote:

Stay weird.


Nicole Crawford

Corporate Manager

Nicole Crawford

Corporate Manager -

Favorite food? Wine, coffee and chocolate

Quote:

Inside every person you know, there's a person you don't know.


Tony Contreras

Catering & Event Assistant

Tony Contreras

Catering & Event Assistant -


Jose Munoz

Beverage Manager

Jose Munoz

Beverage Manager -


Monica Tepox

Laundry Manager

Monica Tepox

Laundry Manager -

Favorite food? Sushi

Quote:

A day without laughter is a day wasted.


Dorsey Thorn

Set Crew Supervisor

Dorsey Thorn

Set Crew Supervisor -


Anthony Arambulo

Executive Sous Chef

Anthony Arambulo

Executive Sous Chef -

Favorite food? Anything with salt, fat and heat

Quote:

HOIST THE COLORS


Darla Loflin

Kitchen Administrator

Darla Loflin

Kitchen Administrator -

Favorite food? All stuffed Pastas, and Chips & Salsa

Quote:

If you have to ask if something is simply 'Good Enough' then it's not


Luis Guzman

Sous Chef

Luis Guzman

Sous Chef -


Wilma Ventura

Sous Chef

Wilma Ventura

Sous Chef -

Favorite food? Arroz Caldo

Quote:

"The mind is everything. What you think you become."


Leo Sanchez

Pastry Sous Chef

Leo Sanchez

Pastry Sous Chef -


Heather Lozano

Accounting Manager

Heather Lozano

Accounting Manager -

Favorite food? my mom's homemade tacos

Quote:

I can't settle for just anything, my daughters are watching me


Arielle Ortega

Creative Design Manager

Arielle Ortega

Creative Design Manager -

Favorite food? Mediterranean + Mexican + Sour candy

Quote:

"Every day brings a chance for you to draw in a breath, kick off your shoes, and dance." Oprah


Paige Perez

Marketing + PR Manager

Paige Perez

Marketing + PR Manager -

Favorite food? Mac n Cheese

Quote:

Bread and butter are my bread and butter.


Emily Gordon

Executive Assistant to the CEO

Emily Gordon

Executive Assistant to the CEO -

Favorite food? Chicken Parm

Quote:

A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.


Alyssa Hayes

Staffing Manager

Alyssa Hayes

Staffing Manager -

Favorite food? Bacon

Quote:

Tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember, involve me and I learn. - Benjamin Franklin


Kylee Millman

Staffing Administrative Assistant

Kylee Millman

Staffing Administrative Assistant -

Favorite food? Pizza

Quote:

Eat well, travel often.


Reischelle Caldera

Front of House Manager

Reischelle Caldera

Front of House Manager -

Favorite food?


Stephanie Hansen

Front of House Manager

Stephanie Hansen

Front of House Manager -

Favorite food? Hot pot and KBBQ

Quote:

When you focus on the good, the good gets better


Monica Gonzalez

Human Resources Administrative Assistant

Monica Gonzalez

Human Resources Administrative Assistant -

Favorite food? Fries

Quote:

“Start each day with a positive thought and a grateful heart.” ― Roy T. Bennet


Jana Sepulveda

Receptionist

Jana Sepulveda

Receptionist -

Favorite food? Sushi and Tacos

Quote:

Age and glasses of wine should never be counted.