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!
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
LYNN WAGONER
Chief Business Development Officer
LYNN WAGONER
Chief Business Development Officer - 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.
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!
Carizza Rose
Director of Marketing + Creative
Carizza Rose
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.
Andrew DeGroot
Director of Food & Beverage
Brenda Alcaraz
Director of Human Resources
Brenda Alcaraz
Director of Human Resources - brenda@24carrots.com
Favorite food? Breakfast
Quote:
One team, one dream
Connie Thadewaldt
Executive Chef of Kitchen Operations
Connie Thadewaldt
Executive Chef of Kitchen Operations - connie@24carrots.com
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 - kimberlyn@24carrots.com
Quote:
Quality means doing it right when no one is looking.
Chelsea Cook
Catering + Event Production Manager
Chelsea Cook
Catering + Event Production Manager - chelsea@24carrots.com
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 - 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.
Heather Brebner
Senior Catering + Event Sales Manager
Heather Brebner
Senior Catering + Event Sales Manager - heatherb@24carrots.com
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 - melissak@24carrots.com
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 - sarahn@24carrots.com
Favorite food? Meatballs and sauce
Quote:
Take care of all of your memories. You cannot relive them.- Bob Dylan
Shane Fitzgerald
Venue + Event Manager
The Colony House
Shane Fitzgerald
Venue + Event Manager - shane@24carrots.com
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 - amanda@24carrots.com
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 - beth@24carrots.com
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 - elizabeth@24carrots.com
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 - nasime@24carrots.com
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 - morgan@24carrots.com
Favorite food? Popcorn & Pizza
Quote:
Add a little confetti to every day
Erandi Morales Foster
Catering + Event Producer
Erandi Morales Foster
Catering + Event Producer - erandi@24carrots.com
Favorite food? Mom's Chicken Soup
Quote:
Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans
John Chambers
Facilities Manager
John Chambers
Facilities Manager - big@24carrots.com
Favorite food? BBQ meat
Quote:
It always feels impossible until it's done
London Walker
Operations Manager
London Walker
Operations Manager - london@24carrots.com
Favorite food? Coffee, vodka and pizza
Quote:
Stay weird.
Nicole Crawford
Corporate Manager
Nicole Crawford
Corporate Manager - nicolec@24carrots.com
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 - tony@24carrots.com
Monica Tepox
Laundry Manager
Monica Tepox
Laundry Manager - monicat@24carrots.com
Favorite food? Sushi
Quote:
A day without laughter is a day wasted.
Anthony Arambulo
Executive Sous Chef
Anthony Arambulo
Executive Sous Chef - anthony@24carrots.com
Favorite food? Anything with salt, fat and heat
Quote:
HOIST THE COLORS
Darla Loflin
Kitchen Administrator
Darla Loflin
Kitchen Administrator - darla@24carrots.com
Favorite food? All stuffed Pastas, and Chips & Salsa
Quote:
If you have to ask if something is simply 'Good Enough' then it's not
Wilma Ventura
Sous Chef
Wilma Ventura
Sous Chef - wilma@24carrots.com
Favorite food? Arroz Caldo
Quote:
"The mind is everything. What you think you become."
Heather Lozano
Accounting Manager
Heather Lozano
Accounting Manager - heather@24carrots.com
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 - arielle@24carrots.com
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 - paige@24carrots.com
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 - emily@24carrots.com
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 - alyssa@24carrots.com
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 - kylee@24carrots.com
Favorite food? Pizza
Quote:
Eat well, travel often.
Reischelle Caldera
Front of House Manager
Stephanie Hansen
Front of House Manager
Stephanie Hansen
Front of House Manager - stephanie@24carrots.com
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 - monica@24carrots.com
Favorite food? Fries
Quote:
“Start each day with a positive thought and a grateful heart.” ― Roy T. Bennet
Jana Sepulveda
Receptionist
Jana Sepulveda
Receptionist - receptionist@24carrots.com
Favorite food? Sushi and Tacos
Quote:
Age and glasses of wine should never be counted.