Julie Powers's Page

What is the name of your business?

HelmsBriscoe

What is your website URL?

http://www.hbpdf.com/agent/jpowers.php

Where is your business based?

Lake Forest

What is your name? (We prefer your full first and last name but you can use either, or even a nick-name.)

Julie Powers

Describe your business (product, service, quirky things you want to include, etc.)

We offer a free service that assists corporations, associations, groups and government agencies in searching for and negotiating hotel and cruise accomodations for their meetings and events.

Who is your customer?

Anyone who plans meetings.

How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The business was formed over 15 years ago because there was a need to have one entity that could represnt all hotel chains and cruise lines instead of the client contacting multiple vendors. We match the client with the best hotel for their meeting needs and budget.

How long have you been in business?

The company has been in business since 1992.

What's been your greatest moment so far? (i.e. Signing your first client, getting the big order, some great PR?)

Signing your first client is always the greatest moment but everytime that you help a client save time and money is always the best.

What was your biggest mistake?

Forgetting how to speak French since I do a lot of meeting requests for Paris.

What was your smartest move?

Joining HelmsBriscoe.

What are your business plans? (i.e. Expansion, franchising, selling for a gazillion dollars?)

We now have over 1,000 associates worldwide and are still growing. In this down economy our business is growing since those planning meetings are needing to save money and find the value in working with HelmsBriscoe and utilizing our buying power (We do $2.5 million in hotel revenue per day).

Are you a member of any OC-based associations, networking groups, etc?

I am a board member for Meeting Professionals International Orange County chapter.

Are you willing to answer questions about your business from other small business owners?

Yes