Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Spector.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Being a proud first-generation Houstonian, my roots are grounded in immigrant families who have instilled in me the values of confidence and determination. I believe that while hard work can take you far, the other half of success must come from within.
Growing up with my dad as the owner of a successful real estate brokerage, it was only natural for me to follow in his footsteps and embark on my own real estate journey. Initially, I found joy in the industry. I excelled at it, effortlessly connecting with people and closing deals in the blink of an eye. However, I soon realized that proficiency doesn’t necessarily equate to passion. This realization led me to explore the realms of the hospitality industry.
My journey in hospitality began as one of eighteen hostesses at a high-end steakhouse. The experience was transformative, igniting a newfound passion within me. Eager to expand my horizons, I transitioned into a role as a national grand opening corporate trainer, where I had the opportunity to contribute to the success of various establishments across the country.
It was official—I was in love with the idea of always being on the go, caught in between the hustle and bustle amidst the endless noise and continuous problem-solving. I grasped situations that are impossible to comprehend through school, books, or videos. This was substantial; it was raw. There was heart in what I was doing; this was now my life.
Now, I understand why people say, ‘It takes a lifetime to learn the trade,’ for the simple fact that it is ever transforming. This industry is almost always situational, with different personalities crossing your path, challenging you, the willingness you’re expected to exert, going above and beyond when no one is looking; that’s what can make or break you in this industry. It’s an art and a science, both cultivated into one enormous, orchestrated performance.
Eventually, the family-owned steakhouse I worked for was sold to a corporation, and everything changed. It’s true; once you’ve taken a bite from the forbidden fruit, it’s hard to go back. I couldn’t bear the thought of lowering the bar, so I did what any unaware entrepreneur would do: I spread my wings, flew, and landed right back into the comfort of real estate. I yearned for the old days and searched everywhere to reignite that spark. Almost six months passed by, and then I stumbled upon a sketchy Craigslist ad seeking servers for a one-day event. I thought to myself, “What do I have to lose? I can’t continue working a job I’m good at but lack passion for. What’s the worst that can happen?”
It was imperative for me to find a more engaging and stimulating environment. I wanted an atmosphere where I could let my inventive juices flow, where the mind’s eye could transcend a mere fleeting experience and, instead, create an impression that would last a lifetime for everyone involved.
I realized that waiting for one door to open wasn’t enough. If I saw a door that motivated me, I had to pry it open at all costs. And in doing so, I always remembered those who sacrificed their fingers and feet to hold the door, just to watch me run through. I joined forces and built alliances, recognizing that this meant more resources, better ideas, and a more fruitful future for everyone involved. With God, a supportive family, and a circle of colleagues who have now become some of my dearest friends, I embarked on the Top Shelf journey and haven’t looked back to my comfort zone since. I never expected this company to reach the heights it has today. I honestly believed that having a few good people would be enough. But when you genuinely adore what you’re doing, people will notice, and they will always want to be a part of it.
I wholeheartedly dedicated myself to the business, remaining loyal to my vision, pushing myself beyond what I thought was possible, and trusting my intuition.
Over time, my company transformed from being solely about my love for the industry to encompassing the deep affection I have for my devoted team. Knowing that I am able to provide a source of income for people from all backgrounds is immensely gratifying. But this story doesn’t end here. I am currently in the process of launching another division of Top Shelf. So, all you hungry readers who are ready to take a leap, join us on this journey and follow us for more.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
You know that itch you just can’t scratch, that no amount of yoga can make you flexible enough to reach! The feeling that there is something missing? Even though you have your keys, wallet, and phone on hand. I know that feeling all too well. Sometimes I feel like I can be doing so much more. On the contrary, the quiet times I experience in life are what I like to call the “cocoon phase.” This is the time necessary to gather my thoughts and expand.
One of the hardest things for me is ironically turning on the “off switch.” Once I get an idea going, it’s almost impossible for me to stop. I have learned throughout the years that sometimes I need to put a hard halt to myself, but it is indeed necessary. I need to have “me” time. Life should not revolve around my career.
I asked myself, “Who am I?” My answer was- what I did for a living, and I let it define me. At that point, I challenged myself to be so much more than my work.
It’s okay for me to express myself through my work but It’s easy to get lost in the sauce. I do my best to ground myself every day. It’s important for me to stay as present in the moment as possible. I have experienced many times where I felt like I was on autopilot. During those periods, I miss a lot of valuable lessons, and I’ve noticed how it can affect the people around me. Avoid the autopilot cycle!!
I’ve learned to let go of the reins and trust myself and my team. One of my favorite mottos is “Make it make sense.” – (thank you, Rico Carter.) I’ve come to understand that if I were to leave an event right now, my team and I would be equipped to handle it without me being there every second. Even when I meticulously plan a simple event, something unexpected always seems to happen and throws us off course. But I’ve learned to take a deep breath and remind myself at the end of the day it’s going to be okay. Everything happens the way it’s supposed to.
Recognizing that I don’t have to do everything myself and that I have a capable team supporting me has been crucial. Delegating tasks and empowering my team members allows me to focus on the bigger picture and have confidence in their abilities. Trusting myself and my team has alleviated unnecessary stress and enabled me to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
I’ve embraced the idea of staying present, being flexible, and maintaining a positive mindset. By doing so, I can fully experience and appreciate each day, even when unexpected challenges arise. This holistic approach to life and work has allowed me to find fulfillment, cultivate personal and professional growth, and explore different facets of my identity. I prioritize self-care and nurture my passions outside of work, recognizing that my worth extends far beyond my professional achievements.
Lastly, Uncertain Market Conditions: The event industry is subject to various market fluctuations and uncertainties. Economic downturns, changes in consumer behavior, or unforeseen events like natural disasters or pandemics can significantly impact the demand for events and, subsequently, event staffing services. Adapting to changing market conditions and maintaining financial stability amidst uncertainty can be a significant hardship. But you have to trust your gut, know that this city is too big to go dry. There will always be work. The pie is big enough for all of us.
Despite these hardships, owning an event staffing company also brings numerous rewards and opportunities for growth. Overcoming these challenges through resilience, strategic planning, and a customer-centric approach allows us to provide exceptional services, build a reputable brand, and create long-term success in the industry.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Top Shelf Staffing & Events?
At Top Shelf Staffing & Events, we are passionate about providing top-notch event staffing solutions to our clients. We specialize in offering a wide range of staffing services for various types of events, including corporate conferences, private home events, wedding, religious events, product launches, promotional campaigns, sporting events, and more. Our goal is to ensure that our clients’ events run smoothly and successfully by providing them with the right staff members who are skilled, professional, and dedicated.
What sets us apart from others in the industry is our meticulous attention to detail and our commitment to delivering exceptional service. We understand that each event is unique, and we take the time to fully understand our client’s needs, objectives, and brand identity. This enables us to handpick the most suitable staff members who align with our client’s vision and can effectively represent their brand.
Our team consists of experienced event professionals who have a deep understanding of the industry and possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills. We thoroughly vet and train our staff to ensure they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and expertise to excel in their roles. Whether our clients require servers, bartenders, brand ambassadors, cooks, chefs, promotional models, entertainers, or any other event personnel, we have a diverse pool of talent to meet their specific requirements.
Brand-wise, we take immense pride in our reputation for excellence and reliability. We have built strong relationships with our clients by consistently delivering outstanding staffing solutions that exceed their expectations. Our brand is built on professionalism, integrity, and a relentless commitment to client satisfaction.
We are more than just a staffing agency. We are a trusted partner who understands the intricacies of event planning and execution. We offer comprehensive event staffing solutions that are tailored to our client’s needs, ensuring that their events are staffed with exceptional individuals who enhance the overall experience for attendees and leave a lasting impression.
We invite you to experience the difference of working with Top Shelf. Our team is ready to collaborate, support, and bring their events to life with a touch of professionalism and flair.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Surprisingly, I was a rather reserved and introverted kid. Although I could be expressive at home, I was not so much that same kid outside. I’ve always been a deep thinker and have always had a great intuition.
I was a small kid with big dreams, always yearning to create something meaningful. My hobbies were finding different random materials, even broken things, paints, textures, anything I could find. Put them together and create something new and beautiful. I consider these to be my artistic escapades.
At a young age, my father instilled in me the importance of starting a business and encouraged me to think outside the box, to identify problems, and devise profitable solutions. So, I was constantly on the hunt for ways to solve problems for others, and if not solve problems, the least I could do was to make them happy. MONEY CAN’T BY HAPPINESS. Although later In life, I realized people will reward you for making them happy.
School, on the other hand, never truly resonated with me. It felt mundane and lacking in excitement. I struggled to absorb and retain the information presented in class as my imagination ran wild. I couldn’t wait to play outside, engage in another silent artistic adventure alone. Focusing on the tasks assigned by teachers became a challenge; it felt as though I was being suffocated, confined within an environment that didn’t align with what I perceived as real life.
Growing up, my mother instilled within me a profound understanding of the significance of giving; I understood that extending a helping hand and exceeding expectations for others was an exceptional virtue.
Within the walls of our home, creativity flourished as we shared our artistic and business endeavors with those dear to us. I loved to share my mom’s culinary secrets and techniques with all my friends. While I also enjoyed the multiple business endeavors with my dad, like our famous ice cream sandwich business, Not the classic lemonade stand.
The act of providing more than enough for others became a hallmark of my hospitality, symbolizing the boundless love and care that I held for my friends and family. My love language was officially- it was- acts of service.
I always felt like true joy lies in the act of selflessly giving. I internalized the value of extending a helping hand and going above and beyond to ensure the happiness and well-being of those around me. It is through my life experiences that I have come to understand the transformative power of giving, for not only does it enrich the lives of others, but it also nurtures a profound sense of fulfillment within myself. I felt this way as long as I can remember even if I didn’t know how to verbalize it then like I do now.
I found myself blossoming into an extrovert not until my early 20s, yet I preferred to let my actions speak louder than words. I embraced the concept of moving in silence, allowing my accomplishments to do the talking for me.
Since childhood, I made a solemn promise to myself: “Capture this very moment and etch in my memory how it fills me with wonder. Never let go of this boundless imagination.” And even now, in fleeting moments, I find myself transported back to that little Sam, the essence of youth still alive within me. To me, one of life’s most exquisite treasures is the ability to hold onto our childlike spirit. It infuses our existence with fascination and ensures that life remains an exhilarating journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: thetopshelfevents.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetopshelfevents/
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/aSwfMbeWkq
- Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FmzZZ9RFpN1NSYyNA?g_st=ic
