2010 Business of the Year - New York -Customer Service

Describe the nominee’s demonstrated exceptional customer service during 2010 that resulted in an increase in customer/client satisfaction, retention and referrals. Be as specific as possible about the nominee’s activities including dates where appropriate. 

Briefly outline how the nominee’s customer service produced positive results for its bottom line and achieved their desired results.

 

            I am nominating Kelly Dowd for the Customer Service category of the Headliner Awards because I truly believe she is deserving of this honor. I have known Kelly Dowd for the past ten years, as a friend, co-worker, and employee. From the moment I met her I could just tell that she was a special person. Kelly is perhaps the most caring, honest, loyal and grounded person I know. We started out friends, ended up working together for various catering companies, and eventually when she decided to go into business for herself, I became an employee. We all know that mixing business with friendship is not always a good thing, but with Kelly this would never be a concern because of the kind of person she is; sincerity emanates from her.

            When Kelly decided to start As You Wish Services, a staffing and event planning company, she couldn’t go wrong. “As You Wish” says it all; by providing caterers, private clubs, and residential clients with an impeccably professional and accommodating staff, As You Wish promises an event to remember and enjoy, and this is because of Kelly’s attention to every last detail and her welcoming and accommodating nature.

            Kelly has been in business for almost 8 years now, serving the Hudson Valley, as well as the entire tri-state area. Despite the fledging economy, Kelly’s business continues to thrive, basically due to her impeccable track record for providing top rate customer service and satisfaction. What started out somewhat as a local business serving the lower Hudson Valley region, has expanded to the entire tri-state area predominantly, due to “word of mouth” references and referrals from clients that are amazed by her, and the As You Wish staff’s professional, friendly and accommodating services.

            As You Wish has provided services for such organizations and clubs as The Bedford Golf and Tennis Club (July 4, 2010, for their annual club member BBQ), The Dover Knolls Project (Spring 2010, Fall 2010) and the Pawling Mountain Club (hunting season, annually, and staff seasonal parties). As You Wish has also provided services to some very prominent celebrities, politicians, and families, such as Donald Trump (annual staff BBQ), The Clinton’s (fundraisers and personal affairs at their home in Chappaqua, NY), Vanessa Williams (personal affairs at her home), and the list goes on. As You Wishhas also worked jointly with Celebrity Chef Lucas, A Catered Affair, McKinney & Doyle of Pawling, and Heavenly Cheesecakes.  

            Kelly has also been generous enough to provide “volunteer” staff for local church and community events. Kelly has the wear-with-all to efficiently plan and execute multiple events each weekend. Whether your event is for ten or one hundred, you can guarantee that it will be a success. She has also provided more than 100 community members with employment.

            Upon making the decision to nominate Kelly, I contacted some prominent clients who were more than willing to add a few words about Kelly. I have included those testimonials below.

 

  Kelly Dowd is an event planner’s dream come true.   Aside from being extremely meticulous with her planning, preparation, serving and clean-up, she is personally warm, friendly, and funny and has amazingly wonderful taste -- from food to room décor.    Magically, Kelly has somehow found a way to spread this talent and disposition to her entire staff!  We have worked with Kelly for more than 10 years putting on family events both small and large.   Kelly and her staff ensure flawlessly executed events whereby the hosts can truly enjoy the celebration and the memory that lives on. Thank you Kelly for giving us so many wonderful memories! Rosemarie Sterling. Vice President, Public Relations Yves Saint Laurent Beaute/Loreal

  Whether orchestrating a dinner for 150 or 5, the As You Wish team provides service with the elegance of the best New York City restaurant and the warmth of your own home. Their professional standards are both high and consistent. This is a testimony to the management prowess of Kelly Dowd. A remarkable business achievement.

Alex Reese

  I have had excellent experiences using As You Wish services for Dover Knolls events. These events are open to the public making it difficult to know how many people will attend and are also important opportunities for us to present our company to the community.  Kelly Dowd has the tremendous talent of being able to anticipate those needs during the events and is professional from set-up to clean-up. Her presentations reflect well on us and I never have any worries whether people will enjoy themselves, they always do! 

Kathleen Schibanoff.   Dover Knolls Development Co. II, LLC

  I've had several positive experiences with Kelly Dowd and her business "As You Wish". Kelly and her staff are friendly, reliable and professional. I would not think twice about using her services again.

Linda Novielli