Division: FFM
Business is booming down in Oklahoma City at First Americans Museum (FAM). In year two of the contract, after the challenges of the pandemic, NMS is beginning to see the projected profits. Much of this is due to taking over the building’s catering and event sales efforts.
“Hiring the right people for the job was our first step.” David Taylor, the general manager, said. “In Oklahoma, like everywhere, the job market is tight, and we got lucky. We couldn’t have asked for better people to fill these positions. Kristen Wasemiller and William Reynolds have made a tremendous impact to the NMS team at FAM. Client satisfaction was a big challenge and as a result, sales weren’t meeting expectations. Kristen and William have turned the response rate and satisfaction around overnight. We’ve seen a 50% increase in bookings and profits for the New Year already and I anticipate that number to get to as high as 100%.”
Kristen Wasemiller came to NMS with 20 years of event planning experience, with 15 of them in event sales. Her most recent position was at Oklahoma State Fair, Inc. (OSF), in Oklahoma City, where she developed their first sales department in over the 100 years that OSF has been in operation. She also championed all new year-round business brought into the organization, while at the same time managing the state’s largest annual event that brings in $1 million every year – The Oklahoma State Fair! Kristen’s market insights and project management skills have proven just what NMS needs to improve the bottom line at FAM. Kristen says, “Building this program is an exciting challenge. I’ve thoroughly enjoy developing and executing a program that benefits both NMS and FAM. I’m thrilled with the results that we’ve seen already, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for us. I am truly honored to represent the First Americans Museum and the NMS culinary team.” When asked about NMS and FAM, she says, “David, Brad and the FAM team have been extremely supportive from the start. This has been instrumental in our team functioning successfully so quickly!”
William came to NMS from the OKC Thunder Basketball team in the Events and Entertainment Department. Born and raised down the road in Guthrie, William knows Oklahoma City. He’s quick to jump in, and his technical savvy has him positioned perfectly at FAM. His quick thinking and problem-solving skills have already proven an incredible asset. When asked about himself, William said, “I put God first – all the time. I always focus on the positive over the negative and always keep moving forward.” Anyone who has met him can tell he stands by these mottos. When asked about his new role with NMS, he said, “So far, it’s been great. I sincerely thank NMS for bringing me on board and allowing me to grow within my position.” When asked about working at FAM, “I am glad to be a part of this organization. Working in the First Americans Museum itself has been an eye-opening experience. Being in this atmosphere, I am getting an in-depth understanding of Native and Indigenous cultures. I’m learning so much every day!”
First Americans Museum, positioned at the crossroads of America, was designed to tell the story of the 39 recognized tribal organizations in Oklahoma. NMS manages the restaurant, Thirty Nine, catering, event sales, security, and facilities maintenance – including janitorial contracts.