Good times can be hard work. Nobody understands that better than Nate Marcus. With an enterprising spirit and a commitment to local businesses, Marcus launched PartyRVA in 2015 – soon to be rebranded as OccasionGenius. His goal was to unite idea-strapped party planners with the host of entertainment options Greater Richmond has to offer.
“You can live in this city forever, grow up here, know everybody, and you’ll still miss so much,” remarks the Boston native, who has dedicated himself and his street team to exploring and cataloguing the recreational resources of his adopted hometown. Marcus, a graduate of Natural Gourmet School for Health and Culinary Arts in New York City, has had a long track record of gathering people for fun and adventure. He guided group excursions abroad for a time and, after moving to Richmond and joining the crew at Shockoe Slip’s culinary school, Mise en Place, he began hosting Iron Chef Challenges as team-building events for corporate clients.
Marcus, a graduate of Natural Gourmet School for Health and Culinary Arts in New York City, has had a long track record of gathering people for fun and adventure. He guided group excursions abroad for a time and, after moving to Richmond and joining the crew at Shockoe Slip’s culinary school, Mise en Place, he began hosting Iron Chef Challenges as team-building events for corporate clients. Today Marcus specializes in amusements that suit a range of occasions, ages, and budgets. Some examples are scavenger hunting with co-workers, dining with friends and family on the stage of a grand theater, and celebrating a child’s birthday with a few rounds of “human bowling” – all discounted on his website.
Today Marcus specializes in amusements that suit a range of occasions, ages, and budgets. Some examples are scavenger hunting with co-workers, dining with friends and family on the stage of a grand theater, and celebrating a child’s birthday with a few rounds of “human bowling” – all discounted on his website. Within in the first year of PartyRVA’s
Within in the first year of PartyRVA’s launch it was recognized as the “Region’s Best Startup 2015” by the Greater Richmond Chamber’s i.e.* Startup Competition and placed second in both START! Peninsula 4.0 and Capital One Labs. The enterprise went on to gain admission to two accelerator programs – Lighthouse Labs RVA and the DC Regional I-Corps Training Program – and as a result, has begun shaping its national presence. The company plans to be in 15 new markets by the end of 2017 branded as OccasionGenius. Along the
Along the way Marcus has formed an impressive team that includes Grant Mizell as head of product, Brian Harris as chief technology officer, and Christian Dixon as art director. As his startup continues to expand, Marcus is remaining true to his mission to promote homegrown ventures that have limited advertising budgets. He says that he plans to make sure that each website in his network features local “hidden gem” businesses. Such area businesses as the Tipsy Sommelier attest to the impact Marcus’ service has made on their visibility. “PartyRVA has been our best resource for getting legitimate leads that translate into business,” explains founder, Terricinia St. Clair. “We receive an average of four inquiries weekly, at least half of which become
Such area businesses as the Tipsy Sommelier attest to the impact Marcus’ service has made on their visibility. “PartyRVA has been our best resource for getting legitimate leads that translate into business,” explains founder, Terricinia St. Clair. “We receive an average of four inquiries weekly, at least half of which become new business.”
The Depot at VCU, a popular event and collaboration space, echoes St. Clair’s sentiment. Jill Ware, the facility’s events coordinator and building manager, notes, “PartyRVA has exceeded our expectations in gaining exposure to new clients.”
PartyRVA’s listing of venues has proven to be a particularly useful resource for party planners, Marcus notes, pointing out that organization of an event hinges on nailing down the right location. From the expansive Redskins Training Center to the intimately elegant Studio 418 on West Broad Street, locations offering all manner of atmospheres and scale are presented by category on his site.
Collaborating with Julia Warren of CelebrateRVA, a nonprofit that throws birthday parties for children in need, the energetic entrepreneur is also exploring ways to devote some portion of the booking proceeds for one child’s birthday bash to helping another child rejoice in his or her big day.
“The idea is that everybody deserves to celebrate,” explains Marcus. “Shared experiences are so much cooler than gifts. Everybody just comes alive and feels like a kid again with out-of-the-box things to do.” Marcus points to bachelorette parties, nonprofit fundraisers, and children’s gatherings as just a few examples of moments of playful bonding that he sees on a daily basis. Moreover, a boat party at night could be one of the most exciting bachelorette party ideas that might create many joyful memories for life. Beautiful sunsets, a relaxing ambiance, exceptional views, and exciting experiences usually entice us to join these boat parties.
From mobile gaming parties to home spa days, new ways to celebrate and bond are emerging as quickly as are new reasons to gather – such as divorces and second pregnancies. “They’re popping up in different partof our life where they didn’t even exist,” observes Marcus, “and this trend to make them really unique and new is more at the forefront than ever.”