NEWH - Summer 2016 - 34

Q&A

Getting to know
Tara Witt

President for the Toronto chapter and owner of
Vandervitt Inc.

How did you become involved in NEWH?
I came into the industry right out of university and had
absolutely no contacts and no accounts. My position was
focused on new business development, and the company I
worked for at the time wanted to get more involved with the
architecture and design community. Tracy Bowie of IIDEX
Canada took me to my first event, and-although I didn't
know it at the time-I ended up spending the evening with
some pretty important people. I saw an immediate benefit and
decided I had to go to more events. After a year, I was invited to
be the secretary for the Toronto chapter.
 
What has NEWH done for you, both personally and professionally? 
I truly believe NEWH has been the reason why I have been
successful in hospitality. It changes the level of connection I have
with people in the industry. It is much more real than if I had
tried to get my company off the ground by cold-calling through
my address book. A warm and educated introduction is the way
to do business.
 
In your role as Toronto chapter president, what do you have
planned for 2016?
I am excited to award our scholarships. It's really important to
remind our membership of these students and reinforce that
they are the reason our networking ventures can stay fresh
and sustainable over time. We are feeding our own industry by
investing in the future of these students.
What were some of the highlights from 2015?
In March, we had a coaching event that focused on the
principles of delayed gratification, based on the famous
Stanford marshmallow experiments. Everyone came out of
their shells, sharing personal experiences and struggles, and
offered up tactics and advice. It was so awesome to see that
camaraderie, and no one was hiding behind the masks we all
wear to work everyday.

34 www.newh.org

Tell us a bit about your company. Any recent initiatives or new
launches?
In the last year especially, we have made an effort to promote more
Canadian-made products to our customer base. There are many
amazing manufacturers in Canada, and we are trying to give our
customers some budget-friendly options that are not affected by the
exchange rate. However, we do work with a network of incredible
U.S. and international manufacturers as well. We also launched a
new website and hired a marketing director.
What is your business outlook for the next year or two?
We have been on a great trajectory in the last year, and we are
forecasting to continue that same growth. I think the most
interesting thing about growth is that sometimes the biggest and best
opportunities jump out at you from untouched market segments.
Latest travel highlight or plan?
In October, I was in Paris visiting a friend about a week before
the attacks. I lived in Europe years ago for a short period, and I
really missed the lifestyle and the culture. Although I wouldn't
call it a highlight, it was a horrifying eye-opener to watch the
attacks unfold on the news, especially after spending such a
blissful week there. It really makes you step back and remember
what is truly important in life.
Trend you are paying attention to in the industry?
I am loving the use of color, in everything from chair frames to
planters. I am seeing a huge revival of pastel. I love how these soft
colors are becoming edgy.
When you aren't working or at an NEWH event, where can we
find you?
I love going places where I can bring my Great Dane along with me,
and we spend a lot of time outside (so she doesn't break expensive
things). I love to ski, get away to a beach, and more recently I've
been working on my golf game. I have to brush up for the Toronto
chapter's annual golf tournament in August! ❙❘❚
http://www.newh.org
NEWH - Summer 2016

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