Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Jennings.
Hi Lisa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
I discovered my calling when a new roommate was assigned to me at Florida State University, and she told me she was earning her degree in Leisure Services & Studies, a fancy name for Recreation! I instantly knew I wanted to “play” for a living.
As part of my education, I did work studies with the Florida Recreation and Parks Association, compiling a history of their organization and helping to organize the Springtime Tallahassee Parade for Tallahassee Parks & Recreation. I then interned in the Recreation Department at South Seas Resort in Captiva Island, FL, conducting kids’ programs, family activities, and team-building events. Upon graduation, I got a job launching and running the first kids’ programs on Disney property at the Buena Vista Palace.
From there, I went on to work in various recreation-based positions. After moving to Maryland, I became an Activities Concierge for 5 apartment complexes in Columbia, MD. Then, I became the Activity Director at an independent living facility where the average age was 90. Next, I moved to Liverpool, England, for 7 years, where I owned and operated a golf driving range and member’s bar. In addition to that responsibility, I held several different jobs throughout those years, including hosting member events for the Convention & Visitor’s Bureau in Manchester, organizing a road show for Tidy Britain Group that taught kids the importance of not littering, and organizing outings, trips and activities at a high-end fitness club.
Upon returning to Orlando, FL, I worked for a team-building company and eventually operated my own team-building company in 2003, when Wildly Different was born!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As I love what I do, I’ve never felt anything has been a struggle except surviving the pandemic. Thankfully, when that occurred, we already had virtual games in place, so we instantly sprang into action, deciding that this was the way through the crisis. We developed a total of 18 virtual games and marketed them heavily. Due to our quick response, we not only got through the pandemic – we thrived!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Wildly Different?
Wildly Different creates and operates unique events, primarily for the corporate market – team-building events, networking activities, and charitable givebacks. We work with everyone from small mom-and-pop organizations to Fortune 500 companies. In addition, we consult with companies with a recreation team running events but looking for fresh new ideas. For instance, we’ve worked with 6 different cruise lines and multiple premier resorts to create tabletop escape rooms, scavenger hunts, and more for them to self-implement. We have a stellar reputation and are known for, as our name would suggest, coming up with customized events that allow our clients to reach their goals. I’m proud that we’ve never had an unhappy client, and that’s due to the quick response, professionalism, creativity, and eager-to-please attitude of the Wildly Different team. Our team is much more than employees to us – they are family, and we love working together to make our events the best they can be!
What are your plans for the future?
We are currently re-launching a sister company we used to run called Masters of the Hunt, which focuses solely on creating and operating enjoyable scavenger hunts. Our focus will be creating bespoke hunts for onboarding, touring (college campuses, site visits, venue launches), and ongoing offerings for guests at resorts, bars, and event venues. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Masters of the Hunt will also sell pre-packaged, inexpensive games that venues can easily bring to life and use to entertain guests and enhance their offerings during major holidays, such as Easter, Halloween, Christmas, and more.
Contact Info:
- Website: wildlydifferent.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildly_different/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WildlyDifferentTeamBuilding?fref=ts&ref=br_tf
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wildly-different-i-corporate-team-building-and-networking
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/wildlydifferent
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/WildlyDifferentUSA/
