Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business.
VOLO Events Agency is a premier experiential marketing and event production agency headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with additional offices in Las Vegas, Orlando and London. Specializing in immersive, high-impact marquee events and brand activations, VOLO partners with global Fortune 500 companies and large private enterprises, to create unforgettable experiences. Our services span across event management, creative production, celebrity entertainment, technical staging, broadcast and venue construction, allowing us to handle every aspect of the event process.
Kindly give us a brief description about yourself.
I’m Charles Marto, President and CEO of VOLO Events Agency. My career began in experiential marketing, combining my background in media and production with a passion for creating bespoke, and unforgettable live events. I have over 38 years of experience and am a Primetime Emmy Award-winning producer. Some of my key achievements include producing large-scale events for brands like Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Intel, CSX and others, as well as crafting celebrity entertainment experiences with global icons like Andrea Bocelli, Celine Dion, Maroon5 and Snoop Dogg.
What inspired you to start this business?
I noticed an opportunity to bring innovation to experiential marketing, where creativity and production often operated in silos. I saw the potential to create an agency that would approach events with a unique combination of bold creativity and strategic impact. The vision was to provide a single-source solution for brands that didn’t want “safe” but wanted standout experiences that not only entertain but deliver measurable ROI.
What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
- Prioritize Client Success – Make your client’s success your own, and always look for ways to add value.
- Production Values – always go high-end.
- Stay Adaptable – The events industry is dynamic, and being open to change is crucial for growth.
- Invest in Relationships – Build genuine partnerships with both clients and supply chain partners; they’re essential to navigating challenges and creating long-term success.
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
- Persistence
- Visionary Thinking – To see the potential in ideas before they’re realized.
- Execution – Great ideas are nothing without flawless execution.
- Resilience – Challenges and setbacks are inevitable; resilience allows you to push through to success.
- Be passionate, have fun, and love your work.
- Integrity
How many hours do you work a day on average?
On average, I dedicate a minimum of 12 hours daily. The nature of event production is highly demanding, especially as timelines get tighter, but it’s incredibly rewarding.
To what do you most attribute your success?
I attribute our success to a relentless focus and passion on quality and a commitment to delivering measurable ROI for clients. We never compromise on excellence, and this focus has earned us long-term relationships with leading global brands.
How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
We emphasize relationship-based marketing. Referrals and repeat clients are our primary sources of new business. Additionally, our partnerships with high-profile clients, celebrities and our involvement in iconic events help reinforce our brand’s value and visibility.
Where did your organization’s funding come from? How did you obtain investors?
VOLO was initially self-funded, and our growth has been organic. We’ve expanded based on reinvested earnings and scaling through smart partnerships rather than seeking outside capital. We were pleased to be named the 2023 #1 fastest growing media company in America by Inc Magazine.
What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
Long-term success comes from maintaining high standards, attention to every detail and constantly innovating. We continually seek out new technologies and creative methods to stay relevant and provide fresh, resonant experiences for our clients.
Where do you see yourself and your business in 5-10 years?
In the next 5 to 10 years, I envision VOLO continuing to scale its footprint globally, leveraging strategic partnerships, and continuing to set the standard for innovation and impact in experiential marketing.
Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
I admire companies like Apple for their focus on seamless brand experiences and Tesla for their commitment to innovation and disrupting traditional markets. Their customer-centered approach aligns with VOLO’s values in creating meaningful experiences. There “never say no” ethos is a core part of VOLO’s customer approach.
How important have good employees been to your success?
Our team is the backbone of our success. Each member brings specialized expertise, and their dedication to excellence allows us to execute complex projects on compressed timelines without compromising quality.
What motivates you?
I’m motivated by the idea of pushing boundaries and creating something that hasn’t been done before. Each event is an opportunity to leave a lasting impact and shape the industry that I love.
How do you define success?
Success, to me, is delivering an event that exceeds our clients’ expectations and provides them with tangible results. If our clients are thrilled with the outcome and their goals are met, then we’ve succeeded.
What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
The ability to lead with creativity and vision. Being an entrepreneur means every day is different, and each challenge is a chance to innovate.
What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
Entrepreneurs are deeply invested in every part of their business. We bear the risks and rewards personally, which drives a higher level of commitment and resilience.
What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone?
VOLO’s culture is collaborative, client-focused, and innovative. I’ve always believed in creating a workplace where everyone’s ideas are valued, and each person has a role in shaping our projects and outcomes.
In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.
Relentless.
What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?
My greatest fear is stagnation. I manage it by staying proactive, continuously innovating, and seeking new opportunities for growth.
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My greatest inspiration has been leaders who challenge the status quo and make a lasting impact, such as Steve Jobs. His dedication to design, user experience, and his approach to blending creativity with technology has influenced my vision for VOLO. Jobs showed that relentless commitment to innovation can redefine entire industries, a philosophy I strive to bring to experiential marketing.
What are some of the biggest mistakes you’ve made?
Early on, I took on projects that weren’t fully aligned with our strengths. Learning to say no and focus on what VOLO does best has been essential for our growth.
If you were conducting this interview, what question would you ask?
I’d ask, “What is the one key lesson you would pass on to the next generation of entrepreneurs?”
For more information visit us at https://voloevents.com/
