Meet Brett Gnadt | Owner & Lead Event Planner at The Party Pretzel

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brett Gnadt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brett, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

I’ve been working in events – in one way, shape, or form – for almost a decade. My mind thinks in spreadsheets and timelines, and that made planning my own wedding a lot of fun! A close friend had offered to day-of coordinate for me as my wedding gift and it was the best gift anyone ever could have given. Having the support through the process was so needed, even for my organized self. After getting married and helping a few friends do the same, I realized how special it is to have someone in your corner to help make your day go beautifully.

I started my business with the idea that planning your wedding should be FUN, and wanted to make sure my clients felt like they not only had someone to guide them through the process, but that they were planning alongside a friend. Weddings can be a huge investment for engaged couples, and it’s important to have someone you trust to make sure your vision comes true.

The Party Pretzel was created to provide a creative twist on events – not just weddings, though that’s the majority of our work right now. We strive to tell it like it is and be your event maestro with an honest take – we strive for the kind of planning conversations you’d have with a close friend over a glass of wine.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

The common denominator throughout my career has always been community. From staff to attendees – you’re all there for the same reason, and that’s what really draws me to the event world. There’s nothing better than that post-event high when you look at all you’ve achieved and hug the people who became family in a matter of a few (very long) days.

I work full-time at the Dear Jack Foundation as the Director of Communications and Marketing, and have learned so much during my time here. I’ve been given the opportunity to fine-tune my event and fundraising skills, while also still having a focus on – yup, you guessed it – community. I love connecting with our group of cancer patients and survivors, and find so much joy in getting to know our long-time supporters. We host an annual benefit concert with DJF founder, Andrew McMahon and it is without a doubt my favorite few days each year.

The Party Pretzel – growing wildly as it approaches it’s 4th birthday – is so special to me. Connecting with clients and making their wedding day dreams become reality is so. much. fun. It’s a guarauntee that I will cry at least twice at every wedding – when the my couple comes back down the aisle in newlywed bliss, and during the first dance. There’s nothing better than getting to know two people so well over a few months, only to then spend your last day working together surrounded by friends and family in celebration of them.

As I continue to grow professionally and explore new opportunities, I strive to always stay honest to myself, to always have fun, and to always make sure that what I’m doing is rooted in the celebration of community.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am definitely the “planner” friend and am of course always ready with my google map and list of places to see and things to do in Colorado.

In our pre-parenthood days, my husband and I spent a lot of time eating and drinking our way through town. We love Local 46, Fire on the Mountain, Lucille’s for brunch, and 1Up on Colfax (big pinball fans over here!).

Nowadays, you’ll find us on adventures with our toddler – visiting our favorite animals at the Denver Zoo or checking out a fun playground or new park.

My ideal child-free date night? Checking a visit to a few new places off my list, or happy hour at The Hornet, followed by hours upon hours of drinks, friends, and pinball at 1Up Colfax. Toss in a little karaoke and you’ve made this gal’s wildest dreams come true.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am so lucky to have so many amazing individuals in my life who have guided me on my journey through event management.

I would not be anywhere near where I am today without my dear friend Nicole Jarman. We have worked together for almost a decade and have been through a lot together. We’ve seen it all. She’s done some incredible events in Colorado and is the kindest and most wonderful mentor.

The wedding coordination side of my business would not be what it is today without Woodlands venue owners Janelle and Stephen Statham. My first “real client” wedding was at Woodlands in 2019, and Janelle and Stephen believed in me from the start. We’ve grown together as friends and industry partners, and I could not be more thankful for their trust, honesty, and friendship.

And of course – a HUGE shoutout to my dear husband and family, who now just expect to never see me on the weekends between the months of May and October. I am so thankful for their guidance, flexibility, and support. This small business could not survive without them.

Website: thepartypretzel.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepartypretzel/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-gnadt-96491767/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PartyPretzel

Image Credits
Headshots and Party Pretzel team photos by Shaye Kaessner.