Johnny Roxburgh, an esteemed party planner, recently spoke with Insider about his successful business, JRD. With over three decades of experience planning events for both private and corporate clients worldwide, Roxburgh draws an interesting comparison between running a business and parenting, highlighting the similarities.
Based in the UK, Roxburgh established his party planning company, JRD, in 2014 after building a thriving catering event company in the 1980s. He has had the privilege of working with a variety of clients, but his most famous and noteworthy association is with the late Queen Elizabeth II. Roxburgh had the honor of catering and decorating services for Her Majesty’s Christmas parties throughout the years, and he even planned Prince William’s 21st birthday celebration in 2003.
While Roxburgh’s connection to the royal family is impressive, he prefers to focus on his expertise as a business leader and event planner rather than constantly discussing his work with the royals. He wants people to understand that although working with the royal family has been a significant part of his life, they are ultimately just ordinary people like everyone else.
Despite Roxburgh’s frequent association with the royal family, it’s essential to recognize his individual achievements and contributions apart from palace events. In 2019, he was named one of London’s most influential people by the Evening Standard, indicating his significant impact on the industry. Roxburgh’s journey to success was not without challenges, as he shares his early days as a chartered accountant who eventually transitioned into the catering and event planning field.
Roxburgh mentions that initially, when starting his catering business, there were times when he had to turn down clients due to being overbooked. However, once they opened their doors, people quickly realized the quality of their work. Roxburgh’s willingness to take on unique and extravagant events without limitations is what set him apart. His ability to create unforgettable experiences is showcased through the remarkable parties he has organized, such as hosting a three-day-long event in Venice with a treasure hunt and a 40-piece orchestra and transforming a client’s garden into an ocean liner.
Despite his initial lack of formal training in the events industry, Roxburgh’s hard work and determination have allowed him to hand-pick some of the best talents in the industry to join his team at JRD. Together, they have worked with prestigious clients such as Harrods, Chanel, Dior, and Versace.
Roxburgh’s management style is often described as tough, and he admits to being a challenging employer. He believes in leading with the same dedication and work ethic he expects from his employees. He compares running a company to parenting, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and providing a sense of security for employees. Although Roxburgh doesn’t have children of his own, he has 22 godchildren, which further emphasizes his understanding of the dynamic between strong leadership and a secure environment.
Roxburgh’s passion for his work is evident, and his team at JRD admires him for his unique qualities and dedication to their success. With a jam-packed schedule and a genuine love for what he does, there is little that can stand in the way of Roxburgh’s next grand celebration.
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