Meet Orlando Ruiz | Event Planner

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

Hi Orlando, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I’d say the most important factor behind my success, to put it plainly, is the experience I create! The key to success for my brand is all based on how my clients and their guests feel while and after attending one of my events. As soon as people walk through the door, I want them to be able to literally feel the time, energy, blood, sweat and tears it took to execute the event they took the time to attend. From the bridesmaid in the back tapping her foot to the beat of her favorite song, to the couple on the dance floor dancing and holding their cocktails, to the wait staff happily passing out horsd’oeures. Just seeing everyone genuinely enjoying themselves, that to me is SUCCESS. For The Win Events takes pride in creating that experience, that feeling. And I’m forever grateful to each of my clients who put their trust in me and allow me the freedom to bring their vision to life!

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
My ability to think outside the box, to be unique is what I know sets me apart from others. When I’m booking or working with a vendor, I like to push the limits. I ask all my vendors, “what can you do… okay great, now how can we elevate that idea?” To ensure future growth, we must think forward, be ahead of the trends… create the trend!

The launch of For The Win Events was an easy one, but keeping up with the new responsibilities was the challenge. From the beginning, my hardest challenge was time. I’ve learned how to determine what takes priority versus high priority. One of my biggest lessons I’ve learned is to ensure I make time for myself. Outside of working full time, running a business, being a husband, and being a paw parent to our two dogs, I still find time to play kickball and volleyball, which bring me joy.

When I decided to start my own business, I wanted to I focused on diversity. I want to open doors for POC vendors. The mom-and-pop businesses that might not get the opportunity to showcase their business. The world will know, For The Win Events is about transparency, uniqueness, forward thinking, and just being a badass!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
To me the weekends start on Thursdays, so let’s start there! We would start our morning with a 5:30 am spin class at my favorite new spin studio, Iice fitness. You feel like you’re at the club there, I love it! During the day, we’d head to Bishop Arts to shop and grab lunch at Coco Fire & amp; Ice. The night would lead us to Deep Ellum to grab a bite and drinks at Harlowe MXM. Friday we’d start the day with brunch at Oddfellows, then head to Cidercade for some day fun! They have so many different video games there, old and new! We’re staying in for the night. Always listen to your body… rest!
Saturday starts with another spin class at iice fitness, then the Farmer’s Market after to grab lunch and shop again! The farmer’s market has so many different restaurants and boutiques, we could literally be there all day! From there we would head to the AT&T Discovery District to enjoy the crowd and relax. Then we’d dance the night away at Round Up, one of my favorite spots!
Now it’s Sunday, which in the fall means…football! Everyone knows mimosas are the perfect cure to a hangover! Chelsea’s Corner has some of the best mimosas in town! We might also head to Nodding Donkey. It’s the place to be to watch sports and their food and drinks are 10/10!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe a lot to my friends, family, and chosen family! They saw my talent even before I did, and they all deserve major credit! When I decided to launch For The Win Events, my friends rose to the occasion and made themselves available for anything I needed. I do what I do because it fills my heart with joy, and in doing so, I’m able to create spaces that allow my friends to shine too! In the famous words of Queen Beyonce, “it’s a home run when the team touch base!” Lastly, I want to give two shoutouts first my husband Rito, thank you for being supportive and allowing me to shine in my element. Secondly, my sister Aracely, thank you for guiding me in this industry and coming along for the ride.

Website: www.FTW-Events.com

Instagram: FTW.EVENTS

Facebook: For The Win Events

Image Credits
Aracely Aguilar Photography