My Great Day Story — Featuring Jade Zeno

At Great Day Improvements, we believe that every employee has a unique story to tell, reflecting not just their personal growth but also the values and culture that make our company special. In our series, “My Great Day Story,” we are proud to feature the journeys of employees who have built their careers within our company and its many brands. Twice a month, we will highlight a different team member’s experiences, challenges, and triumphs, offering insights and lessons learned along the way.

Through these stories, we aim to inspire and support others on their career journeys, showcasing the diverse paths that can lead to success within our organization. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, we hope these stories resonate with you and provide valuable guidance as you navigate your own journey.

We are excited to feature Jade Zeno. Jade’s people-focused approach, along with her experience in event planning and content marketing, helped her not only transform her career but also help others do the same.

Can you start by sharing a bit about your background and how you initially joined the company? 

I come from a diverse background in event planning and content marketing, where I managed events and created visitor-focused content for the City of Conroe, Texas. That experience taught me how to execute at a large scale while still creating meaningful, engaging experiences for the community. 

I also hold an International Event Planning Certification and a Project Management certification, which I use daily to manage my region with structure, strategy, and efficiency. 

When I saw the opportunity at Great Day Improvements, I told myself, “If I managed marketing and events at the city level, I’m more than ready to take this to a regional level.” And that’s exactly what I’ve been fortunate enough to step into. 

What motivated you to pursue a career within the company? 

I believe the world needs more managers who truly see the strengths in people, invest in their growth, and help them reach the goals they set for themselves, and that’s what motivates me. I’ve always had a deep passion for event planning, and this role amplifies that tenfold. I’m living in my purpose through every meeting, email, partnership, and travel plan. Great Day Improvements gave me the opportunity to combine both, leading people while creating impactful experiences at scale, and that’s what truly drew me in.  

Can you share a pivotal moment or project that played a significant role in your early career development? 

A pivotal moment in my early career was volunteering my time with the Sis I Hear You Foundation, a faith-based organization where I helped curate intentional events centered around connection, fitness, mental health, healing, and fellowship among women. Through experiences like run clubs, book clubs, and other celebratory gatherings, we created safe and uplifting spaces for women in Houston and The Woodlands, Texas areas to grow and pour into one another. I was very intentional with every detail, making sure nothing went unnoticed—from the background music to conversation starters, to the decor and thoughtful take-home goodies. Every element was designed to create a meaningful and welcoming experience. That experience showed me the true power of events beyond logistics. It shaped how I approach event management today, not just focusing on execution, but on creating purposeful experiences that bring people together and leave a lasting impact. 

How did you navigate challenges during your early career, and what did you employ to overcome them? 

In the event industry, change—especially last minute—is inevitable. I learned early on that success comes from staying adaptable and grounded. I often say I’m in the business of managing chaos. Whether that’s navigating challenging personalities with grace or putting out unexpected fires with a calm and sound mind, I’ve learned how to stay solution oriented no matter the situation.  

One mindset that has carried me through is believing that everything is “figureoutable”. That perspective allows me to approach challenges with confidence instead of stress, and to quickly pivot, solve problems and keep things moving without losing the overall vision. These challenging experiences strengthened my resilience and taught me how to lead with both composure and clarity, even in high pressure moments. 

As you progressed in your career, were there specific skills that you worked on to enhance your professional profile? 

Absolutely. One of the biggest areas I focused on was strengthening my project management skills so I could lead with more structure, efficiency, and intention across every event I touched. I also made it a priority to diversify my event portfolio. I’ve worked across personal, corporate, wedding, nonprofit, private, and community wide events, which has allowed me to become very adaptable and well-rounded in my approach. That combination of strong project management and diverse experience has helped me step confidently into larger roles and manage events at a much higher level. 

Tell us about the transition from your initial role to a new position. How did you identify this opportunity, and what steps did you take to make the move successfully? 

The transition into my new role was a big step both professionally and personally. I made the decision to move seven hours away to pursue the opportunity, which came with a lot of change, but I embraced it with a warm heart and a big smile, allowing my passion to guide me into the next chapter. 

I recognized the opportunity at Great Day as a chance to take everything I had built in event planning and elevate it to a much higher level. To make the transition successful, I leaned into my planning abilities, stayed hungry for knowledge, and never stopped learning. I also remained open, adaptable, and intentional about growing in a new environment. 

That leap allowed me to expand my impact, strengthen my leadership, and truly step into a role that challenges me to operate at a higher level every day. 

Were there specific mentors or role models who played a significant role in your career advancement? How did they influence your professional development? 

Angel Critz, my Senior Regional Events Manager for Patio Enclosures, is a “get it done” leader who has been instrumental in my professional journey. From my first interview, she recognized my potential and has continued to invest in me by explaining the “why” behind her strategies, which has helped me grow both in execution and high-level decision-making. Her guidance truly feels like a cheat code; her structure and confidence-building support have enabled me to achieve better results within my region. My leadership style is also deeply rooted in the foundational lessons from my late mentor, Sherry Chaney Morgan, the former Director of Tourism in Conroe. Sherry taught me to lead with humility, purpose, and a genuine love for storytelling, ensuring I always make space for creativity and innovation. By blending the strategic structure Angel provides with the heart and humility Sherry modeled, I am constantly inspired to lead at a higher level. I am truly fortunate to carry these powerful lessons with me in every role I take on.  

Looking ahead, what are your future career goals, and how do you plan to continue your professional development within the company? 

Looking ahead, my goal is to continue growing as a leader by developing strong, inspiring teams that make every interaction with our clients meaningful. I want every person on my team to not only perform well, but to feel confident, supported, and proud of the work they’re doing. 

I’m focused on building a culture where kindness and accountability go hand in hand, where we are uplifting each other while also pushing one another to reach personal goals, improve performance, and raise the standard across every event. I want every event to feel like a fun, meaningful learning experience where we leave better than we came. 

Within the company, I plan to continue investing deeply into my team across the South and Upper Plains regions, making sure they feel supported both as individuals and as a unit. As I grow them, I know I will continue to grow as well, and that’s what will allow me to keep making a greater impact over time.  

Any advice for colleagues or individuals aspiring to advance their careers within the organization? 

My advice would be to be the blueprint. Do your job so well that people naturally want to follow your lead, and always lead with integrity. 

Stay committed to growth, hold yourself to a high standard, and don’t be afraid to make tough decisions when necessary. At the same time, invest deeply in your people. When you pour into the right individuals and build strong connections, everything else begins to elevate. 

At the end of the day, it’s the relationships you build and the meaningful experiences you create with others that make the journey worth it.