director of events
CHILDHOOD, EDUCATION AND EARLY CAREER
Jessica Rooks is a woman who has always known what she wants and goes after it with unrelenting focus and determination.
Born and raised in North Carolina, Jessica began her career journey by attending North Carolina State University, where she studied Communication Disorders. After completing her undergraduate studies, she continued her education at East Carolina University, where she earned a Master's Degree in Speech Pathology.
For the next five years, Jessica worked in the speech pathology field, where she helped individuals improve their communication skills. However, as time went on, Jessica grew increasingly frustrated with the limitations placed on her by the insurance companies. Despite her love for helping people, she decided it was time for a change.
Hospitality was always in Jessica's blood, so it was no surprise when she decided to pivot her career towards the industry. Jessica's first job in hospitality was as an assistant to a hair stylist, where she learned the importance of customer service and attention to detail. From there, she worked as a hostess and server, further honing her skills in guest service and developing a deep passion for making people happy.
GOING “EATERTAINMENT”
In 2015, she joined a popular “eatertainment” brand as an Event Coordinator in Raleigh, North Carolina. At the time, the brand was a new and exciting concept and she quickly found that she loved every aspect of her new role. She threw herself into every aspect of her job with a passion, quickly learning what it meant to "sell" a memorable evening or event. Jessica believes that when it comes to sales, the product is everything, and she found it easy to get behind a product that was all about having fun.
Jessica's hard work and dedication paid off, and she was promoted to Event Sales Manager and then Senior Event Sales Manager in quick succession. She focused on refining what, in her mind, made for the perfect party or event at the venue. Her priority was always to build a connection with the client and be an advocate for their event. She oversaw all aspects of the events, staying in constant communication with the customer to ensure that everything ran smoothly.
Jessica found this work incredibly rewarding, and her unique brand of self-motivated excellence didn't go unnoticed. Her managers and peers quickly took notice of her hard work and dedication, and in 2018, she was promoted to the role of Regional Sales and Marketing Manager for the southern arm of the brand. In this role, Jessica oversaw all sales and marketing efforts for Kings in the region and has been instrumental in the company's growth.
What makes Jessica so successful is her belief in what she is doing and her willingness to hold herself accountable. She is a closet perfectionist who loves to be challenged and hates feeling stagnant. She credits the support system from the management team for much of her success, saying that they let her dictate what she wants to develop into and where she wants to go.
SAYING Y3S TO A CAREER CHANGE
Jessica reunited with several of the senior leaders from her previous role as the reimagining and evolution of eatertainment was launched at Your 3rd Spot in Atlanta, GA. As the Director of Events and a Partner at Your 3rd Spot, Jessica is responsible for building sales and planning and executing events that create unforgettable experiences for the guests. Her attention to detail, creative vision, and ability to connect with people make her a natural fit for the role.
At Your 3rd Spot, Jessica has truly found her calling. Her ability to bring people together, create unforgettable experiences, and make people feel special has made her an indispensable part of the team. Her contributions have helped the business grow and thrive, and she is a beloved figure in the community.
THE WOMAN BEHIND THE CAREER
When she's not working, Jessica can often be found in the kitchen, experimenting with new recipes and sharing them on her Instagram page. She and her husband share a love of cars and have owned over 75 between them. They enjoy traveling and exploring new places, and hanging out with their two rescue dogs, Gumbo & Scrappy. Ultimately, Jessica's true passion is making people happy and creating experiences that will be remembered for a lifetime.
Overall, Jessica Rooks is an accomplished individual who has excelled in every role she's taken on. She is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and believing in oneself. With her unique brand of self-motivated excellence, Jessica has made a significant impact on the Y3S family and is sure to continue doing so for years to come.