Photograph by: Valerie Shimonis, @ScrantonPhotog

Meet Theresa Bandru, the owner of Golden Owl Consulting, is a native of Northeastern Pennsylvania and a graduate of Temple University’s School of Tourism and Hospitality Management in Philadelphia, where she received a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Sport and Recreation Management. While at Temple she fell in love with the marketing, entertainment, event management, and fundraising portions of the program, ultimately leading to the opening of Golden Owl Consulting. Theresa has over 20 years of experience working with Professional-level sports teams, entertainment venues, non-profits, event venues, medical practices, contractors, technology companies, and more.  Working with different businesses has allowed Theresa the ability to learn and adapt to a new industry as well as mold the scope of business and marketing practices to fit the needs of each business, leading to our and ultimately our client’s success. 

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Q: You talk a lot about your past experiences, which ones do you feel significantly helped you now?

A: “Honestly, all my experiences have helped me in some way. Working with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders and the Philadelphia 76ers were both amazing experiences that I would never trade, but, it showed me that the sports/entertainment world was not where I wanted to be long-term.  Working at The Trocadero Theater in Philadelphia gave me a glimpse into the business side of the entertainment (particularly music) industry which now helps me to work with venue owners and bar/restaurants for their event promotions & event consulting.  Working in the construction industry ironically opened me up to get heavily involved in business networking right before I started Golden Owl. I also did some work with a pool installer who had a storefront, a dental practice, and a painting company simultaneously, which helped me learn different avenues of business operations and helped me see that I was able to multitask and take on multiple clients at once.  I always preach that any experience will benefit you as long as you are open-minded about it!"  

 

Q: What is your choice of philanthropy to support and why did you choose this one?

A: "Being a founder and previous board member of The Andrew Mazza Foundation really gave me exposure to the non-profit world, which was something I was always interested in.  After being heavily involved with the foundation for 7 years it was time to step back a little as life & business changed.  Although I'm no longer a main player for AMF I am fortunate enough to offer discount rates and consulting to various local non-profits in the NEPA area including the Carbondale Technology Transfer Center, The Greater Forest City Business Alliance, & The Parkinson's Connection, so that they can have professional marketing support at a cost their organizations can afford."

 

Q: What would you say to small business owners who are hesitant to get into “new-age” marketing?

A: “I would start by telling them that they are 75% of my client base and not alone!  A lot of business owners get discouraged very quickly with marketing because it is ever-changing and difficult to keep up with.  Today’s marketing is comprised of about 20% traditional advertising, including print (magazines/newspapers), voice (radio), and visual (TV/billboards) avenues, so taking the plunge to internet marketing is a must for survival.  Although it is a scary dive for those who have been in business for years, it is necessary.  I assure my clients that I am here every step of the way. They are essentially handing the image of their business over to me, and that can be scary.  I want them to know that their input is valuable, and their ideas are wonderful, I’m here to work with them to improve them & use them efficiently. I try to explain as much as I can along the way so that they are also learning and understanding the techniques that are successful not only in the current marketing world but also in their industry."

 

Q: If you had one piece of advice for business owners what would it be?

A: “Surround yourself with like-minded individuals, both personally and professionally, and you will find invaluable connections that will help you to grow your business and help others grow theirs as well.  One of the biggest assets that you have in business is your network, they not only help you to grow your business, but they also support you professionally.  Almost all of my past & present clients have come through personal and professional connections.”