Kate Fishel: From Startup to Event Industry Leader
In the competitive world of event design and production, creativity alone isn’t enough. Kate Fishel exemplifies this rare combination. As the CEO of Fauxcades, she has transformed what began as a modest company into a nationally recognized powerhouse in the event and experiential design industry.
From a young age, Kate demonstrated a natural flair for business and creativity. This early passion laid the groundwork for a career built on vision, determination, and a commitment to excellence. Over the years, she has not only grown Fauxcades into a full-service event design firm but has also cultivated a reputation as a bold and purpose-driven leader.
The Rise of Fauxcades
Founded in 2004, Fauxcades began as a small-scale operation housed in a 5,000-square-foot warehouse, catering to a limited number of events each year. Under Kate’s leadership, the company rapidly evolved. Today, Fauxcades operates out of a 60,000-square-foot facility and manages thousands of events annually offering everything from custom-built scenic décor and installations to full-scale production services.
Fauxcades sets itself apart with an extensive in-house team. The company’s vast inventory includes bars, lounge furniture, photo ops, themed backdrops, and large-scale entrance designs. This end-to-end capability allows Fauxcades to execute projects of every scale with precision and creative excellence.
Leadership Grounded in Values
At the heart of Fauxcades’ growth is Kate’s strategic and people-focused leadership. She emphasizes the importance of surrounding the company with talented, motivated individuals who bring new ideas and skills to the table. Her leadership style fosters collaboration, trust, and innovation making Fauxcades not only a creative enterprise but also a strong, values-driven organization.
Kate’s ability to pivot and lead with clarity became especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the events industry came to a sudden halt, she guided the company through a complete shift redirecting production capabilities toward manufacturing branded sanitization stations, signage, UV pods, and other safety equipment. This quick adaptation sustained business operations and protected jobs during a challenging time.
A Career Built from the Ground Up
Kate’s journey within Fauxcades reflects grit, vision, and determination. She joined the company in 2008 as National Sales Director at just 24 years old. From day one, she immersed herself in every function of the business, driving growth through hands-on involvement in marketing, coordination, operations, and sales.
Her efforts laid the foundation for rapid scaling. She became a co-owner before the age of 30, and in 2017, stepped into the role of President and CEO. Her leadership since then has marked a new era of expansion, innovation, and operational excellence.
Purpose-Driven Design
Beyond aesthetics, Kate has embedded a deeper sense of purpose into the company’s mission. Fauxcades is a trusted partner for nonprofits and social causes, helping these organizations host impactful events that not only raise awareness and funds but also create memorable, immersive experiences for attendees.
This philanthropic integration reflects Kate’s belief in business as a force for good—where creativity can be leveraged to inspire, support, and uplift communities.
Embracing Work-Life Balance
Like many high achievers, Kate once measured success through nonstop productivity. Over time, she has embraced a more balanced approach to leadership recognizing that rest, wellness, and personal time are essential components of long-term performance. This evolution has shaped her outlook and influenced how she leads her team, ensuring a culture that values both ambition and well-being.
A Legacy in the Making
Kate Fishel’s story is one of vision, leadership, and unwavering creativity. She has built more than a company,she has built a brand that stands for innovation, resilience, and meaningful impact. Through Fauxcades, she continues to shape the future of experiential design while inspiring a new generation of creative entrepreneurs.
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