Women in Business: the mastermind behind the Avanti Mansion

Busy is one word to describe Laurie Clark.

Motivated is another.

“I always tell people, I got my start because someone told me I couldn't do it.”

Clark is an accountant by trade and had become quite successful selling Mary Kay cosmetics when she decided to buy the Avanti Mansion in Hamburg. That was back in 2004.

“My uncle painted, friends and family would work for food when we couldn't afford to pay them.”

At first, all events were held outdoors. “We realized that as much as our clients loved our outdoor venue, not all clients were interested in having something outdoors,” she explained.

So, in 2010, she decided to build two ballrooms on the property.

“We went from being a small family run company, to a much larger presence in the wedding industry. We went from being just friends and family that work for us, to having a staff of over 50.” That includes her own children. Both work fulltime at the mansion. Clark said she intends to leave them the business one day.

For now, though, she’s focused on welcoming new clients. Clark said they're booking into 2021.

“To be entrusted with being that special location that they host this big day, it's really an honor.”

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