Building a New Vision for Magnolia Event Center | My Member Story

Katie Shoemaker and her husband, Paul, have been the proud owners of Magnolia Event Center since January 2024. Since it opened in 2000, Magnolia has been the backdrop for many events, hosting families, loved ones and coworkers for weddings, corporate gatherings, quinceañeras, birthday parties and celebrations of life.

A future found in plain sight

Paul was always on the lookout for an investment opportunity. He used to pass Magnolia on his commute every day and always admired the property. Even though it wasn’t on the market at the time, Paul knew this was the right move for him and Katie.

Paul approached the owners, asking if they wanted to sell. At first, they had no interest. Paul kept in touch and, eventually, the owners said yes, and they closed the purchase.

Creating the perfect canvas

Katie, who had been working at a job she loved—in the attendance office at Bingham High School—embraced the role of business owner. She immediately took on the management of all the renovations and redecorating of the venue.

The renovations at Magnolia began in January 2024. The changes were mainly cosmetic—Katie loved the bones of the building, especially the grand entrance out front, but she wanted the interior to be more of a neutral space that would look beautiful behind any kind of decor. New paint, flooring and bathroom updates made an impact, but Katie’s favorite space is the bride’s room. She designed it to accommodate everything a bride could need on the day of her wedding: plenty of beauty stations and mirrors galore as well as ample room to lounge.

Despite some setbacks, including receiving incorrect doors multiple times, Katie and Paul completed the renovation and successfully hosted an open house in April 2024. The attendees couldn’t have been happier with the changes!

Superwoman is real!

Katie is not shy about explaining that she didn’t know much about owning a business in the beginning. But she has learned a lot in the short time she and Paul have owned Magnolia. She has even made it a point to talk with other business owners to get their advice and learn best practices that she can incorporate into her own business model.

As if working at the high school and starting a business weren’t enough to fill a person’s day, Katie and her family were also building a new home at the same time they were getting started at Magnolia. "We were building a custom home. I was working at the high school and trying to manage the renovations at Magnolia, plus doing tours in the middle of construction and trying to book business so that we had something on the calendar for the summer,” she recalls. “So, it was a very stressful time in my life, and I hope I never have to do anything like that again. There were days where I definitely thought I wouldn’t get through it, but I made it!"

Katie's journey proves that sometimes superheroes don't wear capes—they carry a measuring tape and keep a detailed calendar. Her ability to juggle multiple demanding roles demonstrates that with determination and resilience, even seemingly impossible challenges can be conquered. While she may not claim the title herself, those who know her story might rightfully call her Superwoman!

Choosing the right financial partner

Partnering with the right financial institution as you grow your business is not always a simple task. There’s enough to worry about as a new business owner—the last thing you want is added stress because your financial institution isn’t providing the support you need.

With their previous financial experience, Paul and Katie had knowledge of the options for securing a business loan. They could have gone with anyone, but they chose Mountain America Credit Union, initially for the amazing loan rate. But as they had more contact with their business advisor, Jared DeVroom, they knew Mountain America was definitely the right choice. “Jared and Mountain America have been wonderful. They want our business to succeed as much as we do,” Katie noted. “It’s nice to know that they are in our corner.”

The family business and the business of family

Katie and Paul have five children, ages 16 to 27, one grandchild and another on the way. They not only love to spend time together outside, but many family members work at Magnolia. The family is very tight-knit, and Katie is embracing her new roles as business owner and grandmother.

Magnolia Event Center continues to thrive under Katie's leadership. We are excited to be there for Katie and Paul in this new venture, and we are proud of what they have created!