meet your team

deborah venable - partner

Each day, as Nimlok's managing partner Deb focuses on strategic plans, business policies, sales growth and employee development. Starting at Nimlok in 1993 as an Exhibitor Designer, Deborah moved into sales in 1996 and then in 1997, she purchased the company with business partner Peter Crouch. Deborah is an avid member of Entrepreneurs Organization, TSEA and EDPA. On the lighter note...

• Real-life super power: multi-tasking!
• GRRRR: people texting while driving, please stop!
• Wish from a genie: help me raise my kids to be great people inside and out.
• Best thing ever: ice cream – all flavors.

peter crouch - partner

A veteran in the industry, Peter began his career in the exhibit business in 1992. He has been integral to the growth of Nimlok Chicago and the evolution of the many systems we provide. Prior to joining Nimlok, he spent 10 years in the video industry working on all facets of business and commercial television production. It's this combination of business and life experiences that help Peter bring a unique focus to Nimlok Chicago's clients. On the lighter note...

• Real-life super power: I have ESP.
• GRRRR: wasting time.
• Wish from a genie: three more wishes.
• Best thing ever: other then my family, hockey.

monica muehlfeld – account manager

Monica is new to the tradeshow industry, but not new to event planning. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a degree in Communication and Spanish. Monica isn’t stopping there and is currently taking classes toward a graphic design certificate. At Nimlok Chicago, she manages Peter’s accounts and her daily responsibilities include quoting, order processing, and communicating with clients. On the lighter note...

• Real-life super power: photographic memory.
• GRRRR: Winters that never seem to end.
• Wish from a genie: to feed every hungry child.
• Best thing ever: seeing new places!

maria valdovinos - sales consultant

Maria has been with Nimlok Chicago for the past 11 years. In 2001 she joined Nimlok Chicago as a receptionist where she was quickly promoted to account management for both partners. Maria spent four years working with clients, managing projects and acquiring product knowledge. Maria's background allowed for a seamless transition into her current role as a Sales Consultant. Her experience has allowed her to deliver unmatched service to her clients. On the lighter note...

• Real-life super power: shopping.
• GRRRR: conversations first in the morning before my first cup of coffee. I mean really?
• Wish from a genie: new sting ray Chanel bag, never ending supplies of Jimmy Choos, and a credit card with a never ending credit line that of course I don't have to pay the balance on…oh and world peace.
• Best thing ever: my 100-pound American Bulldog, Syerra. She makes me haaapppppyyyyyy! When the skies are graaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay J.

linda thomas – account manager

Linda became part of the Nimlok-Chicago team in 2012 and brings with her 20 plus years of industry experience. Her background in both Purchasing and Project Management gives her a unique perspective in dealing with the client's needs in her new position as an Account Manager. On the lighter note...

• Real-life super power: making the impossible, possible.
• GRRRR: drama.
• Wish from a genie: to be a genie.
• Best thing ever: fall in the Midwest.

miranda wulfing - sales consultant

Becoming part of the Nimlok team in March 2008, Miranda brought with her a rich and diverse background. She had worked in graphic and interior design, marketing communications, and also owned her own business as an event planner for 6 years. Since being at Nimlok, Miranda has quickly proven great successes to all of her clients, as she brings a bubbly personality, great work ethic, and a creative mindset to the team - she always seems to add a twist to every project to make sure everyone stays unique.

• If you can have any super power, it would be: having two of me at a flick of a switch.
• GRRRR: when people commit to something and don't follow through.
• Wish from a genie: this is easy, I would create cures for multiple illnesses such as cancer, arthritis and lupus, heart disease, diabetes and more.
• Best thing ever: my 12 months old son. I know, it is cliché, but he is the best thing that has ever happened, plus he's super cute, which helps!

melissa graetz - account manager

Melissa has been a part of the Nimlok Chicago team for the past 5 years. She played a vital role in the launch of our online storage database, NimForce. Her daily responsibilities include quoting, order processing, and client interfacing. Her background in customer service has allowed her to maintain quality relationships with new and existing clients. She is Miranda Wulfing's right arm and next go-to for any questions related to a project's timeline and show details. On the lighter note...

• If you had any super power, it would be: power to fly.
• GRRRR: empty ice trays.
• Wish from a genie: Cubs to win the World Series while I'm still alive!
• Best thing ever: Grandama's biscuits & gravy.

mali willis – exhibit consultant

As a recent graduate, Mali has jumped right in to her new sales position at Nimlok Chicago. Mali studied Communications and Marketing at Indiana University, where she has had extensive experience in event coordination and completed a summer internship at a PR firm. She has always been eager to learn and has a fresh outlook into the industry as well as a belief in the effectiveness of face-to-face marketing. On the lighter note...

• Real-life super power: I have mastered the art of clumsiness.
• GRRRR: when people chew with their mouth open.
• Wish from a genie: time travel, I would love a pet dinosaur.
• Best thing ever: Dairy Queen ice cream cakes.

rich patti - project manager

Rich is coming to Nimlok Chicago with 15 years of experience in trade show and events industry. He has previously held key positions at Nimlok Corporate in Chicago and Nimlok's Texas distributorship. As our Senior Project Manager, Rich is responsible for making sure all projects are completed in budget and are produced with the highest-grade materials. Daily, Rich is creating innovative ways to use new materials within a space working directly with the design team to ensure that we are providing innovative solutions in all of our design work. On the lighter note...

• If you had any super power, it would be: invisibility.
• GRRRR: bumper to bumper traffic.
• Wish from a genie: the ability to fly.
• Best thing ever: Mom's cooking.

britt spread - production manager

Britt has been with Nimlok for 11 years in several administrative roles, including Account Management and Storage Management. As Production Manager, Britt oversees daily projects and scheduling, and works with the Production Team to ensure that our customers have successful events. On the lighter note...

• If you had any super power, it would be: time travel.
• GRRRR: every single Cubs loss. I go "GRRR" a lot!
• Wish from a genie: to be made genie myself.
• Best thing ever: sliced bread.

stacey kraszewski - exhibit properties account executive

Stacey joined the Nimlok Chicago team in September 2008 to assist with a private corporate show, handling all the purchasing of furnishings and accessories for the largest, most creative event in Nimlok Chicago's history. Stacey has continued to be an integral part of Nimlok Chicago and now handles the Client Storage Program. A graduate from Roosevelt University with a degree in Business Management, she continues to excel in the trade show industry. On the lighter note...

• Real-life super power: finding great bargains.
• GRRRR: hypocrites.
• Wish from a genie: to be a Ballerina.
• Best thing ever: chocolate.

kathleen nolan – exhibit properties account manager

Kathleen is new to trade show industry but has been involved in event coordination in her previous positions at event planning companies. In her role at Nimlok Chicago, she will be managing daily activities for storage program and show services logistics. Kathleen has graduated from University of Illinois, Champaign (with B.A. degree in Communications. Kathleen's daily activities include, writing up orders, sending quotes, maintaining rental inventory, and sending inspection reports. On the lighter note...

• Real-life super power: chatty Kathy.
• GRRRR: parallel parking.
• Wish from a genie: a puppy! (Preferably a Golden Retriever or Bernese Mountain Dog).
• Best thing ever: summer at the lake or winter in the mountains!

julia poroshkova - marketing manager

Julia has now been with Nimlok Chicago for over 2 years. Julia is working closely with managing partner Deb Venable and the sales staff to develop and run marketing campaigns to drive leads and more. Her other responsibilities include lead tracking, internet marketing, creating and managing marketing budget and progress reports. She is also the voice behind Nimlok Chicago's Facebook, Twitter and Trade Show Ideas Blog. Julia has earned a Marketing and Sales degree from DePaul University and currently active Young Professional member of Business Marketing Association. On the lighter note...

• Real-life super power: color-coding files and notes.
• GRRRR: people sneezing. Repeatedly.
• Wish from a genie: world peace.
• Best thing ever: iPhone.

jon zayat – designer

Jon brings the exhibit design process to the forefront at Nimlok Chicago. He has various experiences previously working in everything from product development, retail store fixture and consumer product design to graphic and exhibit design. Jon uses his creativity, curiosity, and enthusiasm to transform clients’ ideas and needs into face-to-face marketing solutions. Jon holds undergraduate degree in Industrial Design from University of Illinois at Chicago. On the lighter note...

• Real-life super power: clapping with one hand.
• GRRRR: the sound of eating.
• Best thing ever: the anvil.

jose rodriguez – designer

Recently joining our growing design team, Jose brings 6 years of retail design experience that includes creating retail environments, point of purchase displays, kiosks, and custom retail fixtures. Jose's talent, enthusiasm and creativity translate into exceptionally designed environments that promote client's brand image and message. He has BFA in Industrial Design from Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design. On the lighter note...

• Real-life super power: being awesome, duh!
• GRRRR: people who text and drive or do anything else while driving that's not driving.
• Wish from a genie: I'd wish for a million more genies so I could have a million wishes.
• Best thing ever: my dog/manimal, Rocky.

nick mangiardi – design estimator

Nick became part of the Nimlok-Chicago team in 2012. He brings over 10 years of trade show and event industry experience. His previous managerial positions in both Purchasing and Project Management gives him a unique perspective in dealing with the client's needs in his new position as a Design Estimator. Day to day Nick works closely with designers and project manager, Rich Patti to develop cost-effective estimates/proposals for new exhibits and projects. On the lighter note...

• Wish from a genie: an answer to the UFO question.
• GRRRR: when people ride their brakes while driving.
• Best thing ever: World Series Baseball and The NHL Playoffs.

jane healy - bookkeeper

Jane Healy has been the bookkeeper at Nimlok Chicago for the past 7 years. She is not only responsible for processing all payments and expenses; she also handles the day to day accounting functions and payroll for Nimlok Chicago and Nimlok Corporate. She is an integral part of the Nimlok Chicago team, and continues to provide all clients with exemplary service. On the lighter note...

• Favorite quote: "Measure twice cut once!"
• GRRRR: people making left turns that don't pull out into the intersection GRRRR!
• Best thing ever: the Internet, it opens up the world.

julio lopez – warehouse manager

Julio is coming to Nimlok Chicago with extensive experience in trade show industry. He worked on manufacturing side with Nimlok Company for many years. Julio now keeps Nimlok Chicago's Storage and Rental Departments organized in our onsite warehouse. He also handles many In/Outs for our Storage Clients, as well as onsite installation and dismantle supervision around the Chicagoland area.