TOP 100 MAGAZINE

Chris Starkey

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Chris Starkey’s entrepreneurial journey reads like a masterclass in grit, creativity, and boundless ambition. As the co-founder of Imprint Events Group, Chris has transformed a rotary phone and an AOL account into a $35 million enterprise with locations in Denver, Vail, Las Vegas, and Orlando. His story, however, is more than a tale of financial success—it’s a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and community-centered leadership.

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Before becoming a powerhouse in the event industry, Chris found his footing on the stage. A performer and world-touring entertainer, he honed his craft at Disney before transitioning behind the scenes as a producer. But it was in 2000 that his entrepreneurial spirit took flight. Starting from scratch, Chris built his one-man entertainment company into a national leader of corporate events, digital and virtual meetings, and brand-integrated experiences called Imprint Events Group. Chris’s greatest gift is finding the “who’s” along the way. Partnering with co-founder, Nicole Marsh, CEO Adriane Hodder, Alon Mor, and countless others, the company has orchestrated 30,000 events for clients like Molson Coors, Walmart, Pepsi-Cola, and RE/MAX International. Yes, the company has received countless awards, but  Chris’s proudest achievement is how many livelihoods he and his partners have been accountable for.

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What sets Imprint Group apart is its “blue ocean strategy”—delivering not just events, but immersive, brand-centric experiences. “We don’t just check boxes. We craft moments that resonate,” Chris explains. By aligning their team’s culture with their clients’ brand identity, Imprint ensures seamless partnerships that transcend traditional event planning. “We’re dream-makers, not order-takers,” Chris adds, describing their ability to turn visions into “wow-did-that-just-happen” moments.

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For Chris, success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people. His high-energy, charismatic approach has made him a sought-after business coach and speaker, where he shares the formula behind his meteoric rise. “I always say, I’m not the smartest person in the room, but I surround myself with people who fill the gaps. They make me look good and any kind of success I have had is all due to those people who have chosen Imprint as a destination of employment,” he admits with humility. It’s this collaborative mindset, paired with a relentless sense of urgency, that has fueled his and Imprint’s extraordinary success.

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Chris’s leadership philosophy centers on lifting others up. Whether mentoring emerging leaders, philanthropic efforts in the special needs community,  or speaking around the country, his passion for community shines through. “True success comes from empowering those around you,” he says. This ethos extends to Imprint’s commitment to investing in its people—a team that Chris proudly describes as “experts, trust-building partners, and creators of what’s next.”

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Through it all, Chris’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs. From his start as an entertainer to his role as a leader in the event industry, he has proven that success is not about credentials, but about showing up, dreaming big, and building a team that shares your vision. As Chris puts it, “We are only as good as the five people we surround ourselves with. I am surrounded by the best 60+ people in the biz.”

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With Chris Starkey, and his partners leading the way, Imprint Events Group continues to redefine what it means to create experiences that go beyond the expected—proving that when passion meets purpose, the results are nothing short of extraordinary.

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Chris Starkey
Co-Founder
Imprint Events Group
Website: https://www.imprintgroup.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-starkey-1644292b/