TOP 100 MAGAZINE

Gregorio (Greg) Palomino

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Greg Palomino’s entrepreneurial journey began with a bold vision and a $4,000 investment. Long before launching CRE8AD8 (Create-A-Date) in 2007, Greg was already demonstrating his business acumen, managing sales and marketing teams for Fortune 500 companies—all before turning 23. This early success set the stage for what would become a global empire in the event management industry.

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With CRE8AD8, Greg transformed his passion into an internationally recognized, award-winning agency. Specializing in the MICE sector (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), the company quickly gained prominence, orchestrating high-caliber corporate events, incentive travel, and conferences for over 300 elite clients. As demand grew, so did CRE8AD8, expanding its team to more than 235 professionals and earning features on major networks like NBC, CBS, FOX, Bravo, and The Style Channel. Managing annual budgets between $50 million and $110 million, the company’s impact was undeniable.

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As CRE8AD8 flourished, so did its reach. The company now boasts offices in major cities worldwide, including Belgrade, London, Barcelona, Melbourne, Mexico City, Toronto, and Rome, while also maintaining a strong presence across the USA. Under Greg’s leadership, CRE8AD8 has achieved nearly $1 billion in lifetime sales, cementing its reputation as an industry leader.

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Greg’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop at events. Over his career, he established over two dozen businesses across the travel, real estate, food, transportation, and humanitarian aid industries. One of his most notable ventures is a food and beverage distribution operation that plays a critical role in emergency mass feeding and disaster relief. His expertise and influence have made him a sought-after thought leader, with features in over 200 global media outlets, including The New York Times, FOX News, The Hill, Politico, USA Today, and HuffPost. He also frequently contributes his insights on event and travel trends to various global and association publications.

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Beyond business, Greg remains deeply committed to philanthropy. His dedication extends to organizations such as Boy Scouts of America, Knights of Columbus, agriculture programs, as well as his active involvement with the Archdiocese of San Antonio and other notable local and global organizations.

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Greg Palomino’s story is one of vision, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Whether transforming the event industry, launching new ventures, or giving back to the community, he continues to shape industries and inspire change on a global scale. To that end, The Top 100 Magazine spoke with Greg to learn more about his inspiration, his business acumen, and what drives him.

 

Greg, what inspired you to take the leap into entrepreneurship and start CRE8AD8?

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While working at UPS, I took time off to support my significant other through a medical challenge. Around that time, I had a conversation with my neighbor, who ran a medical equipment business and had the flexibility to work from home or the office as he pleased. That lifestyle—the ability to be there for my family—sparked my entrepreneurial dream. I was fortunate to be excelling in my career and earning well in my early 20s at a fantastic company, but I saw a different future for myself. With a strong foundation in sales and marketing from my experience at Victoria’s Secret, UPS and FedEx—where I gained expertise in events, product movement, exhibitions, corporate incentives, and conference management—I was ready for a new challenge.

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I initially launched CRE8AD8 as a concierge service, specializing in last-minute gifts. After hosting a high-energy launch party featuring mariachis, violinists, and professional dancers, the momentum took off. Our first corporate event client—a home theater company—came soon after, and within five months, we had generated $600,000 in revenue as a one-man operation. That moment cemented CRE8AD8 as a force in event management, and we’ve never looked back.

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What makes CRE8AD8 stand out in the event management industry?

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Our commitment to client care, transparency, and expertise truly sets us apart. Every client works with seasoned professionals—each with at least five years of industry experience—ensuring that they receive the highest level of service. We’re upfront about costs, eliminating surprises, and focus on delivering real value. What also distinguishes us is our full-service, turnkey approach managing aspects from post to pillar. Unlike many event agencies that outsource key services, we retain many of our event and travel assets in-house—luxury vehicles, travel management, printing, culinary teams, technology solutions, design services and more—all under one roof. Holding our own certifications, licenses and permits allows us to manage every detail seamlessly, from concept to execution without having the need to farm our talent out.

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Beyond logistics, it’s our mindset that defines us. We don’t accept “it can’t be done.” I thrive on breaking barriers, pushing past obstacles, and finding creative solutions where others see roadblocks. During COVID, while most event companies shut down, we adapted and excelled. We became one of the top 5% of USDA contractors, delivering millions of pounds of food when traditional distributors struggled; and we did it in just a few weeks. We were the only event management company actively operational during the pandemic, executing a $39.1 million contract to feed millions of Americans who were in need of help and food during that time. That resilience, that ability to get things done when others can’t—that’s why people come to us. We make the impossible happen; and we’ll show you what others think can’t be done.  Our mindset doesn’t allow limitations.  Now we have not just an amazing story to share, but also an award-winning documentary (“Victuals: The CRE8AMEAL Story") which has earned 30+ global film awards and even more nominations and streaming on YouTube and other channels.

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With over two dozen successful businesses, what keeps you motivated?

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My family is my greatest motivation. Providing for them goes beyond financial comfort—it’s about creating a life where I can be present, share meaningful moments, and truly make our time together count. Success isn’t just about building businesses; it’s about building a life that balances achievement with purpose.

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Gregorio (Greg) Palomino
Founder and CEO
CRE8AD8 LLC
Website: https://www.cre8ad8.com

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/gbpalomino

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cre8ad8

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cre8ad8

Documentary: https://youtu.be/GpGV5JUyZCs?si=nGSDc4fomU1hmKYo