The Faces of High Point Market
If you’ve spent some time in High Point, NC, then you know that the High Point Market – the largest economic event in the state – has a huge presence in our city. In fact, every year, the Market generates more than $6 billion! Not only that but it brings more than 75,000 guests to our community and impacts the entire world in setting the trends and furnishing the world we live in.
But what does that mean for the folks who live in High Point, NC? It means that more than 40,000 jobs are supported because of the High Point Market. And it means that our community plays a crucial role in the success of the Market. The people who make this multi-billion dollar industry happen are the folks who live and work right here in High Point! As a community, we’re proud to know our own citizens are the ones making a lasting impression and impact on the world through their work at High Point Market.
From market rentals to catering to transportation, it truly takes a village (plus a little more!) to make the Market happen. Get to know some of the High Point faces behind the Market, and discover the talents that our community uses each year.
Feed the Market - Meet Dave Nicoletta
Dave Nicoletta, owner of the G4 Restaurant Group, has been serving High Point delicious food for more than 14 years now. As the owner of Giannos, a beloved spot in the city, he keeps many High Pointers happy with his delicious Italian food all year round. But twice a year, Dave – who is also the Board President of Visit High Point – feeds the world with his top-knotch catering services. Discover Dave’s story of his work at High Point Market.
Q: How did you first start working in the catering side of High Point Market?
Before purchasing Giannos, I had an extensive catering background working in New York City, Long Island, and even Wake Forest University. I knew I wanted to grow this side of Giannos' business as soon as we got here, and I felt that the strong following from the High Point Market guests in the restaurant would be a huge catalyst to launch this “side business.”
Recognizing an opportunity to offer something unique and tailored to the Market’s needs, I founded Giannos Woodfired Catering (now Giannos Catering & Special Events). We aimed to provide an unparalleled hospitality experience for our Market guests, and it's been a gratifying journey ever since.
Q: What makes a successful catering experience for Market? What kind of experience do you want Market guests to have?
My main priority is always to be in service to our clients. A successful catering experience for Market revolves around three core elements: quality, consistency, and authenticity. We want our guests to experience the rich flavors of our dishes, delivered consistently with top-notch service. The goal is for every Market guest to leave with fond memories of not just the event, but the food and hospitality they experienced.
Q: What do you love most about High Point Market and its relationship to our city and citizens?
The symbiotic relationship between High Point Market and our city is truly special. The Market brings the world to our doorstep, and in return, our citizens and businesses rally together to showcase the best of what High Point has to offer. This mutual appreciation and collaboration are what I love most.
Q: Why is High Point Market important for our local restaurants and small business economy?
High Point Market is a major driver for our local economy. It brings in visitors from all over the globe, which not only boosts our local restaurants and businesses during the event but also places High Point on the global map. With the recent addition of more and more “year-round” showroom presence, the ripple effect of the Market can be seen more profoundly in our local economy. The Market showcases our city to the world, and it's a prime opportunity for local businesses to shine.
Q: How can citizens support Market? Why should they?
Citizens can support the Market by being excellent ambassadors for our city. Whether it's recommending a local eatery, assisting a visitor with directions, or just offering a friendly smile – every little gesture counts. Supporting the Market is essential because its success is the city's success.
Q: As Chairman of the Board for VHP – what kind of visitor experience do you want to see our businesses and citizens offering to our Market visitors?
Making our Market guests feel welcomed is the single most action that we as a community can do to ensure a positive experience. Visit High Point’s tagline is “Make Yourself at Home” and we want our visitors to feel at home when they reconvene in High Point twice a year. We like to say that it all starts with the visit! You never know when a Market guest could be a future new resident, business owner, or feel inspired to bring another event opportunity to our city.
House the Market - Meet Patti Holtzman
Long before there was an Airbnb or VRBO, Home rentals have long since been a part of High Point Market. Many citizens rent their homes for the week of Market, giving them extra income and giving Market guests a comfortable experience for staying in the city during their busy Market week. Patti Holtzman, founder of Holtzman Market Rentals, has been a High Pointer for more than four decades and has watched the evolution of hospitality associated with High Point Market. After working as a receptionist during High Point Market, and helping folks to find a place to stay, she decided to start her own business securing rental locations in the city and connected Market goers with our citizens.
Q: Why should someone consider renting their house for Market?
It keeps the Market in High Point. They need to know guests don't usually cook. They never smoke, and they rarely ever entertain. They are gone about 12 hours per day, so there is extremely little use of the home. Mostly the guests sleep, shower and enjoy a cup of coffee.
Q: What do Market guests like about staying in High Point rentals?
They are less expensive, cleaner and more comfortable than hotels. Many of the homeowners and renters become friends.
Q: What are some of your favorite memories from High Point Market?
The friends I made from the guests and homeowners. I love going to the homes and meeting the homeowners. They want to set up their homes to make their guests comfortable. For 35 years, I went to every market and met up with many of the renters.
Q: What do you love most about High Point Market and its relationship to our city and citizens?
The city of High Point comes to life during the market. Many people are employed full or part time at market and get to see what goes on inside the buildings and feel a part of things.
Transport the Market - Meet Louis Tellez
Colorado transplant, Louis Tellez, has called High Point home for the better part of 30 years, and has worked in just about every aspect of the High Point Market. After meeting a friend who worked for the High Point Market Authority, Louis began working to make his adopted hometown a place of welcome for our Market guests.
Q: What does your job as a transportation driver include? What do you enjoy most about your job?
I’ve worked at the Market since 2005 and have done just about every job we do. I’ve been an Airport Ambassador and airport shuttle driver. I’ve worked in the Command Center answering phones. I take hostesses to hotels that ride in our hotel shuttles picking up guests.
Q: How do you guarantee an above and beyond guest experience for all of our Market guests?
We try to be a prompt and on-time shuttle service for our Market guests. We’ve gone above and beyond for our guests in transportation needs. Last Market, I took a guest back to her hotel in Winston-Salem, and then drove her to the Charlotte Airport for a family emergency.
Q: What are some of your favorite memories from High Point Market?
Some of my favorite memories are the people we meet and become friends with who we pick up at the hotels and showrooms. We see several guests who come back market after market from many locations. You never know who you’re going to get as a passenger in your van!
Q: What do you love most about High Point Market and its relationship to our city and citizens?
I love meeting the local workers who take time off from their regular jobs to work the Markets and services they do.
Q: How can citizens support Market? Why should they?
Local citizens can support the Market by providing good customer service to our guests who travel here to do business. It makes people want to come back to our Market and they can go back and tell other people about the wonderful service they received.
Inform the Market - Meet Tia Thompson
There’s a lot a guest needs to know about the Market. After all, the Market covers more than 11,500,000 sq. ft. of showroom space, so whether you’re a first-time guest or a seasoned Market veteran, you’ll want someone like local Tia Thompson on your side! Tia’s been working in information booths at High Point Market for the last seven years, and helps guests know exactly where each showroom is, as well as other pertinent Market tips – like hotel info, dining options, transportation routes, and more.
Q: What are some of the questions you frequently get asked in your job?
Market guests often want to know about unique dining experiences that are rare in their native home. Next, they want to know entertainment options to grab appetizers and drinks. They will ask questions about showrooms and hotel shuttles, but they like to enjoy their stay in High Point as well.
Q: How do you guarantee a great guest experience with High Point’s southern hospitality to all of our Market guests?
I believe that each person deserves a pleasant experience. I have a responsibility as a citizen and stakeholder in my community to make sure that visitors feel welcome and valued. I believe it takes less energy to be kind and welcoming, because it generates good feelings within and sets the atmosphere for others.
Q: What are some of your favorite memories from High Point Market?
The people who come to each Market stop by and catch up about events in their lives and share pictures of new arrivals, weddings etc. I value the friendships that develop and rekindle each Market. The people I work alongside, and Market guests, make the experience pleasant.
Q: What do you love most about High Point Market and its relationship to our city and citizens?
I love that High Point gets to absorb the experience of diverse groups of people coming together and infusing energy and revenue into the city. I know the traffic can be demanding, but High Point citizens have game plans in place to move about while the Market is in town. The market gets the city buzzing in positive ways.
Q: How can citizens support Market? Why should they?
I think High Point citizens who love to cook, bake, or have other talents should find a way to market their skill. The Market guests love to soak up the good things happening in the city. Many miss the opportunity to leverage the seasonal business opportunities available during the Market.
Q: And how does Market support our city?
Market guests are wonderful patrons of local restaurants and entertainment attractions. Many businesses appreciate that boost in revenue. I have friends who rent their homes to Market guests and save the money for family vacations. The city blossoms from the pedestrians and energy that Market brings and it is nice to be part of the action.
Discover our High Points,
The HPD Team