Ed Lachterman– CEO
Ed started his career in Hospitality in 1979. He later attended SUNY at Cobleskill where he achieved an Associates of Applied Science in Hospitality Management. Working in Nightclubs, The Marriot Hotel, Bloomingdale’s and Restaurants, he worked his way up in each case working in all areas of operations. In 2011 he started to use his knowledge and expertise to do charitable work, helping to organize and run auctions, parties, galas and golf outings to support different organizations. The Ultimate Service Agency is the child of his passion for hospitality and service.
Yanina Varley – Operations and Training Specialist
Mark Hicks – Construction, Set up and Operations Specialist
Ilona Roy-Hicks – Bar and Service Specialist
Laura “Chef Elle” Daniels – Kitchen and Recipe Development Specialist
Laura Daniels is a professional Chef with fifteen years of experience in the culinary industry. Her commitment to her craft has led her to various roles throughout her career. The roles include, Sous Chef, Manager, Culinary Director, Instructor, and business owner. She does not shy away from new learning opportunities nor is she intimidated by getting her “hands dirty”, right alongside of her students. Her calm demeanor makes it easy to work and collaborate with her, and this makes all students and members of her team comfortable and dedicated when working in her kitchens.
Chef Elle, (this nickname given to her by her students and colleagues), was bitten by the “Culinary Bug”, at a young age, having had a host of home cooks, (family members), to teach her and train her in the preparation and execution of prized family dishes. Her teachers include her aunts, grandparents, and most importantly her father. While many teenagers would be all thumbs in the kitchen, Laura was right at home, building her professional and personal confidence with each meal she prepared for whoever would indulge her by sampling her creations.
Laura is a dedicated professional, starting her career as a Sous Chef in Philadelphia, and then later moving to Jamaica to complete her education and training at the University of Technology/Jamaica. In the year 2008, she obtained her Bachelors of Science degree in Food Service Management. She found much pride, going back to her roots, and learning under the instruction of Jamaica’s finest culinary artists. To further her knowledge she later earned a certification as a Servsafe Instructor and Exam Proctor from the JNA Culinary Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Laura has since, gained experience working as a private Chef for prestigious NBA organizations such as the Knicks and the 76ers teams, as well as gained a wealth of experience as an instructor for the Philadelphia Opportunities Industrialization Center and Graham Windham. She uses every opportunity as a learning experience and takes pride in educating new and current culinary students. With every executed meal by Chef Elle, a “foodie”, will understand that food does not have to be complicated; it just needs to taste magnificent. Chef Elle is passionate about food, and the healthy delivery of food options. She is dedicated to food safety and quality.
When Chef Elle removes her apron, she can be found enjoying time with her family, working on her book for novice home cooks, consulting for her catering business, and spending time restaurant hopping throughout New York City’s premier eateries, marveling in the joy of eating delicacies prepared by her peers. Chef Elle’s passion for food, preparation, execution and sharing her expertise continues to motivate her and gives her the encouragement she needs to keep bringing her “A Game”, to the kitchens in which she ventures.
John Iorio – Amusement and Event Specialist
John Iorio has worked as an event planner/coordinator since March 1984. He started at Berlant’s Carnival supply in Scarsdale, NY. The owner of Berlant’s moved out of state in November of 1993 selling the company to John Iorio. The Company was renamed Funtime Amusements. John has grown the business by adding Casino, Arcade Games and many Mechanical and inflatable Rides. John Iorio is also a partner in Event Venue called Bounce The Party Place.
John’s has run events fom 30 to 3000. He has handled all aspectes of promotions and events (setup, breakdown, crowd control, event staff) Whether you are planning your wedding, company picnic or small house party, our 30 years of experience in the entertainment and amusement industries will ensure it is an extraordinary event.
Melissa Grounds – Graphics and Marketing Specialist
Melissa gra
duated from Penn State University with a Telecommunications degree focused on Marketing. With an extensive background in graphic design, layout and event coordination she has organized and promoted trade shows, fundraisers and business events.
The love she has for design can be see in all of her past projects, which include newspaper layout, magazine advertisements, poster design and local fundraiser and charity promotion.
Amanda Landsman – Bar and Service Specialist (Upstate NY)
Amanda has been in the hospitality business for 20 years, and has done everything from serving to bar tending, supervising the front of the house and corporate training teams for new restaurant openings. She has the utmost standards for how restaurant guests should be treated, and has the passion to train to ensure consistent service at each and every visit to an establishment