Jill Blashack Strahan
Founder & CEO, Tastefully Simple, Inc.
Jill Blashack Strahan
Biography
Born and raised in rural Minnesota, Jill founded Tastefully Simple in 1995 on "a dream and a shoestring,” starting the company in a shed with no running water. Within the first eight years alone, it grew from $100,000 to a $113 million enterprise, and by 2008 it generated sales of $143 million– becoming a household name across the country.
But just three years into the business, Jill was rocked by tragedy. Her brother was killed in a fall, and eight months later, her husband died suddenly. Faced with raising her five-year-old son alone and managing a skyrocketing business, the decision to continue was painful. She says simply, "You always have a choice. You can get bitter or get better."
Today it’s easy to see the lasting impact and legacy of Jill’s passion and perseverance.
Over the past 25 years, Jill has been recognized as a top entrepreneur, business leader and CEO All-Star – earning awards and accolades from Inc., Fast Company, Ernst & Young and many more. Her first book Simply Shine was published in 2007. And since 2008, she has been sharing her powerful message across the nation, inspiring others as a professional speaker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to some of the most common questions about booking Jill Blashack Strahan for your event.
How do I book Jill Blashack Strahan for my event?
Booking Jill Blashack Strahan with Premiere Speakers Bureau is a streamlined 4-step process:
- Availability Check: Contact us with your event date and budget to verify if your desired speaker is available.
- Hold Date: We place a temporary "hold" on the speaker's calendar while you finalize internal approval.
- Contracting: We issue a contract outlining the fee, cancellation policy, and event expectations.
- Logistics: Once signed, our event management team handles all travel booking, itinerary, and AV requirements.
Why should I partner with Premiere Speakers Bureau rather than contacting speakers directly?
Partnering with Premiere Speakers Bureau provides a comprehensive safety net for your event that direct booking cannot match. You get the same speaker for the same price, but with a dedicated team with over 30 years of event experience handling contracts, logistics, and are prepared for any emergency. We know what it takes to run an excellent event.
What makes Premiere Speakers Bureau unique compared to other agencies?
Premiere Speakers Bureau distinguishes itself by having over 30 years of experience while partnering with more than 35,000 events. PSB has also built a streamlined, fully online process that makes booking a speaker, handling travel and payments extremely easy for anyone looking to plan a speaker led event.
How does Premiere Speakers Bureau's 'Zero Cost Service' model work?
Premiere Speakers Bureau operates on a 'Zero Cost Service' model for event planners. Our services—including research, booking, and logistics—are always free to the client. The speaker covers our commission from their standard honorarium as payment for our role in marketing and managing their engagements.
How are speaker fees structured, and what is typically included?
A speaker's fee typically covers the keynote presentation, a pre-event planning call, and standard customization. Travel expenses are usually billed separately.
What are the standard policies for speaker travel and expenses?
Travel expenses are negotiated during contracting. We generally recommend a flat travel fee for simplicity, though we also offer line-by-line invoicing when preferred. PSB ensures these expenses adhere to professional standards, and our Event Portal allows for easy tracking and invoicing.