Let us make your event truly EXCEPTIONAL.
Leadership
Jean Steppe, Chief Engineer and Founder
Jean Steppe founded Steppe Solutions in 2001. Jean has had a diverse professional resume that includes positions as program director with Artrain USA, a visual arts exhibition that travels the country by train; an artist representative with a national musical performance booking agency; and stints as a UPS driver and a landscaper. Jean's career choices have always balanced her intrigue with new challenges, her creative talents and her penchant for bringing organization and structure to new situations. Steppe Solutions is the perfect culmination of these interests. She truly enjoys the process of building relationships with new clients, strategizing each new project, and executing a plan for meeting the client's needs in the best way possible. She has managed hundreds of events, and the satisfaction of an event that exceeds client expectations never grows old.
Laura Olech, VP of Engineering
When she joined Steppe Solutions in 2012, Laura Olech came with years of experience in fundraising, event planning and marketing. Before joining the team, Laura spent four years as a major gift fundraiser for the University of Colorado School of Medicine. In this role, she partnered with physicians to solicit funding for their departments and programs through private donors and national foundations. Laura’s understanding of development and the importance of each interaction with guests - from invitations, to e-mail communications, to greeting them at a registration table - makes her a valuable partner to our clients. She has a strategic approach to planning, and a keen eye for detail, which will be experienced by event guests and appreciated by clients. Laura studied Public Relations at Western Michigan University, focusing her studies in the non-profit sector.
Event Engineers
Shona Darin
Shona Darin joined Steppe Solutions in 2024 and brings nearly two decades of expertise in the hospitality industry. With a passion for event management, Shona has honed her skills across various sectors, including sports hospitality, healthcare, and automotive. Shona earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Hospitality Business at Michigan State University and cultivated a deep understanding of the industry’s intricacies, setting a solid foundation for a prosperous professional path. She is dedicated to providing exceptional care and unforgettable events for each client.
Stephanie Van'T Land
Stephanie Van't Land joined Steppe Solutions in 2022 following 7 years in Sales and Events with Zingerman’s Catering. While at Zingerman’s, she also grew the Catering department’s marketing and social media by acting as the Marketing Liaison. Stephanie’s event experiences range from managing catering for social and corporate events to assisting with large galas and fundraisers for many non-profit organizations. She was recently certified in Google’s Project Management program and is passionate about organization, superior customer service, and bringing structure to big ideas. Stephanie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Marketing Management. She strives to create memorable event experiences for each and every client.
Bryan Weiss
Following a 20+ year career in event planning with the Zingerman's Community of Businesses based in Ann Arbor, Michigan and A.G. Ferrari Foods in Oakland, California, Bryan Weiss joined Steppe Solutions in 2022. In these roles, Bryan has served his clients in menu planning, event design, event logistics and event production from the most intimate dining experiences to large scale and complex events. No matter the scope of the event, Bryan is driven to deliver a great experience and peace of mind for his clients from the first meeting to the final event breakdown. Bryan thrives under pressure, and in challenging circumstances. Every obstacle has a solution, and finding that solution quickly and calmly brings him great satisfaction in his work. Bryan earned his B.A from the University of California, Berkeley in Political Science.
Logistics Engineer
Molly Lipham
Molly Lipham joined Steppe Solutions in 2020 and brings with her over 20 years of experience working in the classical music industry. Her experience includes major gift fundraising, special events, and artistic planning with a focus on budgeting and contract negotiation. Molly also served as the executive assistant for a prominent symphony orchestra conductor for over 10 years. She brings a detail-oriented approach with strong multi-tasking skills. Molly holds a Master of Arts degree from American University.