Partner - Business Manager
Since 1984, Jonathan Rawls has worked in the events management business. He started out with the ultimate college job, selling concessions at Braves games as a fundraiser for his Oglethorpe University fraternity. As luck (and hard work) would have it, Jonathan was not only asked to expand locations and coordinate other groups working within the stadium, but he also got to work alongside his fraternity brother Rob Frazer, who would later become one of his partners in Premier Events.
Having been in the business for more than 20 years, Jonathan specializes in concessions – an integral portion of event management. When Lakewood Amphitheater opened in 1989 he was able to get a contract to recruit, train and manage the entire concessions staff at the amphitheater just two weeks prior to the opening. That same year, Lakewood was voted one of the Best New Outdoor Concert Venues of the Year in the U.S. After Lakewood, Jonathan headed to Chastain Park Amphitheater and within one year he was hired as concessions manager for that facility. In 1995, he and Rob formed Premier Events, a full-service events management business.
Jonathan thrives on the unpredictably of events, and loves that no two events that are alike, saying that it, "keeps you on your toes to be creative with each one." He thinks the best parts of working in events management are being outside, and seeing others have a good time. Jonathan loves creating pleasurable experiences for both the crowd and also developing great groups of people to work with as part of the Premier Events team.
Jonathan has always worked well under pressure, also working as a paramedic while in college. He maintains his state license, and has volunteered with the county emergency management agency for more than 30 years.
Not one to like being in the spotlight, Jonathan plays a pivotal, behind the scenes business role and loves keeping up on the latest technology to further streamline events. He is proud of the fact that Premier Events is big enough to get the job done, yet small enough to care about each individual client and treat them as if they are the only client on the roster.