Our Team
Dave Byron, President
Mr. Byron began in the hospitality industry working for a number of fine dining restaurants in the Charlotte, NC and Annapolis, MD areas. He formulated the Catering Division of Historic Inns of Annapolis and established catering contracts with The Maryland General Assembly, Maryland’s Governor, and various Embassies in the DC market. He founded Best Impressions Caterers in Charlotte, NC in 1989. With over 25 years of solid growth, Mr. Byron has assembled a hard working, dedicated team of event professionals producing many of Charlotte’s finest special events. His personality shows in everything the business is built upon: exceptional customer service and the highest quality food. Mr. Byron has been an active leader in the business community. He has served on the Charlotte Chamber’s Board of Advisors, is a past President of Metrolina Business Council, and past President of The Charlotte Chapter of International Special Events Society (ISES). He has served with several faith-based organizations such as Kanakuk Ministries, Men at the Cross, and as a member of Forest Hill Church in Charlotte. He shares a passion for sailing and other family activities with his wife of 24 years and their two daughters, Chelsea and Madison.
Justin King, Director of Client Services
Justin has been with Best Impressions for 13 years. His passion for creating the most personal client relationships and staying in front of the curve on industry trends has been a huge part of the company's overall success. Gearing up for future succeses, Justin challengees the entire management team to be creative and have fun while providing our clients with the level of service they deserve.
Donald Shives, Account Executive
Donald had worked with Best Impressions for several years prior to being brought on full-time after his graduation from UNC Charlotte. His hardworking attitude and attention to detail are two traits that are seen in his three college degrees: Financial Management, Economics, and Risk Management & Insurance. He is a valuable asset to our office staff and is the point of contact for Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens.
Nikki Hansen, Account Executive
Nikki graduated from Johnson & Wales University with an Associates in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor's in Food Service Management. She has been a valuable asset to our team for several years and handles all of our equipment accrual and inventory.
James Fox, Executive Chef
After graduation from the Culinary Institute of America in New York, James began his career with Le Chantilly in New York City. After years of hard work and dedication, Chef James had the opportunity to move to South Carolina and soon after joined Best Impressions in 2004. James' attitude toward food inspires his team to provide the ultimate in culinary perfection. James is a proud member of the American Culinary Federation and has been certified as an Executive Chef.
AJ Donner, Catering Chef
Andrew (AJ) became an integral part of the Best Impressions team during his tenure at Johnson & Wales University of Charlotte. His infectious spirit and hard-working attitude elevated him to be a part of our full-time kitchen staff after his graduation. He stays active in the American Culinary Federation and with the Johnson & Wales Alumni Association.
Joe Martin, Catering Chef
Joe comes to the Best Impressions team with an extensive background in food serviec and a degree from Johnson & Wales University. Prior to moving to Charlotte, he acquired experience with the Mariott and the Niagara Club in his hometown of Buffalo, NY. Joe has also involved himself in the American Culinary Federation and the Johnson & Wales Alumni Association.
Kenneth Carney, Staffing & Employee Development Manager
Kenneth is a graduate from Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte with a degree in Operations Management. He has worked for Best Impressions since 2007 and is originally from upstate New York.
Thomas Sherrard, Operations Manager
Thomas Sherrard is from Hudson, North Carolina and a graduate from Johnson & Wales University. Thomas graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Operations Management in 2008. While in college, Thomas started working at Best Impressions Caterers part-time as a server. Hard work paid off when Thomas was asked to become part of the full-time staff in the spring of 2012. Thomas’ main responsibilities include
day-to-day operations management, inventory analysis and event management.
Adam Smith, Account Executive
Adam is a graduate of Johnson and Wales University with a Bachelors Degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management. He has worked in many segments of the industry and has found a home with the continuously evolving world of catering. With a passion for hospitality and customer service, Adam has become the point of contact at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens and with many other corporate partners.
Ashley Erwin, Event Coordinator
While Ashley’s title may indicate she solely handles the planning stages of events, she is much more involved than that. Ashley handles all of Best Impressions’ accounts
receivable and invoicing and is also the primary contact for clients she has had for many years. Her welcoming personality and southern hospitality allows her to provide all of our clients with not only a business relationship but a friendship as well. In additional to her daily responsibilities she is a proud member of the Executive Association of Charlotte.
Heidi McBride, Account Executive
Originally from Central New York, Heidi joined Best Impressions in 2010 after working for a full service catering company in the Washington, D.C area. Since college, she has earned her Event Management Certificate from The George Washington University and hopes to continue building experience and education in the Special Events field. Heidi’s attention to detail, organization, and customer service makes her a valued member of the Best Impressions team.
Ashley Tolar, Account Executive
Ashley graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with a Bachelors Degree in Resort and Hospitality Management. Prior to moving to Charlotte in 2010, Ashley had several great opportunities in South Florida, including an internship at a unique banquet facility, and assisting with coordinating events for a Destination Management
Company. Ashley brings a great customer service background to Best Impressions and is part of our sales team.
Kathy Leonard, Marketing Director
Kathy is a Charlotte native and graduated in 2011 from UNC Wilmington with a degree in Communication Studies and a minor in Spanish. After working in various restaurants in North Carolina and Hawaii, Kathy began her career in the real estate industry as a Marketing Coordinator. Because she has always had a passion for food and the hospitality
industry, she decided to change career paths and joined Best Impressions Caterers in April of 2014.
Jenna Muscarello, Account Associate
Jenna is originally from New York and moved to Charlotte to attend Johnson and Wales University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Sports, Event and Entertainment Management. Her warm personality and willingness to
tackle any challenge help her contribute to Best Impressions Caterers’ success and their clients’ satisfaction. She has a great understanding of the big picture and an extensive knowledge of putting things together with flawless precision.