Fred Shepherd's career in Sales and Marketing spans more than 30 years. Over the course of his career, the value of the products and services that Fred has sold or managed totals nearly half a billion dollars.

Fred has been on both sides of the table in event management for the corporate world, as consumer and as service provider. As a sales and marketing executive, he developed and produced incentive programs and corporate meetings throughout the the world, involving thousands of sales people.

In 1999, Fred joined a small Minnesota-based company that specializes in corporate meeting production. Fred altered the direction of the company and set it on a path of successful growth. The company grew consistently, with sales volume from 2002 to 2003 demonstrating an amazing 350 percent increase.

In 2002, Fred joined his wife, Kristi Gray Shepherd, and her company, Event Architects, to provide production, logistics and marketing expertise to their clients.  Following the successful Faith's Lodge Gala in 2006, Event Architects also managed the construction of Faith's Lodge's new facility in Webster, Wisconsin. This retreat is a haven for couples and families who have lost a child or who have a seriously ill child. Their management and negotiation skill brought this project in $500,000 under the projected budget, and within the aggressive 11 month timeline.

Both Kristi and Fred supplement their careers with philanthropy, volunteerism, and active community leadership, and enjoy time with their blended family of four children.