Kristi Shepherd has successfully operated an event business in the Twin Cities for almost 20 years, the first 12 years called Kristi Gray, Inc. (KGI).  KGI's events ranged from sports to guerilla marketing to entertainment to educational conferences. Kristi's expertise was tapped to assist with many of the national events that took place in Minnesota in the 1990's including the Super Bowl, the U.S. Figure Skating Championship, the International Special Olympics and the U.S. Open.

Kristi's worked with decision makers from Fortune 500 companies and organizations such as the United Way of America, the White House Office on National Service and the  American Council on Aging in national movements in which she played a major role.  KGI was instrumental in helping St. Paul's Mayor Norm Coleman realize a capital city renaissance creating and launching Firstar Capital New Year in 1996.  The event, a family friendly, arts and culture celebration on New Year's Eve, was featured on ABC-TV's 2001 national telecast as one of only 2 US cities highlighted for their post September 11th New Year's celebration.

In 2002, Kristi renamed her company Event Architects. Her husband, Fred Shepherd, joined the company in 2003, providing production, logistics and marketing expertise for all Event Architects projects. 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.