The team at Milestone is proud of the overwhelming number of 5-star reviews that have been published by clients who have expressed how the Milestone approach and process made all of the difference in the success of their event.
President
Marshall Bauer brings to his role as President of Milestone Events Group a highly successful, 30-year career in sales and marketing. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Babson College and an Executive MBA from Southern Methodist University, Marshall has a track record of successes at companies including General Dynamics Corporation, ROLM Corporation, MFS RealCom, and GE Capital Rescom.
After years of traveling as many as 40 weeks a year, Marshall and his wife Leslie decided to explore a lifestyle change that would enable him to be home more regularly. The goal was to bring his management skills, technology expertise and marketing sophistication to a new arena that ultimately was in in Northern California’s wine country.
Marshall purchased Wine Country Party & Events, established in 1976, in July of 2003. During the next decade Marshall helped build the business into the largest event rental business in the North Bay and in July of 2013, ten years to the day after it was purchased, the company was bought by a private equity group.
The concept for Milestone Events Group came out of the knowledge gleaned over the years from working within and for wineries as a member of their event services support network. Marshall believed there was an opportunity to help the wineries better support the events portion of their business and to provide a better level of service to clients wishing to host their events at a winery. Milestone Events Group was incorporated and by March 2014 our team began operation with its first winery client. Marshall lives in Healdsburg with his wife, Leslie and a large golden retriever. Their son lives in southern CA while attending UCLA. They enjoy skiing, shooting, golfing and hiking.
Creative Coordinator, Venue Design
Following graduation from Stanford University, Leslie spent her early career in technology sales and sales management before embarking, with her husband Marshall, on a career in the hospitality services industry in 2003. For over a decade Leslie enjoyed her role as co-owner and Design Director for the largest rental company in the North Bay. Her team was responsible for introducing a catalog of unique “Wine Country” specific looks and products that became the benchmark for excellence in this area.
Leslie’s role at Milestone utilizes her creative talents, as she draws on the knowledge she gained in her previous role designing company and client spaces and showrooms.
When a new venue becomes a part of the Milestone collection, a fresh set of design-focused eyes can make all of the difference to enhance the property both for wine club events as well as Milestone events. Leslie’s experience ensures the Milestone clients’ experience exceeds their expectations.
CFO
Chris is a career entrepreneur with experience owning and participating in a variety of businesses. These companies have all focused on the delivery of high quality services in one form or another. Satisfied clients, positive reviews, new client referrals and seeing career growth in team members all bring him a sense of accomplishment. Chris has both a Bachelors and Masters degree in Engineering from the University of Florida.
He and his wife live in Florida, with their faithful dog companions, and spend their time golfing, boating and traveling.
Event coordinator
Caitlin grew up along the Russian River in West Sonoma County and is now based in the beautiful Dry Creek Valley. She received her associate’s degree in social and behavioral Sciences from Santa Rosa Junior College and currently attends Sonoma State University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in communications.
While in school, Caitlin has developed a strong background in the
hospitality industry working in food and event service, sales, and office
management. She has a passion for learning, working with people and enjoys helping those around her thrive. She is eager to use her experience coupled with her problem-solving skills to ensure that each event she’s on is an unforgettable and seamless day.
When she’s not at work or studying, Caitlin enjoys spending time
with her husband and their Australian Shepherd, Hazel. The trio can be found out hiking, trying a dog-friendly restaurant, or tackling a home renovation project.
director of operations & administration
Meet Kimber, a Kansas native with deep roots in agriculture, where hard work, strong community and family values shaped who she is today. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Leadership, fueling her passion for creating meaningful experiences and lasting connections.
With more than five years of experience in event planning, primarily in the wedding industry, Kimber discovered a true love for helping couples celebrate life’s most meaningful moments. After meeting her husband in college, she made the move to Sonoma County in 2021 to continue pursuing her career in weddings and hospitality.
Today, Kimber and her husband are raising their beautiful daughter, who keeps life full of joy and adventure. When she’s not working with couples and clients, you’ll likely find her soaking up the sunshine outdoors, spending time with family and friends, or making memories with her little one. At the heart of everything Kimber does is a genuine love for connection, celebration and bringing people together.