April Lambatos brings a positivity that is rare in some business owners, but she sees it as essential to her catering company. It’s no accident that in addition to owner, her title is Head Honcho of Happiness.
“Leaders don’t need to have all the answers,” she said. “They need to show compassion and understanding. When I lead with my heart and show vulnerability with my team we go much farther together.”
Lambatos is recognized as a titan for the second time. She was a titan in 2021 as well. Since then, Footers Catering has emerged from the pandemic, despite a 70% drop in revenue during the worst of the crisis. The company persevered and in 2021 moved into a new 40,000-square-foot facility and events center. Lambatos projects record-breaking revenue in 2022 for Footers Catering. “It was a remarkable accomplishment in the face of adversity,” Lambatos said. “It is because we have an incredible team that we were able to meet the challenge head on to thrive on the other side.”
Lambatos has thought deeply about why the catering industry has such high turnover and worked to address the problem. Her company’s mission statement — Love What We Do — was created in 2010 and endures today. The company lives by four pillars: Lead, Love, Mibe, Vibe. Mibe stands for Make It Better Everyday.
“We truly feel that we can revolutionize our industry by teaching the value of treating people as humans, not ‘workers’ or just ‘employees,’ and caring for and respecting them,” Lambatos said. “Leading with the heart is no longer an option; we believe it is going to be mandatory to operating a successful business now and into the future.”
From 2009 to 2015, Lambatos mentored students through Colorado Youth at Risk and Minds Matter Colorado, and she still supports both organizations. In 2010, she was a founding board member who helped create Mile High Young Professionals. The organization provides networking, access and mentorship to aspiring young professionals that need a place to create community. “When you are serving others and leading from the heart I believe there is always a great impact,” Lambatos said. “It may not be measurable immediately but there is lasting impact for generations to come.”
