Address:
2100 South Neil Street
Champaign, IL 61820
Phone: 217-356-9713
Website: www.herriotts.com
Debbie Stumph, CERP
Debbie started planning events in High School with the Jr/Sr Prom way back in 1983. Growing up in Decatur, IL, Debbie was always the one to lend the first hand in getting things done and doing whatever it takes to get make an event successful. Little did she realize at the time that events would become a lifelong passion and career.
When Debbie’s grandfather suddenly passed away in 1985, the Herriott family had to make a decision to continue the business that had been there since the early 1950’s or hang it up. The family decided to continue the business and focus on party & event rental. At that point, it was all hands on deck and Debbie started working alongside of her father, David Herriott learning all there is to know about operating a business, serving the public and how to plan events. In January of 2005, Debbie’s husband Brian joined her in the business as General Manager. Being able to work alongside of her husband has been very rewarding for Debbie and brought even more family feel into a family business. Debbie and Brian have 3 children Taylor (19), Natalie (8) and Brody (5) and only time will tell if any of them have the interest in becoming the 4th generation to operate the family business. Debbie wants to make sure that each one of them have the opportunity, if they so choose, to be involved in the family business just as she was given.
Through the business, Debbie has had opportunities to be involved in so many local events year after year; but it’s the personal time that Debbie gives to these events and organizations that means the most to her. Debbie has been on the Don Moyer Boys & Girls Club Board of Directors, Champaign-Urbana Junior Woman’s Club Executive Board, Green Meadows Girl Scouts Board of Directors and a current member of Central Illinois Youth Football Executive Board of Directors.
Educating and supporting others in the event rental business and in family business is a passion of Debbie’s. Since 1996 Debbie has also been actively involved in the national trade organization that Herriott’s is a member of - The American Rental Association (ARA). Not only does the ARA serve rental companies, but it also strives to continue on the family business which is a large majority of the businesses that are members. She has been a speaker at the annual convention, served on the Education Committee, served on and chaired the two day educational training seminar “Events & Tents” and has been awarded the Next Generation Outstanding Leadership Award. Debbie has also recently become a guest column contributor to the monthly ARA trade publication Rental Management and been honored with the designation of Certified Event Rental Professional (CERP). CERP has become a sought-after designation because of what it signifies: excellence, knowledge and expertise. Those with this designation are in an
elite group of rental professionals who are dedicated to providing the best the industry has to offer.
