Matt Curtis on Building Capella: Culture, Community, and Creating an Experience

What does it take to turn a historic 1886 church into a thriving wedding and events business? In this episode, Matt Curtis, founder of Capella Weddings and Events, sits down with Bill Mitchell to share how a background in music, an interest in real estate, and a willingness to take on a new challenge led him into the hospitality industry.

Matt shares what he’s learned about creating a seamless customer experience, building a team culture around hands-on leadership, and financing an ambitious renovation project. He also explains why patience and persistence matter when building a reputation, and how Capella’s new Sweet Beats Jazz and Dessert Lounge is helping turn the venue into a year-round destination for the La Crosse community.

In this episode, we explore:

(02:18) From professional singer to weddings and events entrepreneur

(03:45) Transforming an 1886 church into a thriving venue

(06:21) How changing trends are reshaping modern weddings

(07:28) Serving Millennial and Gen Z couples and families

(09:47) Turning history and location into competitive advantages

(10:46) Creating seamless events through detail and great staff

(13:13) Building culture through hands-on, lead-by-example leadership

(15:08) Financing a major project and planning for uncertainty

(17:45) Becoming a gathering place for the local community

(20:51) Creating year-round revenue with a jazz lounge

(23:32) Turning today’s guests into tomorrow’s wedding customers

(25:50) Courage, persistence, patience, and embracing entrepreneurial risk

Resources Mentioned:

Capella Weddings and Events: https://www.cappellaweddings.com/