About Milestone Productions and Events
   
History  
   

Milestone Productions and Events, founded by Jack Desroches, continues to build on a successful 35 year history in the production and event business. Originally established in 1976 as Strawberry Productions with Jack as the sole performer “Strawberry the Clown, the company has grown and is now recognized as a premier production & event company servicing clients worldwide. From the "house next door" to the White House, our production team has created and managed thousands of performances and events globally.

Our team specializes in producing character event programs, promotional touring shows and musicals, educational programming, and extraordinary corporate events worldwide. Clients for our services include The Magic Tree House, Warner Bros., DC Comics, Mattel Inc., American Greetings, LazyTown and MGM to name a few.

Milestone’s reputation for excellence is rooted in the Christian Values by which we were founded and in which we operate. We never compromise on quality, service, and integrity.
 

 
   
The Staff  
   
Jack Desroches - Founder/President/Executive Producer  

With over 35 years experience in the Entertainment Industry, Jack is a sought after Executive Producer, Event Producer, Keynote Speaker, and Entertainer. His body of work in Family Entertainment includes a CableACE nomination for producing children's programming, producer of theatrical and musical performances of Magic Tree House™; Batman™; Garfield®; Thomas & Friends™; The Magic School Bus®; Jay Jay The Jet Plane™; National Geographic WORLD Magazine and the United States Mint WORLD Quarter Finals®; Wimzie's House; Alvin and the Chipmunks; BOZO, The World's Most Famous Clown; and The Strawberry Jam Band.

As an Event Producer, Jack brings together every aspect of a special event including theme development, creative set design, staging, video, audio, lighting, décor, entertainment and staffing. Jack customizes every event to achieve the unique goals and vision of our clients. Jack’s uncanny ability to anticipate challenges and overcome obstacles leads to seamless events of substance with style and unsurpassed creativity that meet set budgets and have the ability to both motivate and entertain.

   
Nancy J. King - Production Manager  

Nancy joined Milestone in 1982 as a production assistant and brings a wealth of experience to all of our events and productions. Now our Production Manager, Nancy is an invaluable asset to the entire team. She is responsible for event production and strategy, and oversees our theatrical and promotional stage shows.

Nancy has extensive experience in all disciplines associated with a successful production including costume design, casting, décor, entertainment coordination and on-site management. She manages production and event budgets and maintains oversight on setting the high standards we set for ourselves with regard to creativity, fiscal responsibility and company operations.

 
   
Cindy Mill - Event Producer/Project Manager  

Cindy joined Milestone in 2000 after seven years in New York City where she produced and coordinated domestic and international multi-media events, meetings, and videos. Cindy has also coordinated numerous national television commercials, documentaries, and public service announcements.

As a Producer and Project Manager for Milestone Events, Cindy designs, plans and manages events for corporate clients including Lego, Suddekor LLC, GlaxoSmithKline, National Geographic, Snapple Beverage Group, American Express, Cumberland Farms, Ceco Building Systems, and Casual Corner, to name a few. As a project manager Cindy was responsible for working with Author Mary Pope Osborne to establish a national literacy program, the Magic Tree House Gift of Books program, and works regularly on Magic Tree house events. Cindy's "get it done" attitude, attention to detail, and steady demeanor under pressure is a valuable asset in event planning and management.

 
   
Gary Bessette - Technical Director  

Gary joined Milestone in 1996 bringing a considerable history in theater and performing to the table. As Technical Director for our touring shows and events Gary has worn many hats including Stage Manager and Company Manager. His experience with sound, lighting, staging and show operations makes him a valuable asset on all of our productions.

 
   
Ted Chmura III - Brand Manager  

Ted's relationship with the team at Milestone spans more than 25 years. Up until late '04, when Ted joined Milestone on a full-time basis, he served as an outsourced composer - writing several of the songs used in Milestone's Live Stage Shows. Currently, his main focus is on Sales, Marketing, and Business Development.

 
   
Jennifer Robinson - Event Producer/Project Manager  
Jennifer started her career with Milestone in 1994, departing in 2000 to pursue a management degree. She rejoined the team bringing her skills to forefront in taking a leadership position on our production team. Jennifer understands the many facets of a successful production and has experience in animation, costume handling, entertainment management and coordination. Her attention to detail and resourcefulness contribute immensely to the success of each Milestone event.  
   
Nick Desroches - Graphic Designer  
A worldwide traveler, Nick integrates the influences of the many cultures he has experienced in developing his creative concepts. Nick provides a variety of graphic services to Milestone; our clients; and business partners including digital asset management and marketing collateral design and layout. In addition to his creative work Nick brings over 10 years theatrical experience to the table having supported national tours for Milestone Productions, and five years experience supporting Milestone's Corporate Events.  
   
Rom Portwood - Marketing Manager  
Rom brings over 20 years marketing experience to the table having global experience in marketing communications, events, sponsorship, large-scale trade shows, promotions, public relations and integrated marketing campaigns. Rom has worked in the entertainment industry with Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus, and has represented and worked for Fortune 100 companies on both the agency and client side including: CBS Sports, Apple Computer, Adobe Systems, HP, Coke-Foods, Nintendo, The Ritz Carlton Hotel and Nortel Networks.  
   
Josh Beaudry - Videographer/IT Manager  
Josh brings an impressive background in Videography to Milestone. Among his highest honors is winning an Emmy Award while working for Element Productions and Boston.TV.

Following his undergrad work in Digital Communications at UMASS Amherst Josh worked with the WEEI Sports Radio and has had digital media positions and video production roles with the New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox, and Boston Celtics. In addition to his skill with the camera Josh is responsible for new technology acquisition and co-managing our IT department.
 
   
Charles Vadnais - Production Manager  
Charles is responsible for a variety of roles at Milestone including director, designer, stage manager, video editor, technician and audio engineer. He gracefully accepts any challenge and sees it through to completion. His lead vocals are also featured on several of Milestone's custom produced songs.  
   
Ron Gouin - Technology Specialist  
Ron maintains the technical framework that supports Milestone’s many events and productions. Working behind the scenes, Ron keeps our network up and all of the computers functioning with the latest technology.