Today we’d like to introduce you to Lucas Mendieta
Hi Lucas, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey into the world of event staffing has been anything but conventional. Before launching Cutting Edge Elite (CEE) in 2008, I faced challenges that shaped my resilience, adaptability, and leadership style. I spent years experiencing homelessness, a period that tested me in ways I could have never imagined. But through that hardship, I learned the value of emotional intelligence, human connection, and the importance of opportunity.
In the early 2000s, I found myself navigating the events industry, picking up shifts as a cater waiter for two years before realizing something crucial: there was a gap in the staffing industry. So many companies treated event staff as disposable, focusing purely on filling shifts rather than building a team culture. I saw an opportunity to do things differently—to create a company that not only provided top-tier event staff but also empowered and valued them.
That’s when CEE was born in 2008. What started as a small team has now grown into a national event staffing agency, providing bartenders, waiters, captains, and brand ambassadors for some of the biggest names in the industry. Over the years, we’ve been honored to staff high-profile events, partner with renowned brands, and expand across the country—all while staying true to our mission: leading with emotional intelligence, curating the right personalities for each event, and creating a positive work culture where staff actually care about the work they do.
Today, we continue to push for innovation in event staffing, advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the hospitality industry, and mentor others who are navigating their own entrepreneurial journeys. Atlanta has been an incredible place to grow and evolve as a business leader, and I’m excited about what’s next for Cutting Edge Elite.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it definitely hasn’t been smooth. Starting and scaling a business—especially in the events industry—is never a straight path. There were moments of uncertainty, financial strain, and tough leadership lessons that tested me along the way.
Growing a business comes with challenges, from handling large-scale contracts to navigating the complexities of leadership, hiring, and client relationships. But what keeps me going is knowing that we’re not just staffing events—we’re building experiences, fostering careers, and redefining what event staffing should be.
One of the biggest struggles early on was establishing credibility. When I started Cutting Edge Elite in 2008 with my business partner Nathan Perry, I was young, I had no formal business background, and we were building a staffing agency in a highly competitive market. We had to prove to clients that we weren’t just another temp agency—that we were reinventing event staffing by prioritizing emotional intelligence and the right cultural fit for each event. That took time, persistence, and constantly delivering beyond expectations.
Another major challenge has been scaling while maintaining quality. As we grew from a small, local business to a national agency, it became harder to personally oversee every event and staff hire. We had to build strong systems, trust our leadership team, and create a company culture that maintained our standards even as we expanded.
Like many in hospitality, the COVID-19 pandemic hit us hard. Events disappeared overnight, and we had to pivot quickly to survive. Instead of shutting down, we found ways to provide essential workers, support out-of-work event staff, and adapt to a rapidly changing landscape. It was one of the most difficult times for the business, but it reinforced why our mission of valuing people first is so important.
Through all of it, I’ve learned that challenges are part of the journey. The key is to stay adaptable, build a great team, and always focus on what makes your business different.
We’ve been impressed with Cutting Edge Elite, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Cutting Edge Elite (CEE), we’re not just an event staffing agency—we’re a company that matches the right people with the right events, ensuring seamless experiences for both our clients and staff. We specialize in providing high-quality, professional, and emotionally intelligent event staff for caterers, venues, event planners, and brands across the country.
Our core offerings include:
Waiters & Bartenders
Event Captains and Leads
Brand Ambassadors
Concession & Stadium staff
Back-of-House Staff
What makes CEE different from other staffing agencies is our commitment to emotional intelligence and personality matching. We don’t just fill shifts—we carefully select staff based on the culture, energy, and specific needs of each event. We’re also known for our people-first culture—our team members love working with us because we invest in them, provide opportunities for growth, and treat them with respect. This translates to higher-quality service, better client experiences, and long-term partnerships.
At the end of the day, we want Voyage ATL readers to know that CEE is here to elevate events. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a large-scale corporate function, our staff makes every event smoother, more professional, and more enjoyable.
We’re always looking to connect with event planners, caterers, venues, and brands who want a staffing partner that’s reliable, thoughtful, and invested in their success. If that sounds like you, we’d love to work together!
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Atlanta is a city with soul, energy and endless opportunity. It’s a place where history meets innovation.
As an entrepreneur, I appreciate how supportive the local business community is. People want to connect, uplift and see each other succeed.
Beyond business, Atlanta is full of culture, creativity and diversity. The food scene is amazing, the arts is thriving and there’s always something happening. I’m proud to be part of this city and grateful for the opportunities it continues to provide.
What I like least about the city? POTHOLES! Atlanta roads make me feel like I’m in a real-life Grand Theft Auto- swerving past all the potholes and steel plates so I don’t pop a tire.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ceestaffing.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cuttingedgeelite/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCuttingEdgeElite/
