Rick Mariano '07 MBA Lives Happily...Ever After

Rick Mariano ’07 MBA launched Ever After Magazine in August 2007, filling a need in the Western New York area for an informative and entertaining wedding planning resource for engaged couples. The magazine features articles, wedding and engagement announcements, and services for prospective brides and grooms in its print publication, available free at locations throughout the WNY, and online at www.buffaloeverafter.com.

Mariano chose Medaille after professor Doug Anderson gave him a tour of the school. Mariano says, "After talking with him, I realized I wanted to learn business from professors like that." The MBA degree gave Mariano confidence, and refined his ability to analyze problems and make strategic decisions.

Analytical and strategic thinking were exactly the skills Mariano used to launch his business. Mariano and his publishing partner “saw a niche in the market created by the Buffalo News. The News changed their bridal section to an ‘announcement section’ and began charging brides and engaged couples a large amount of money to submit an announcement. We also noticed that there is no WNY Bridal Magazine, just small advertisement booklets.” Marrying couples needed a new outlet and, from their research, they knew local businesses were being charged hefty advertising fees. Mariano’s response was to create a product that met retailer and client needs.

One might wonder if the publisher of a wedding magazine were married himself. According to Mariano he “just got engaged to the most beautiful woman in the world in August.” And his advice for other engaged couples? “Submit your announcement to Ever After Magazine!”