Meet Katie Webb Brundige

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katie Webb Brundige and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katie, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’m all about embracing the unknown! Taking risks has been my way of experiencing personal and professional growth for as long as I can remember. At a young age, I lost two people close to me and it made me realize just how short life can be. Nothing is promised, so if an opportunity could make a difference for our business or family, create a unique experience in something I’ve never done, or touch someone’s life positively, I will almost always say YES!

One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was starting Intertwined Inc. and stepping into the role of CEO and business owner. Back in 2009, on the tail end of the recession, my business partner Meghan Clem and I launched Intertwined from the floor of my apartment, focusing on social media management and corporate events. But it was more than just the work that motivated us to start this business from the ground up – it was our vision to make an impact, whatever it might take. That dream led us to found RAD Camp, a nonprofit dedicated to offering summer camps for children and adults with developmental disabilities, a few short years later.

What began as a small business has blossomed beyond anything we could’ve imagined. In 2023, our team organized 115 events, managed 41 social media accounts, and welcomed a 10% increase in RAD Campers, supported by over 500 incredible volunteers. This year, we’re celebrating our 15th anniversary and achieving even bigger goals that surpass these incredible milestones celebrated a mere 365 days ago.

Meghan and I have always cheered each other on to take on the unfamiliar – even if it felt scary, uncharted, or just plain outside our comfort zones. One big challenge we faced was the pressure to “fit into a box.” We were told we had to choose: nonprofit vs. for-profit, social media vs. event management. But we decided to ignore the noise and pursue what felt right, all of it. We took a chance and discovered that our real strength is in breaking conventions, following all our passions, and doing it our way.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Absolutely! Intertwined Inc. is a luxury hospitality collection dedicated to curating exceptional experiences through event planning, production and social media marketing. For me, this business is more than just a job; it’s a privilege. Every day, we’re building something truly unique that reflects our values and passions which is something I would never take for granted, even amidst challenges.

What truly sets us apart is our team. We are proud to be a woman-owned and entirely woman-run business with a supportive, empowering, and creative work environment. Each member of our team truly brings a unique background and talent to the table, making us a stronger, more dynamic group that is adaptable to each client and challenge! We’ve created a space where motivated women can thrive, expand their skills, and step up as industry leaders.

As an example of this drive for innovation, we recently launched RESERVE by Intertwined, a cutting-edge room-blocking service for event professionals that allows them to earn commissions on a task that traditionally aren’t commissionable. This new business line is just one of the ways we’re reimagining what’s possible in our industry and finding ways to add value for our clients and partners through our teams’ skillset.

Aside from our passions in the hospitality space, we are also set apart by our purpose. As I mentioned in my experience taking risks, Meghan and I founded RAD Camp, a non-profit that provides camp experiences for adults and children with developmental disabilities, ten years ago in 2014. RAD Camp has since become California’s largest overnight camp serving people with special needs. RAD means more than just an adjective to our community – it represents our commitment to helping others “Rise Above” challenges and empowering our campers, caregivers, and volunteers to grow and connect in meaningful ways despite a description, diagnosis or preconceived notion.

My experience serving this community for over 20 years inspired me to be even more RAD in all facets of life. My husband Tim and I adopted our first son, Alex, who has Prader-Willi syndrome and Autism, followed by our youngest, Riley, who has Down syndrome. These adoptions deepened my understanding and commitment to the special needs community, challenging me to recognize the need for resources and camps like ours. This was the easiest risk and YES I’ve ever said, and I am deeply grateful for the unconditional love and joy they bring to our lives each day.

Building these businesses alongside Meghan has brought joy and purpose to every part of our entrepreneurial journey. Each branch of our hospitality collection, from luxury event planning to inclusive camp experiences, enriches our lives in ways that go beyond business as I previously noted. This journey has taught us resilience, innovation, and the power of a supportive community, and we’re excited to keep building something extraordinary for the people we serve.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Living in Old Town Orange means my first stop would have to be right at home! We’d kick off the evening with a stroll around the charming neighborhood, exploring the quaint shops, admiring the historic homes, and finishing up at our favorite local spot, Haven.

The next day, it’s off to Newport Beach! Whether we’re walking around Lido, enjoying wine and cheese on a duffy boat, biking around Back Bay, or shopping at Fashion Island, there are endless ways to spend the day – maybe we’d fit in a few, maybe we’d try them all. If there’s time, a spa day would be perfect—either at the luxurious Pelican Hill or my go-to boutique spa on Lido, A Touch of Heaven. Dinner that night? It has to be Nobu. For any special occasion, it’s an absolute must. Once you experience a celebration there, it’s hard to imagine going anywhere else!

That’s my idea of the perfect, sunshine-filled Southern California weekend!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I truly could go on forever about the people who have been essential to my entrepreneurial and personal journey. There are so many to recognize, and I also have to thank those who told us “no” or doubted we could succeed. Meghan and I are competitive, and each time we were told something was impossible, it fueled our drive to prove them wrong.

One of our biggest business inspirations for years has been Marie Forleo. Her B School program really helped us in the early years to clarify our goals, pinpoint our ideal clients, and think deeply about how we wanted to serve them. It was a transformative experience that made us think like true entrepreneurs and gave us the clarity we needed to build our businesses from the ground up (literally!) from the floor of my apartment.

I’m incredibly grateful to have a business partner like Meghan, who is my perfect opposite in all the best ways. She pushes me to be better every day, works harder than anyone I know, and goes to the ends of the earth to support our clients, team, and camps. She’s a powerhouse, and I’m lucky to be on this adventure beside her.

Finally, I have to send all my love and appreciation to my husband, family, friends and the world’s best nannies. Balancing my time across so many people and responsibilities would be impossible without their support. I’m surrounded by the most amazing people, and I couldn’t be more grateful for my village!

Website: https://intertwinedinc.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intertwinedkatie/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiejwebb/

Other: RAD Camp: https://radcamp.org/

Image Credits
In Order: Brandon Kidd Photography Heather Kincaid Photography Brandon Kidd Photography Brandon Kidd Photography Villa Visuals Caitlin Alohilani Photography