At just 17 years old, Oliver Putzer is making waves in the Hamptons event scene with his boutique event planning company, Brooks Group. From a young age, Putzer has demonstrated entrepreneurial flair and a keen sense for innovation, paving his way to becoming one of the most in-demand event planners in the prestigious Hamptons market.
Early Entrepreneurial Spirit: From Lemonade Stand to Event Planning
Putzer’s first entrepreneurial venture began when he was just a fourth-grader, operating a lemonade stand with a modern twist—he accepted credit cards. This early experience of blending traditional business with new technology, set the tone for his future ventures. “Even back then, I realized that offering something different, like taking credits, could make me stand out,” Putzer reflected.
Overcoming challenges has been a constant theme in Putzer’s journey. From the skepticism he faced as a young entrepreneur to the hurdles he encountered while launching new ventures, his tenacity has consistently turned obstacles into stepping stones. Today, Brooks Group stands out as a leader in the competitive Hamptons market, known for its high-profile events and attention to detail.
“The Hamptons is fiercely competitive,” Putzer said. “But that just means there’s a demand for exceptional events. I’ve focused on delivering unforgettable experiences, and that’s helped me capture a unique slice of the market.”
Navigating Challenges and Achieving Success: Brooks Group and Beyond
Putzer’s portfolio includes sophisticated charity galas and exclusive corporate events, each showcasing his meticulous approach to event planning. One particularly noteworthy event was a charity gala that helped raise substantial funds for two local arts organizations. The success of this event not only bolstered the Brooks Group’s reputation but also highlighted Putzer’s commitment to giving back to the community. “Creating memorable events that also have a positive impact on the community is always the goal,” he added.
Giving back is a core value for Putzer, who donates a portion of Brooks Group’s profits to organizations like the ASPCA. His deep love for animals drives his support of charitable causes beyond event planning. “Supporting organizations that align with my values is important to me,” Putzer shared. “It’s about making a difference wherever you can.”
Beyond the event planning world, Putzer is also the CEO and co-founder of CP Technologies LLC, the company behind Annotater.App, an AI-powered platform that streamlines the process of extracting key information from articles and research papers, cutting down reading time by nearly 80%. “Annotater.App is about efficiency,” Putzer explained. “We want to give people more time to think critically, rather than just read passively.”
Under his leadership, CP Technologies has already attracted hundreds of users across the US, with educators, students, and researchers benefiting from the app’s innovative approach. “Education should be about unlocking potential, not just data,” Putzer emphasized, showcasing his vision for the future of learning technology.
Resilience and Innovation: Overcoming Setbacks and Looking Ahead
Putzer’s entrepreneurial ventures haven’t always gone according to plan. When he launched Chocolate Strawberry Co., a mobile cart selling chocolate-dipped strawberries, he faced a sudden setback when a storefront in Southampton Village withdrew its agreement to host his cart. With mobile food carts prohibited in the village, it seemed like a dead end. However, Putzer’s resilience shone through as he pivoted, securing a new location with the Shinnecock Nation at their Lobster Factory. The pop-up event was a hit, proving his knack for finding creative solutions. “It was an incredible experience,” Putzer recalled. “The Shinnecock community was so supportive, and we were able to turn a setback into success.”
From there, Chocolate Strawberry Co. went on to be featured at several high-profile Hamptons events, including the White Out Party at Kissaki in Water Mill, where they sold nearly 100 cups of chocolate-dipped strawberries.
Despite his success, Putzer remains grounded. He avoids distractions like television and instead focuses on his work and building meaningful connections in the community. “For me, it’s about focusing on what really matters – my business and the people around me,” he said.
With an entrepreneurial journey already filled with remarkable achievements, Putzer is only just getting started. Whether through Brooks Group’s elite event planning, the innovative Annotater.App, or his delectable Chocolate Strawberry Co., his relentless drive and creative spirit continue to push him toward new heights. As Putzer himself put it, “I’ve always had people believe in me, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.”
