Profiles: Paul Blackledge
“After graduating from Scranton Prep in 1987 I left Scranton to attend Drexel University in Philadelphia. I then moved on to New York City to pursue a career in the fashion industry. Continuing to visit the area and introducing my partner Josh to both my family and Scranton gave me the opportunity to see Scranton in a different light.
After several years in New York, Josh and I had an opportunity to purchase a lake home just outside of Scranton and we jumped at the chance. Not only for the inherent value of lakefront property, but for the value of being so close to family and friends in Scranton. We visit on a weekly basis and enjoy spending time with my nephews and large extended family both at our lake house and in Scranton proper.
Josh and I started our catering and special event planning business called POSH Events in New York almost a decade ago. A few years ago we did event planning and execution for a Scranton charity. That experience led us to realize that there was a need in the Scranton area for our services and we began the process of searching for a local property that would serve as a home for expanding business. In the spring of 2006 we toured what is to become The Colonnade for the first time. In obvious disrepair the house seemed to call out to us as it had to so many others! We answered that call and in the fall of 2007 closed on the property and became the proud owners of one of the biggest eyesores in Scranton!
We soon met with Mayor Doherty and he was immediately supportive and excited by our plans and he has continued to support us to this day. We have also been pleasantly surprised by the level of support and enthusiasm that Scrantonians have for this project. We continually meet people who thank us for restoring such a beautiful house and also for supporting the continued re-birth of downtown Scranton.
Through the winter of 2006-2007 we worked with local architects, and contractors to devise a plan to save this great house. Work began in early 2007 and continues as we enter spring of 2008. We plan for a Grand opening in October of 2008 and look forward to many years of success in Scranton.
It seems as though I rediscovered Scranton twice! Once for its pleasant, family oriented atmosphere and years later for its potential to support a thriving business like ours.”
