Sturdy Roots LLC is an event planning and consulting firm built to help good ideas grow into meaningful, well-executed experiences.

 

Founded in 2021 by Lillian Werbin, Sturdy Roots partners with nonprofits, arts organizations, and mission-driven businesses to design memorable events, strengthen internal systems, and bring clarity to complex projects.

​

At its core, Sturdy Roots is grounded in the belief that thoughtful planning, strong collaboration, and attention to people make the difference between an event that simply happens and one that truly resonates. Whether producing a large-scale fundraiser, coordinating a multi-day educational program, or supporting an organization through strategic planning and operational alignment, Sturdy Roots brings structure, creativity, and follow-through to every engagement.

​

Lillian Werbin brings more than a decade of hands-on leadership experience to this work as CEO and co-owner of Elderly Instruments, one of the Midwest’s most respected acoustic music retailers. Having worked across nearly every department, she is poised to understand how organizations function from the inside out. This operational depth, paired with a background in Public Relations from Western Michigan University, informs a practical, audience-centered approach that balances vision with execution.

​

Through Sturdy Roots, Lillian applies these skills beyond retail, helping organizations navigate growth, sharpen focus, and meet rising expectations without losing sight of their mission. Her work emphasizes efficiency, clear communication, and intentional design.

​

In addition to consulting and planning, Lillian has extensive experience producing and supporting events of all sizes, including conferences, festivals, music camps, and major nonprofit fundraisers. She has served in leadership and advisory roles across the nonprofit and arts sectors and has been recognized nationally for her contributions to community-centered work. Under her leadership, Elderly Instruments was named America’s Top Small Business by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 2023, and she received the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Momentum Award for Industry Involvement in 2022.

​

Across all projects, Sturdy Roots exists to help organizations build strong foundations, execute with confidence, and create experiences that reflect the heart of their work.