Okay, let’s tackle this. So Gary Decarlo has 26 years of experience in event planning, which is a long time. He’s worked at DeCarlo's Banquet & Convention Center for 26 years, which suggests he’s very experienced in the industry. However, his role is as an owner, not a traditional event planner. His experience in catering, entertainment, and party planning are valuable, but the rate may be lower than that of a traditional event planner. Location is Warren, Michigan, which is not a major hub for event planning. Considering his experience and location, I estimate his hourly rate to be around $75, which is on the lower end of the spectrum for event planners in the US. Some event planners with similar experience can charge $100-$200 per hour, but Decarlo’s role and location suggest a lower rate.