Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellis Mumford-Russell.
Hi Ellis, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up in Indianapolis, I was always the kid with a million interests—from history to science and from the great outdoors to fine art. This curiosity led me to pursue a degree in art history at the University of Iowa and later, a graduate degree in historic preservation from the University of Pennsylvania. Historic preservation was the perfect fit, allowing me to blend my passions for archival research, city planning, project management, building technology, and design.
After graduation, I gained valuable experience in Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Kansas City, but it was a move to Austin in 2015 that marked a turning point. Striking out on my own, I founded Ogee, a historic preservation consulting firm. Starting my own company was both exhilarating and challenging; I recall many cold calls and failures in the beginning.
In 2019, we took a significant step by merging with another firm to form Post Oak Preservation Solutions. This merger was a pivotal moment, as it expanded our capabilities and reach. As the owner and sole partner, I’ve grown immensely, especially in my role as a manager. I’ve learned that a supportive and inclusive work environment is crucial, and I’m committed to fostering the growth and creativity of my team.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Of course, it hasn’t always been smooth. From the beginning, I faced a steep learning curve. Simple yet crucial tasks like forming an LLC, writing contracts to protect myself, hiring the right people, and letting go of those who weren’t a good fit were all challenges I had to navigate on my own.
Starting a business in my 20s in a new state where I had no established network was an uphill battle. I remember spending countless hours making cold calls and sending emails. I have been rejected more times than I can count. It took years of persistent effort to reach a point where I could rely on referrals and repeat clients instead of cold calling. In retrospect, I perhaps had an excess of optimism from the start.
Gender bias also posed significant challenges. I’ve had construction managers, clients, and architects doubt my expertise and disrespect and undermine me, which is frustrating and disheartening. There were also difficult decisions, like firing clients who were not a good fit, and countless moments of putting out fires, working long hours, and pushing myself to the brink of exhaustion.
However, the toughest struggles have been managing my time and mental health as a business owner. Over the past nine years, I’ve experienced burnout, considered quitting, and faced harsh criticism. There were days when I felt like giving up, and nights when I cried out of sheer frustration.
The turning point came in the last few years when I started prioritizing my well-being. I have found a healthier relationship with my work, maintaining emotional distance, relying on my excellent staff, and prioritizing rest. Reconnecting with my identity outside of work has been crucial to retain my passion and drive (and sanity).
Each struggle has shaped my journey, teaching me resilience and the importance of self-care. These experiences have not only made me a stronger entrepreneur but also a more empathetic leader.
As you know, we’re big fans of Post Oak Preservation Solutions. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Post Oak Preservation Solutions is a historic preservation consulting firm dedicated to preserving historic resources and the stories they embody. Our work spans several practice areas, each aimed at safeguarding and revitalizing our shared heritage.
The bulk of our work lies in collaborating with developers rehabilitating historic buildings. We partner with them and their design teams to secure historic tax credits, providing critical funding for their projects. Our expertise in navigating complex regulatory processes and troubleshooting unexpected challenges has made us a trusted partner in the industry.
Beyond tax credit consulting, we are passionate about telling complete and compelling histories of places. Our work on National Register of Historic Places nominations, historic resource surveys, and historic context statements ensures that the stories of underrepresented communities are heard. We dive deep into archival research and incorporate oral histories to enrich our narratives, providing a fuller picture of our collective past.
For municipal clients, we offer strategic planning services, helping them create local historic districts, design guidelines, and comprehensive planning efforts as part of downtown and park master planning teams. Our holistic approach considers the broader impacts of preservation, including housing access, walkability, green space, and dark skies (a particular passion of mine).
What Sets Us Apart:
We are known for our multidisciplinary team of preservationists, architects, and historians who bring a forward-looking, creative approach to every project. Our willingness to push the envelope and find innovative solutions to complex problems distinguishes us from more traditional, rigid preservation practices. We pride ourselves on being solution-oriented, ensuring that historic preservation is not about saying no, but about finding ways to say yes.
What I’m Most Proud Of:
One of our proudest achievements is fostering a work environment that values and supports our team. Our employees are well-compensated, enjoy generous PTO, work remotely, and have flexible schedules. This positive and supportive atmosphere ensures that our team is motivated and able to maintain a healthy work-life balance, which in turn enhances the quality of our work.
At Post Oak Preservation Solutions, we strive to make historic preservation a dynamic and inclusive field, ensuring that the past is not just preserved but celebrated and integrated into our present and future. Our team values innovation, inclusivity, and the stories that make our communities unique.
What matters most to you? Why?
This is a tough question. At the core, my relationships with my husband, family, and friends matter the most.
Walks in the woods, a sunrise, the taste of a still-warm tomato picked from my garden—these simple pleasures remind me of the beauty and serenity of the natural world and that life goes on, no matter how difficult the current moment may be. They matter deeply to me.
Professionally, what matters most to me is leaving the world a little better than I found it. This philosophy drives my work at Post Oak Preservation Solutions. Whether it’s through preserving historic buildings, telling the stories of underrepresented communities, or creating sustainable urban plans, I strive to make a positive difference. I also hope to have a positive influence by means of example on the preservation field as a whole, which often overworks and underpays professionals. We can do it differently. We can do it better.
These values influence my approach to business. The importance of relationships is reflected in how I build and manage my team, fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. I want my team to have time for themselves and their important relationships. My love for nature informs our holistic approach to preservation, ensuring that our projects consider environmental sustainability. And my desire to make a positive difference drives our mission to preserve not just buildings, but the rich and diverse histories they hold.
Contact Info:
- Website: postoakpreservation.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/postoakpres/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PostOakPreservationSolutions/
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/post-oak-preservation-solutions
