Today we’d like to introduce you to Constance Egli.
Hi Constance, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
The owners of Archive Rentals had been scouting where they wanted to launch their next branch after successfully creating thriving businesses in California and Riviera Maya, Mexico. They considered many bustling metropolises but landed on Austin because of the growing event industry and the corporate draw with big festivals like SXSW, ACL, Formula 1, etc.. They brought me on to help launch the Texas branch a little over two years ago because of my specific background in event rentals and running small businesses. I was 24, had never lived in Texas, and felt like I was ready to take on the challenge of building a branch in a competitive market from the ground up. It’s been quite the journey. As you can imagine, the Texas market is so different from that of CA, where our brand has been established for many years! Creating brand recognition and continuity in a market where the event rental industry is saturated with amazing vendors is no easy task, but it’s been a beautiful journey of leaning into my strengths of building networks and connections and embracing what makes us unique as Archive Rentals! COVID has probably been the most difficult challenge of my career in the event industry thus far, but we have been riding the wave and pivoting–as we all have–to creative outlets. We’re looking forward to seeing what 2021 and year three of our Texas Branch will bring as we get back to gathering as we once did!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Well, our first year in the market was 2019. We launched right around South By South West season and quickly found that Texas–and Austin specifically–has an amazing and interconnected group of vendors that have spent years and years developing trust and partnerships. It’s not easy to break into that sort of culture when big contracts like the caliber of clientele we were shooting to work with are on the line. So our entire team spent our first year in 2019 hustling and fighting for every connection, every ounce of belief from clients to build our network! I quickly realized that having two other thriving branches doesn’t immediately give you ethos in new markets like you hope it will. It takes a lot of going above and beyond, grit, and consistency. But all that hard work, endless cold calling, countless lunch meetings led to a successful first year and a busy SXSW season for 2020. I was unbelievably excited to see the payoff that led to our South By bookings and having that disappear before my eyes this past February was… heartbreaking to say the least. I would say the drop of growing momentum from such hard work due to the pandemic has been one of our major hurdles, but one we have been growing from and excited to see growth through come 2021!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the Lead Designer for Archive Texas, but that title is mostly a container for the catch-all that is a new small business. I have been delivery team, warehouse mover, inventory counter, rental repairer, dishwasher, truck driver, administrator, photographer… you name it, I’ve filled the role. When I am at my best in my role is when I’m able to focus on design and sales. Delivering a pitch deck that goes above and beyond to a new client and winning over a room of potential corporate accounts is where I thrive. If you’re into Strength Finders, I’m 100% WOO (Winning Others Over) and that is where my creativity + joy is at their fullest.
What matters most to you?
Continuity. Continuity with my work routine, I am consistently in my flow whether I am in an office or a pandemic working from home. Continuity with clients–so they are fully confident that when they work with Constance at Archive Rentals, they feel a sense of relief knowing I will deliver on all aspects of an event design/installation. And Continuity with my team–so they can be halfway across the country in California and know that I am always giving my 100% effort.
Contact Info:
- Email: constance@archiverentals.com
- Website: https://archiverentals.com/category/?type=texas
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archiverentals/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/archiverentals/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/archiverentals?lang=en
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/archive-rentals-driftwood-2
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