From a Box Truck Dream to Bustling Warehouses: The Early Growth of A Chair Affair. In our previous post, we explored the initial spark that ignited A Chair Affair. Next, we delve into the remarkable journey of its early growth, tracing the steps from a personal wedding need to a burgeoning business that redefined event rentals in Orlando.
A Modest Start: A Daughter’s Wedding and a Simple Solution
First,the initial vision for A Chair Affair was modest – a “little part-time business” born from the practical need for beautiful chairs at Ann Taylor’s daughter’s wedding. Next, the purchase of those first mahogany Chiavari chairs and the trusty box truck seemed like the complete solution. “Problem solved!” they declared. Lastly, the plan was simple: a few rentals here and there.
However, fate, and a friend in need, had other plans. “A friend was in a bind, unable to find good Gold Chiavari Chairs anywhere in Orlando,” Ann recounts. Thus, the entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with a desire to help, led to the purchase of more chairs. Suddenly, the “all-in-one” box truck was overflowing, a testament to the unexpected demand.
Resourcefulness in the Early Days: Finding Space to Grow
Serendipitously, the Taylors owned a small office-warehouse in DeBary. A “friend turned-kind tenant” offered unused space, providing a crucial early storage solution for the rapidly expanding chair collection. Therefore, this resourceful approach highlights the initial bootstrapping and reliance on community that characterized the early days.
A Digital Footprint: The Launch of the Website
Next, the launch of their website, featuring Black, White, Silver, Gold, and Mahogany Chiavari Chairs, marked a significant turning point. Thus, the orders began to roll in, validating the initial observation of a market need. Interestingly, Ann initially dismissed Clear Chiavari chairs as a fleeting trend – a testament to the ever-evolving nature of the event industry. Now, fifteen years later, clear chairs remain a popular choice.
Organic Expansion: From One Space to Many
The growth was organic and often space-constrained. One warehouse led to another, and another, as the inventory expanded beyond just chairs. Then, the initial 2,500 sq. ft. beginning blossomed into a sprawling 57,000 sq. ft. operation, now housing not just a vast array of chairs but also tables, chargers, tabletop décor, and the unmistakable sound of “a whole lot of laughter along the way.”
The Power of Partnership: Mike Swartz’s Crucial Role
Crucial to this early growth was the support of key individuals. Ann emphasizes the pivotal role of her then son-in-law, Mike Swartz. With his deep understanding of the Orlando event scene, gained from years in his family’s plant rental business, Mike provided invaluable insight into venues, logistics, and the nuances of the industry. “It was his insight and willingness to partner with us that gave us the confidence to take the leap,” Ann acknowledges. “Honestly, without Mike, A Chair Affair might have remained just a clever company name and a few chairs in a truck.”
From a Box Truck Dream to Bustling Warehouses: The Early Growth of A Chair Affair
Thus, looking back, the initial fears were centered around the unknown – the possibility of mistakes in a new venture. Next, the manual processes of Word documents for proposals and a Google Calendar for scheduling, while simple, were far from foolproof. As A Chair Affair grew, the need for a more robust system became increasingly apparent. This challenge would ultimately lead to a significant strategic decision that would dramatically alter the company’s trajectory, a story we’ll explore in our final blog post. Therefore, the journey from a box truck dream to multiple bustling warehouses is a testament to identifying a need. Embracing opportunity, and the power of key partnerships in the early stages of entrepreneurial growth. From a Box Truck Dream to Bustling Warehouses: The Early Growth of A Chair Affair
