While we’d like to delude ourselves into thinking that we’re the hottest startup around, it’s simply not true. Being in Austin means that we’re surrounded by troves of talented and genuinely awesome startups with unique histories, cultures and products. If this were high school, every startup here would be the valedictorian (or Zac Efron). Here’s Part I of our favorite Austin startups (other than ourselves).
[ by Amanda Hopkins, CORT ]
Your startup may have all the potential in the world, but if it isn’t able to operate well on a day-to-day basis, things can go downhill pretty fast. This doesn’t apply just to startups, however. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or a member of a Fortune 500 company, your business needs to run as smoothly as possible every day.
Every year during South by Southwest, our co-founders Chuck and Mario rent out their apartment on Airbnb and solicit the generous hearts of various SpareFoot employees for lodging, in an event they dub “Host Chario.” The two rapscallions stay with a different SpareFooter every night for the length of SXSW, offering their culinary skills and good company in exchange for a warm bed at night–and tape their misadventures along the way. This is the true story of two co-founders picked to live in a house, cook together and have their lives taped to find out what happens when people stop being polite…and start getting real. This is Host Chario 2013:
Being productive and efficient is more than just an admirable quality for startups; it’s an absolute must, especially when most don’t have as many resources or employees as the bigger guys. But with all of the free beer, open office layouts and distractions from emails, social media and co-workers, how can a startup stay constantly productive? I asked the highly prolific employees of SpareFoot to share some of their tips and strategies for staying focused even when the email notifications just don’t stop and the Solo cup runneth over.
[ by Amanda Hopkins, CORT Furniture ]
Even if you haven’t heard of Herman Miller, you’ve probably seen some of the company’s handiwork. Since the early 20th century, Herman Miller has been making modern furniture with the help and influence of major designers, and is behind the production of some of the most iconic industrial furniture. The minds at Herman Miller are responsible for such famous furnishings as the Aeron chair, the Eames Lounge Chair, and the Nelson Marshmallow Sofa, to name a few.
It’s Spring Cleaning time here at the SpareFoot office, and as much as we hate to admit it, we have a problem: our Swag Closet is overflowing! From snapbacks to backpacks, we simply don’t have enough room for all this awesome merch, a.k.a. “swag.” There’s even a VISA gift card in here, somewhere. But since we’re already decked out with all the SpareFoot gear we need, it’s up to you to take it off our hands. Introducing the “Declutter SpareFoot’s Swag Closet” giveaway!
We take partying as seriously as self-storage, so if you can only make it out to one party this year, make sure it’s ours. The SpareFoot Party is an unofficial Interactive party and live hip-hop/DJ showcase hosted by yours truly. Sounds range from throwback hip-hop to electronic to dancehall/reggae and beyond. Think dance party with a side of networking.
If you’ve ever flown Continental, or more recently United, you’re probably familiar with an in-flight safety video starring a lean man with a shock of gray hair. That’s Jeff Smisek: Chairman, President, and CEO of United Continental Holdings, Inc., which owns and operates both United Airlines and Continental Airlines. As of 2010, Continental merged with United, resulting in the world’s largest airline. But what does this have to do with SpareFoot?
→ Keep Reading
Last week, a blizzard swept through the Plains region and coated the midsection of the nation in blinding white snow. According to CNN, more than 56,000 buildings were without power in Kansas and Missouri. Although it was mostly sunny with a chance of more sun in Austin, the ramifications of the blizzard were felt even at SpareFoot. Our outside call center PhoneSmart, which handles much of our consumer call volume, shut down due to the intensity of the storm in Missouri. This meant that 100% of calls were getting rerouted to our Customer Experience team, which currently clocks in at an intimidating six people.
Last updated by at .
