This month marks a 20-year anniversary for Ensemble Group. That is a huge milestone! Ensemble Group has been serving companies in the coastal bend area for two decades. You can imagine how different things were 20 years ago in the world of technology, especially when it comes to custom software and websites.
The team here at Ensemble Group came up with 5 questions to ask our fearless leader, our captain of motivation – Gracie Martin.
Here is what she said:
1 – What does it take to keep a business going for 20 years?
Perseverance! Owning a business is one of the hardest jobs of your life (after raising kids and marriage) and yet the most rewarding.
2 – What were your biggest challenges when you started the company 20 years ago?
My biggest challenge at the beginning was finding customers who would trust me with their project and their money. I had to prove myself, my work capabilities, and my work ethic one client at a time. In fact, the same challenges exist today as they did 20 years ago although we now have a team with many years of experience and many projects under our belt with many satisfied clients. But we are still challenged to create trust in each potential new client.
3 – How has the technology/landscape changed since you first started?
When I first started, having a website for your company was a “new” thing, only a few larger organizations had a website. That sure has changed in the last 20 years. Web technology is everywhere and is constantly changing and being in the technology industry ourselves, it is our job to constantly change and evolve. We are always looking into the next best tech that makes sense for us and our clients. The coding languages, software, systems, platforms, and viewing devices used have constantly changed in the last 20 years and will continue to evolve in the future.
4 – What advice do you have for anyone who wants to start a business, specifically in the technology industry?
Treat each client as if they were your only one. Ask yourself, did we exceed their expectations? What will they say to others about our customer service and our products? I believe that every satisfied customer is a referral source. If you have 100 satisfied customers in the community, that is worth more than any marketing ad.
Technology can be overwhelming even to us in the industry, even more so to small or medium-sized businesses without tech resources. Extend your help and knowledge to others when you can. But don’t help because it may lead to possible work but because it is the right thing to do to help and lend and give back to your community.
What is the biggest thing you have learned from being in business for 20 years?
- I cannot do everything! As I started the business I wore many, many hats. I realize along the way there are so many things that others can do so much better and faster and will cost me less in the long run.
- I need to surround myself with smart people. They help elevate me and they elevate Ensemble Group. This especially is true for the Ensemble Group team. Hire and try to retain the best. Our team is stronger, smarter, and more resilient together.
- Have fun! Try to create a fun culture at work. Life and work can be tough and can weigh our hearts and souls down, try to laugh and have joy each day.
Bonus: Did you ever think about leaving Corpus Christi? What do you love about this city and what kept you here?
I lived in Dallas after I graduated from college for about 6 years. I loved it then, the hustle and bustle and the entertainment were perfect for me when I was in my twenties. But when my husband Bob and I decided to start settling down and talked about a family we knew we wanted to move back “home” to Corpus Christi. Why do we love Corpus Christi? It’s a smallish, big city. There is plenty to do and you can get anywhere driving within 15-20 minutes. We love our beautiful Gulf of Mexico waters where we have sailed, scuba-dived, fished, kayaked, wind-surfed and just sun-bathed. I love our mix of cultures here, where I can go listen to Latino music while enjoying a fresh fish platter at a local restaurant. Most importantly I love the community and people, South Texans are humble, authentic, and proud and we appreciate our differences.
We couldn’t agree more on how much we love Corpus Christi. A huge thanks to each and every one of our clients who have trusted us with their businesses for two decades. We can’t wait to see what the next 20 years look like.
The Team
Ensemble Group
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