Conversations with Haley Austin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Haley Austin.

Haley, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In my senior year of high school, 2004, I answered an ad at school for an afterschool job at Thunderbird Artists. I decided to apply since the ad stated they only needed someone to work a few hours per week. I called and had an interview set up for the following week.

When I arrived I was greeted by barking dogs and sat down at a kitchen table. They explained they were a small, family-owned business operating out of their home and needed someone a couple of hours a day to handle filling, mailings, and other office-related tasks. I got a call back a few days later and was offered the position.

Fast forward 19 years and I am now the Executive Director. For the last 19 years, Thunderbird Artists has been there through earning my Bachelor’s Degree (from Northern Arizona University) in Biology, my marriage, the birth of my four children, and many more milestones.

I have learned so much and gained a new appreciation for the arts and event planning itself. Every year Thunderbird Artists produces events in Carefree, Chandler, Scottsdale, and Surprise, with this year adding Cave Creek into our mix. Each event adds juried fine artists, along with wine tasting, live music, gourmet chocolates, savory food, and more!

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?
The global pandemic certainly hit all small businesses hard, but our industry in itself was particularly difficult. We had to adapt and evolve to keep afloat. We luckily persevered, and our events have continued to be the Top events in the Southwest and have won numerous awards.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I (along with my co-workers) am an event producer and promoter. Thunderbird Artists was founded in 1981 and has developed a reputation for producing high-quality art events with an unwavering jury. Every event we produce has juried, fine artists from throughout the nation and abroad, along with wine tasting and live music.

Our events are different from all others of their kind because our events are entirely fenced, allowing patrons to roam the entire event while sipping fine wines, ice-cold microbrews, and flavored spirits (as opposed to most events that offer a wine garden). We also have musicians performing throughout the event, so attendees can enjoy music and wine sampling while engaging with artists and surrounding themselves with beautiful pieces of original art.

Until I started working with Thunderbird Artists I never realized all that goes into producing a large-scale event. Everything has to be planned to a T, from layouts to working with each municipality, to tax laws, health permits, and everything in between – there truly is an art to it.

Who else deserves credit for your story?
Thunderbird Artists is a small, family-run business. Only three full-time employees, the CEO (& Founder) and President are a mother-daughter duo. Thunderbird Artists mainly hires family members and friends when additional help is needed to ensure everyone shares a passion for the business.

As stated before, I knew nothing about how much goes into event planning and promoting and they both have been a huge source of inspiration and knowledge. Denise Colter (the President) has taught me the ins and outs of the events and trusted me with many new responsibilities that I have learned throughout the last 19 years. Judi Combs (the CEO and Founder) has shared her passion for the arts (and artists) and has taught me the visual and marketing aspects of an ever-changing trend.

In addition to their support business-wise they have allowed me to take on a role of motherhood that I would have missed out on in a “standard, 9-5” company. All four of my children were able to come to work with me for their first year of life and my youngest, who turned two in May, is still able to come to work weekly.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thunderbirdartists.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThunderbirdArtists

Image Credits
Brad Olsen