Today we’d like to introduce you to Marci Charles.
Hi Marci, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My wife and I moved from Memphis, Tennessee, where I ran the team building department for a nonprofit organization, BRIDGES USA, for 9 years. There I operated the indoor rock wall, high ropes course, and facilitated both corporate groups as well as underprivileged youth ages 10-18 years old. With the extensive experience we had with this industry, we decided to try something new and start a new chapter in life. We made a move to Austin, TX, in 2015 and began the construction of our commercial zipline tour just outside the city limits in the beautiful Texas hill country. Since then, we have been running the business and are proud to be 100% female-owned and operated.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We have been very blessed to have such hardworking and passionate people work for Zip Lost Pines and have had a relatively smooth road. But then again, start-ups are never 100% “smooth.” We have had some hardships along the way, including the global pandemic that hit in early 2020. But, we truly enjoy what we do, so we have taken it one step at a time and know that hard work pays off every time.
We’ve been impressed with Zip Lost Pines, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Unforgettable Experiences are our specialty. Bring the pros, bring the rookies, bring the kids, bring it on. The Zip Lost Pines mission is to ensure 100% ear-to-ear grins, leaps in confidence, and total joy. Our side-by-side zip line tours are a unique adventure for everyone.
We are excited to offer an experience that is inspiring and filled with adventure for you and your family, friends, and colleagues right here in the Heart of Texas. Zip Lost Pines offers six dual zip lines soaring through the Lost Pines from platform to platform. This zip tour is an amazing way to share side-by-side excitement while zipping around shady pine forests and across steep canyons while catching a glimpse of the mighty “Texas” Colorado River. The zip tour is located approximately 28 minutes from downtown Austin and just 14 miles east of the Austin Bergstrom International Airport. Looking for something to do while visiting Austin or Bastrop, come zip line with us in the hill country!
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
BE PATIENT! DON’T GIVE UP! As a business owner, you make your own schedule. This means you can plan time for family, friends, hobbies, etc. This also means that if there is an issue with the business on a Saturday night, you might have to drop everything and attend to the issue. Treat everyone you work with like family, always. So, it’s about balance and doing the best you can with everything you have. IT WILL NOT BE EASY. But, if you are truly passionate about your work, then everything else will fall into place naturally. It’s easy for people to recognize your passion and want to support your business when they see the hard work you put into it.
Contact Info:
- Email: allison@ziplostpines.com
- Website: https://ziplostpines.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ziplostpines/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZipLostPines
