Podcast Episodes

Travis Woodall with POP Event Company

EP# 184: Pop Event Company: How a Family-Focused Decision Created a Tri-Cities Event Design Pioneer

May 01, 20252 min read
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What makes Travis Woodall with POP Event Company  a good neighbor?

Travis Woodall's journey from hardwood flooring executive to event company president is a powerful reminder that sometimes the best business decisions come from putting family first. As president of Pop Event Company, Travis has built a thriving event rental and design business alongside his wife Brandy, who pioneered the event planning industry in Johnson City, Tennessee nearly two decades ago.

The evolution of Pop Event Company reflects both calculated business decisions and personal values. What began as a subsidiary has transformed into a comprehensive event services company specializing in upscale event design and rental services. While they still handle corporate event planning, their focus has shifted primarily to providing high-end decor and rentals for various occasions. This strategic pivot allows them to leverage their expertise while meeting market demand in the Tri-Cities region.

What's particularly fascinating about Travis's story is his candid admission about entering the industry. When his previous career in flooring distribution was disrupted during the 2007-2008 recession, he made what someone close to him called "career suicide" – leaving a lucrative position to join his wife's growing event planning business. This decision, however, was driven by family values. As a new stepfather to a four-year-old daughter, Travis prioritized being present over pursuing high-paying opportunities that would have required extensive travel. Nearly two decades later, he shares with pride how this choice enabled him to build a meaningful relationship with his now 22-year-old stepdaughter.

Travis dispels common misconceptions about the event industry with refreshing honesty. Far from the glamorous party atmosphere many envision, the work is demanding and often thankless. He notes how many aspiring event planners who romanticize the profession quickly change course after experiencing the behind-the-scenes reality. The true nature of their work is to remain invisible while making clients look good – a philosophy that requires both humility and excellence.

Marketing strategies have evolved significantly throughout their business journey. Brandy, described as the "OG" of event planning in their region, leveraged early social media platforms like Facebook with remarkable success. Today, their approach encompasses multiple platforms including Instagram and a sophisticated website where customers can create wishlists of rental items. However, they maintain a personalized consultation approach that sets them apart from competitors, focusing on curated experiences rather than transactional relationships.

What emerges clearly from Travis's story is a business built on integrity. He emphasizes their commitment to honest consultations, refusing to sell unnecessary services and willingly referring clients elsewhere when another vendor might better meet their needs. This customer-first approach, combined with their extensive experience and reputation for quality, has sustained them through economic challenges and changing market trends.

To learn more about POP Event Company go to:

https://popeventcompany.com/

POP Event Company

(423) 722-3332


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Skip Mauney

Executive Producer, Good Neighbor Podcast: Tri-Cities

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