Carla Pritchard with Chattanooga Presents.Name: Carla Pritchard
Position: Owner
Location: Chattanooga Presents
First job: Making funnel cakes at the top of the Incline Railway
Best part of the job: "For all the different events that we do, there's a full creativity with designing a concept and then putting it into production, making it a reality with all the details involved with each one. Each one is very different. It's always something exciting and new. It's very fast-paced. People say, 'That looks like fun' and I say, 'It is fun - but it's not easy.'"
Worst part of the job: "The unpredictability of weather, for one. Almost all the events are outdoors. Some things you simply can't control so that can be frustrating. The most difficult part is the fundraising aspect. We're always looking for partners and support in different capacities. We have to make what we're doing attractive to a foundation or corporate sponsor."
What she's learned: "That success in most capacities and most jobs is really all about relationships. Building good relationships and a good reputation will take you further than any specific training."
How to make career: "Start out as a volunteer for different kinds of events, large and small, public and corporate, decide where your niche is. It's not for everyone. That helps you make contacts you need down the road. It helps to be creative, and to have good communication skills. Event production is a tool for downtown public relations. It helps to understand the marketing aspect of an event as well as fundraising and logistics."