Meet Anna Collins | CEO, Anna Collins Events

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anna Collins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anna, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Quality.

Everything the Anna Collins Events brand touches has the hallmark of quality. That’s what sets us apart from our nearest competitors. We are constantly taking feedback both on our own events and those run by other organizations to ensure that our offerings set the industry standard.

Part of this is a commitment to running our business the way we would like to see businesses we interact with run. One of the most disappointing things in today’s economy is the tendency for even premium brands to focus so aggressively on cost cutting that they no longer remember the things that make their brand special to the consumer. Imagine paying for a 5-star hotel and finding that the minibars have been removed or that housekeeping is now, “on demand.” Or buying a first class ticket on an airline and receiving mediocre service from a crew that’s just going through the motions.

These things are generally the result of corporate greed that wants to shave every cent of reinvestment in the product and treats its employees like expendable parts.

We take less profit so that our event attendees and our team know they are valued, and that’s the biggest reason that Anna Collins Events sell out and often have waiting lists, compared to industry peers that have to push constantly to sell tickets.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’ve had an interesting journey, to say the least. I’m one of twelve children, which means I had to learn to be strong and independent early in life, especially when my parents split up before I was ten years old. I virtually raised some of my younger siblings before pursuing an adventurous series of jobs in my teens and twenties, from working for an aid organization in the middle of the war in the Balkans, to doing three seasons on a fishing boat out of Dutch Harbor, Alaska, following in my father’s footsteps.

My international background, (I’m a dual American/Dutch citizen,) then led me to work in the CEO office of the biggest bank in Holland, back to Santa Barbara to work in management for a real estate company, and eventually to Luxembourg where I worked for a leading telecom services company first as head of their CEO office, and then as head of Global Facilities for the EMEA region, traveling frequently around Europe and the Middle East.

I stepped back from the corporate world to start a family, but ultimately I needed to get back into the game in some capacity, which was the genesis of Anna Collins Events in 2017.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As I mentioned earlier, I’m half Dutch, so it’s hard to keep me away from Holland. Whether enjoying the canals, fine dining, and GREAT SHOPPING (that sound you just heard was my husband’s head exploding) of Amsterdam, or smaller but lively towns like Valkenburg (home to one of our events,) Holland is often where I’m most at home. The antique jewelry shops in Amsterdam pretty much know me by name at this point, as I’m always hunting for unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Let’s start with the men who inspire me, beginning with my late father who was always there when I needed someone to turn to for advice, or just an ear to listen. He was good man with a great big heart who left us too soon, but who taught me how to love.

My husband, J. Michael Collins, who as fought so hard to build a career that has become a sprawling enterprise, and who somehow manages to be the kindest husband and best possible father to our son at the same time.

And our boy, Tom, who lights up our lives with his humor, thoughtfulness, and uncommon selflessness and self-awareness for such a young age.

My best friend, Sheryl, who has been by my side for decades and is my rock.

And our team, who make what we do possible with all of their hard work and attention to detail.

Oh, let’s not forget two dumb dogs….Biscuit and Brownie, who make up in affection and adorableness what they lack in brain cells, LOL.

Website: https://www.voatlanta.me/