The Hustle
Years in Tampa Bay
3
Hustle (job)
Rollin’ Retro | VW Photo Booth Bus
What do you do?
Rollin’ Retro offers classic motor vehicles with unique functionalities that enhance live events, leaving a lasting impression on attendees. Events include weddings, markets, festivals, business marketing initiatives and more.
While other options are on the way, our first sweet ride is a handcrafted photo booth in one of the world’s most recognizable and beloved vehicles, a Split Window Volkswagen Bus.
Why do you do it?
Selfishly, making people feel good feels good. If our job is to encourage people to smile, we hit it big!
What was your Catalyst? (How did you get started?)
The day we were married. It was the perfect day with generations of our family and our closest friends. We thought to ourselves “if only we could bottle up this moment” … it was magical! We realized then and there that we wanted to pursue something that encouraged others to FEEL that same way. Getting married was our reality check, our “what now?” A Split Window VW Bus was on our dream board, and what it represents aligned perfectly with what we hoped to achieve. Rollin’ Retro is only the beginning, an introduction to what it is we plan to pursue. To create environments that encourage others to smile, laugh and love.
What’s a common misconception or unknown aspect of what you do?
The most common misconception is that we are “just a photo booth”; we are marketers. Every time we’re given the privilege of working with one of our clients, it’s our responsibility to represent their brand while engaging their customers. Rollin’ Retro has a long-lasting positive impression on each attendee. This increases the likelihood of customers spreading the word about the brand they’ve positively interacted with.
What’s the most challenging part of your Hustle?
Having people understand the value of what it is we do. If you were to ask someone to share one of their fondest memories, they would probably tell you where, when and with who. But what people often don’t realize is that there are so many other influences that make up their most memorable moments. What the lighting was like, the music that was in the air, did the seating arrangement encourage conversation that led to a stronger relationship, was it just cold enough for that stranger to offer their jacket to the gal sitting across the table from them? – now three years later they’re married. Sure, we offer a photo booth, but the bigger picture is that our Split Window VW Bus immediately reminds people of peace, love and their families before them. That moment of nostalgia connects us with what matters most, celebrating life with those you love.
What’s the most valuable piece of business advice/insight that’s helped you?
Listen. In order to provide, or sell, someone something they want, you have to listen to identify their needs.
Be kind. Regardless if someone purchases your product, kindness leaves a lasting impression on anyone. They might not need what you’re offering, but if they genuinely like you, they’ll reference someone that does.
