meet elite austin. We cultivate
passion, talent, and creativity.
meet elite austin. We cultivate
passion, talent, and creativity.
MEET ELITE AUSTIN
Elite Austin is a full-service Interior Design and Home Staging firm
with an unparalleled selection of Designer Curated Furnishings
available for Rent or Purchase.
MEET ELITE AUSTIN
Elite Austin is a full-service
Interior Design and Home Staging firm
with an unparalleled selection of
Designer Curated Furnishings
available for Rent or Purchase.
and also out of necessity!
In 2008, I was asked to stage the home I was renting to help it sell. I searched Austin high and low for furniture rental options and was surprised and disappointed to find out how challenging it was to locate quality furniture for rent. I ended up sourcing and purchasing furniture from retail stores which was expensive, and then I later had to sell it at a loss.
In 2008, I was asked to stage the home I was renting to help it sell. I searched Austin high and low for furniture rental options and was surprised and disappointed to find out how challenging it was to locate quality furniture for rent. I ended up sourcing and purchasing furniture from retail stores which was expensive, and then I later had to sell it at a loss.
Due to the lack of options in Austin, I decided to start a design and staging firm with a unique focus on quality furniture that would meet client’s budgetary needs without compromising style and function.
Valerie Pierce
President & Founder
Jesse Kuehn
Business Administrator
Morgan Russo
Senior Design Coordinator
Anna Watson
Design Assistant
Reggie Eley Jr.
Logistics Associate
Juan Alonso
Logistics Associate
Tracy Stevens
Operations Coordinator
Kelly McCarthy
Marketing Coordinator
Courtney Busacca
Staging Director
James Hideo Hollis
Logistics Manager
Connor Vilven
Logistics Associate
Michael Pierce
Business Development
Valerie Pierce
President & Founder
Tracy Stevens
Operations Coordinator
Jesse Kuehn
Business Administrator
Kelly McCarthy
Marketing Coordinator
Morgan Russo
Creative Director
Courtney Busacca
Staging Director
Anna Watson
Design Assistant
James Hideo Hollis
Logistics Manager
Angel Rodriguez
Assistant Inventory & Warehouse Manager
Reggie Eley Jr.
Logistics Associate
Connor Vilven
Logistics Associate
Juan Alonso
Logistics Associate
Michael Pierce
Business Development
Valerie Pierce
President & Founder
The things I love: spending time with family & friends, my golden retriever, Lily, traveling to new places, furniture & décor, all things real estate, trying new restaurants, wine, laughing until my stomach hurts, walking in the grass barefoot, business and entrepreneurship.
I’m so grateful for our amazing team and it’s truly an honor to work with them every day. They’re passionate, collaborative, hardworking and fun to be around. Each person brings a unique skillset to Elite Austin, and everyone works together to produce incredible results time and time again.
It’s my pleasure to introduce them to you now!
Tracy Stevens
Operations Coordinator
What do you love about working at Elite Austin?
Elite Austin is one of the most collaborative work environments I’ve ever been privileged enough to be a part of. The way our team works together and supports one another is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. There is never a dull moment either, the logistics guys definitely keep us entertained when they’re here in the warehouse!
What makes Elite Austin so special?
I think the fact that everyone who is a part of Elite Austin takes such a strong sense of pride in the work we do is what sets us apart. We are all passionate about the quality of service we provide and truly do consider that the Elite Austin touch.
Do you have a favorite client project?
Nearly every before and after I see leaves me impressed but I think the property on W. 9th where we shot our team photos is my favorite. I dream about relaxing on that couch with the amazing fireplace lit! It’s such great entertaining space and we staged it perfectly!
What unique skill do you bring to the Elite Austin team of experts?
I’ve been compared to an air traffic controller and it’s the truth. I’m command center and have to make sure everyone is in the loop and no detail is missed. I’m also big on celebrations, grand or small, life is for celebrating and I like to bring that sense of joie de vivre to Elite Austin’s culture.
When you’re not at Elite Austin, how do you spend your time?
I never met a brunch I didn’t like so I’m always out on the weekends exploring the never-ending foodie scene here in Austin. I also enjoy traveling, classic films, playing golf, reading, and just spending quality time with friends and family!
Jesse Kuehn
Business Administrator
What do you love about working at Elite Austin?
I really like being a part of this successful and growing business. The dedication, focus, and effort of each person on our team makes the day to day run smoothly. I like to see how each person’s ideas are translated into action and are now a part of the fabric of the business.
What makes Elite Austin so special?
The heart of Elite Austin is a diverse group of people. Each person comes from a vastly different background and has shown excellence in their work. Not only does this produce an exceptional level of quality for our customers but it also makes Elite Austin a great place to work. We enjoy being in the company of each other and learning from one another.
Do you have a favorite client project?
I’ve always enjoyed watching the designers transform spaces. Bins full of accessories, pillows and furniture turn into beautiful picture-perfect rooms right before our eyes.
What unique skill do you bring to the Elite Austin team of experts?
As a business administrator, I am like the swiss army knife of the company. I wear many different hats and do everything from billing to human resources.
When you’re not at Elite Austin, how do you spend your time?
Sailing, camping and checking out Austin’s vibrant restaurants with our dog Barley.
Kelly McCarthy
Marketing Coordinator
What do you love about working at Elite Austin?
I love our team and the clients we work with. It’s always people first for me! Our team is like family and I love my role in marketing and getting out to meet current and potential clients whether it’s at a mixer or trade show!
What makes Elite Austin so special?
Our team works so well together to give our clients the best service possible. We’re extremely dedicated to giving our clients a great experience and providing beautiful furniture, whether it’s for staging, renting, or purchase!
Do you have a favorite client project?
We worked with a client whose family home had been on the market for a while without staging. It was an older home with a very unique layout and buyers couldn’t see the amazing potential it had. After staging, the home had an offer in just 7 days! It’s amazing what good marketing can do for a home and staging is a part of the equation!
What unique skill do you bring to the Elite Austin team of experts?
I’ve never met a stranger, so I love doing marketing events and going to trade shows to meet new potential clients!
When you’re not at Elite Austin, how do you spend your time?
I can usually be found on the greenbelt or in a kayak with my dog, Max. If I’m not playing outside, I’m probably working on a new project at home, poking around a thrift store, or out at a show with my friends!
Morgan Russo
Creative Director
What do you love about working at Elite Austin?
I love my team! It’s so great working with a group of people who are just as passionate about what they do as you are. We constantly work together to solve problems and teach each other new things.
What makes Elite Austin so special?
Our customer service and interior design expert staff. We are constantly brainstorming ways to make working with our company a great experience for our clients and show our appreciation for them.
Do you have a favorite client project?
That’s a hard question! I love my job everyday so picking just one of the hundreds of projects I have worked on would be hard. I really love working on projects with challenging spaces. Whether it’s a small space, awkward shape, dated interior concept, or an overwhelmingly large space, I love helping buyers see the potential in homes that they wouldn’t have been able to see prior to us furnishing them. It’s especially rewarding when it ends in a really quick sale!
What unique skill do you bring to the Elite Austin team of experts?
A combination of speed and being a self-starter! Apparently I have a nickname in this office: The Bullet. I’m not sure I’m that fast, but I truly believe you can do whatever you want if you are persistent and believe in yourself.
When you’re not at Elite Austin, how do you spend your time?
I am a proud Chihuahua mom and now foster mommy to a new little kitten named Dalí. I love going to the greenbelt and spending my weekends exploring Austin. I could spend hours by myself in an art museum and could pretty much live off breakfast tacos from El Tacorrido!
Courtney Busacca
Staging Director
What do you love about working at Elite Austin?
I absolutely love the opportunity to be creative! Elite Austin has allowed its design team the freedom to play with different types and styles of furniture, art and décor. The possibilities at Elite Austin truly are endless, and I respect the trust that has developed within the design team.
What makes Elite Austin so special?
What makes Elite Austin so special is that it offers a diverse number of services within the design industry. We work with home owners, Realtors, and interior design clients in both the residential and commercial community. We also work with builders, project managers, and other industry professionals. We offer Home Staging and Furniture Rental, and we take on Interior Design Projects as well.
Do you have a favorite client project?
My favorite project thus far was the Collier Project. The home was absolutely stunning and full of character. We were able to incorporate modern and contemporary pieces with a mid-century vibe. The property allowed for bright and bold colors, which really brought the home to life.
What unique skill do you bring to the Elite Austin team of experts?
Having earned my Professional Staging Associate Certification (PSA) as well as my Certified Feng Shui Stager (CFSS), I contribute a host of knowledge about current, effective staging practices as well as the traditional wisdom of Feng Sui.
When you’re not at Elite Austin, how do you spend your time?
I love being active and outside. Being from California, I truly love the water, so kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming are among my top favorite activities. On the flip side, I also love to eat, so exploring new restaurants, food trucks, and happy hour spots with family and friends is always a great way to spend a weekend!
Anna Watson
Design Assistant
What do you love about working at Elite Austin?
My favorite thing about working at Elite Austin is the fact that every day is different. I never feel stagnant and I’m always getting to utilize my creativity!
What makes Elite Austin so special?
Our attention to detail. Every step of the process requires a lot of attention to detail and I think our team manages this very well.
Do you have a favorite client project?
Toyath! It was the first luxury property I was able to assist our Senior Designer with and I had a blast!
What unique skill do you bring to the Elite Austin team of experts?
I am new to this industry and bring a sense of eagerness which has translated well into my position on the design team. I am always more than happy to help wherever I am needed. My passion for interiors started at a young age so I have always been a sponge, soaking up everything I can! The designers have done a great job at developing my skills even further.
When you’re not at Elite Austin, how do you spend your time?
I love to go hiking and swimming, thrifting, romping around the park with my dog Bazil, and hanging out with friends.
James Hideo Hollis
Logistics Manager
What do you love about working at Elite Austin?
We never know what to expect or what new cool home we will be staging.
What makes Elite Austin so special?
Flexibility and value. We can stage everything from small condos to multi-million dollar homes. Once our designers do their magic, each staged room is ready for magazine quality photos.
Do you have a favorite client project?
Flying J. THEY HAD AN AIRPORT IN THEIR BACKYARD!
What unique skill do you bring to the Elite Austin team of experts?
I am a holistic thinker with a wide knowledge base acquired by working in several industries including for-profit, non-profit and academia. I believe in working efficiently and leading from the front. I strive to bring that to our crew.
When you’re not at Elite Austin, how do you spend your time?
Exploring. Seeing the sights and smelling the smells. Getting lost. All the food.
Angel Rodriguez
Assistant Inventory & Warehouse Manager
What do you love about working at Elite Austin?
I have to say it’s the team atmosphere and harmony, which help us assist every client with the best possible service. Also, our thorough procedures make Elite Austin one of a kind.
What makes Elite Austin so special?
Elite Austin always puts client needs first. From affordability to design, we are always looking to put our clients first.
Do you have a favorite client project?
My favorite project thus far has been improving the organization of the warehouse. I came to Elite Austin to help improve productivity and help facilitate future projects. There is no project we can’t handle!
What unique skill do you bring to the Elite Austin team of experts?
From my first job to my arrival here at Elite Austin, logistics has always been my love. I bring over 12 years—seven in the furniture industry alone—of experience in logistics to my work here. With my experience and can do attitude, there really isn’t anything I’m not ready for.
When you’re not at Elite Austin, how do you spend your time?
Outside of work, I love spending time with my wife and our two sons, who are three and five years old. From going to the park with them to going on a road trip, the time we spend together is priceless.
Reggie Eley Jr.
Logistics Associate
What do you love about working at Elite Austin?
Working with my co-workers.
What makes Elite Austin so special?
We do all things furniture from staging to Instahome furniture rental to selling furnishings to happy clients.
Do you have a favorite client project?
Flying J! Both the homes turned out great! Team work is the best!
What unique skill do you bring to the Elite Austin team of experts?
I bring my personality and energy to our logistic team. Keeping a positive attitude and always having a good time.
When you’re not at Elite Austin, how do you spend your time?
I enjoy playing basketball, trying new foods, taking my puppy to the park, and playing video games.
Connor Vilven
Logistics Associate
What do you love about working at Elite Austin?
My favorite thing about working at Elite Austin would have to be the people I work with! No matter what project we are working on, everyone has great energy and is fun to be around. This helps each one of us do the best work we can do.
What makes Elite Austin so special?
As a part of the logistics team, we strive to provide tremendous care to our clients, their properties, and the furniture they are receiving. With our various quality procedures in place, we hope to impress our clients by meeting all of their needs.
Do you have a favorite client project?
My favorite project thus far was working with one of our design clients out in the Dripping Springs area. We were able to install some of the coolest and most unique furniture that I have seen yet! It transformed the property into an incredible designer residence and into my personal favorite as well.
What unique skill do you bring to the Elite Austin team of experts?
One quality that I believe I bring to Elite Austin is my great communication with co-workers and clients. It helps our team produce work that our clients have come to expect while also remaining efficient.
When you’re not at Elite Austin, how do you spend your time?
I love the outdoors. Whether it’s just a walk along the lake or a weekend camping trip, there is something about nature that brings me joy. I also love volunteering at various ministries and helping people in a number of ways.
Juan Alonso
Logistics Associate
What do you love about working at Elite Austin?
Getting to see a variety of properties, especially the newer ones. I also like working side by side with our designers.
What makes Elite Austin so special?
We are very flexible. Not only with clients but our employees enjoy a fantastic work life balance!
Do you have a favorite client project?
The two properties on Flying J Blvd required a majority of the Elite Austin crew to get in on the action which made it one of the most fun projects so far!
What unique skill do you bring to the Elite Austin team of experts?
With my previous experience in construction, I’m comfortable visiting properties around construction heavy areas. I think being bilingual is always a plus as well.
When you’re not at Elite Austin, how do you spend your time?
Outside of work I like to go cycling, love trying new restaurants, and enjoy playing video games with friends.
Michael Pierce
Business Development
What do you love about working at Elite Austin?
I would have to say that it’s our vibrant and passionate team. They have a “let’s get it done” attitude and are always fun to be around!
What makes Elite Austin so special?
Our continued professionalism in client service, passion for staging, design, and furniture, and our persistence in the face of any challenge.
Do you have a favorite client project?
I’ve loved the construction of our Elite Austin warehouse and its continued metamorphosis into an organized and efficient distribution center of an incredible array of furnishings.
What unique skill do you bring to the Elite Austin team of experts?
I bring a unique perspective garnered from being involved in the company from day one. In addition, I have extensive experience in the construction industry which always proves to be an asset.
When you’re not at Elite Austin, how do you spend your time?
I also work with Whole Foods in the natural food industry and am known as a “natural foods guru” in the industry. My hobbies include spending time with my beautiful wife and dog, reading, gardening, and learning about new things of interest.