A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast

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Latest Episodes:

31: Steven Cooper - The Value of a Trusted Vendor May 23, 2016

Show notes

Steven Cooper is the CEO of Cooper Pacific Kitchens, the experts in the field of kitchen design, kitchen remodeling, interior design, engineering, and installation. Through innovation and premium design, Steven’s team always aims to bring each client’s unique vision and sense of expression to life.

They provide homeowners with functional kitchen spaces that are stunning expressions of their individual tastes.

Cooper Pacific Kitchens was founded in 1986 by Neil and Shirley Cooper, Steven’s parents.

They have just celebrated their 30th year in business.
Steven’s parents have retired and the business is now managed by Steven and her 2 daughters. One of them is already working full time and the other daughter is still in school and is working part time.
His daughters are training on the managing of logistics, scheduling, and installation.
They have a team of highly qualified kitchen designers.
They are based in Los Angeles, California
They have projects all over the country and outside USA too.
Cooper Pacific Kitchens is also a resource center for the kitchen design business and experts.
It may take a thousand details in creating and designing a beautiful kitchen.
A Team of designers and engineers help put the kitchen together.
They always keep up to date with the latest developments in appliances, construction materials, new processes and trends.
It’s a fast-changing world. The team has to know which appliance to recommend for each particular client and for which particular location in the kitchen or home – the ovens, dishwasher, cabinets, all other appliances such as refs. He often recommends the combination convection and steam oven rather than microwave oven. The steam oven is taking the place of microwave.
Each project is a collaborative work of experts
Every team member is given due recognition and importance.
Synergy among the team is valued.
Steven’s projects are worth six figures each and every one is very careful not to make any mistake.
Steven is on the line for all the minutiae of the work – the small, precise details of the project in order to avoid mistakes

RESOURCES

www.cooperpacific.com

30: Kimberly Serafim - Advice to New Grads in Their 1st Job May 18, 2016

Show notes

Graduation is coming up! So I thought we would do a week of podcasts giving advice and tips to the new graduates coming into the design business. One of my employees: Kim is our special guest today. She has been out of school for 9 years now and has been working at “Window Works” for 8 years. She is going to share some of her personal experiences from school to job.

Kim shares with us:

Dealing with one project a semester taught time management and how to deal with deadlines
One presentation a year in college
Don’t underestimate the projects
Look to create teamwork
Internships are important ~ start internships as soon as possible to build up resume and get as much experience as you can
First intern experience was a “what not to do” experience
Organization and having a system in place is important
Going from intern to job ~attention to detail very important
Expect high expectations~ be prepared to deal with everyday issues
Figure out how to deal with what has been given to you
Bring good work ethic
Pay your dues then you will be able to do the bigger, important jobs
Be in the industry even if it’s not a design assistant
See how other businesses are run
Get the tools to run a business before you start your own firm

www.windowworks-nj.com

29: Shannon Leddy Returns for Graduation Week- Best Tips for Landing Your 1st Job May 16, 2016

Show notes

This is Shannon Leddy’s second time on the show! We are so happy to have her back! She is going to share some tips on how students can be more effective before and after graduation.

Shannon shares with us:

Keep up with your portfolios- think about how you need to set it up
Have some flare with your outfit going to an interview
Research the firm you are going for an interview for
Go on as many interviews as you can
Ask for feedback even if you didn’t get the job
The follow up- know what you want to get paid
Ask about benefits and overtime
Stay at a job for at least 6 months- give it a chance
Make and keep relationships on good terms
Keep up with education
Look to see what you have to do to be a certified interior designer

Shannon's Website

28: Andrew Suvalsky - What Are You Waiting For? May 11, 2016

Show notes

Andrew Suvalsky has been in the interior design business for 11 and a half years! He worked for icon designer Benjamin Noriega Ortiz for a time and then established his own business: Andrew Suvalsky Designs. Andrew has a very interesting story about how he got started in his business and some great tips for running your own business that he learned along the way.

Andrew shares with us:

10-year business mark was a turning point
Bought two apartments and renovated them
Worked from home for a time
Sometimes you just need a nudge
Listen to the “voice”!
You have to take risks!
In the new place the first three months were slow
It took a year or so for everything to come true
A business coach is a good idea
Have knowledge on the different jobs in your business
Be flexible

Links Mentioned:

www.suvalskydesigns.com

27: Marlaina Teich- Balancing the Line Between Interior Designer and Therapist May 09, 2016

Show notes

Marlaina Teich has been in business for ten plus years with her business Marlaina Teich Designs. She did not start out in interior design. She started out in fashion and then had a family and while she was home taking care of family she decided to go back to school for interior design. It turns out going to school and starting her own business in interior design was a great choice. Marlaina has some great advice on how to avoid the blurry lines between an interior designer and client(s).

Marlaina shares with us:

Success of client = relationship with client
The top signs that your client is crossing the line
How to draw the line
Interior designer therapy
How to deal with the “elephant” in the room
Don’t get taken advantage of
Know your worth!
Learn to delegate
How to keep up with time with clients
Limit alcohol

Links Mentioned:

www.mtdny.com

26: Kae Whitaker- Branding Your Business- Finally I Understand It! May 04, 2016

Show notes

Kae Whitaker and her husband/business partner have a unique business called Kae Whitaker Solutions. Kae is a personal branding and business development coach who specializes in creative business. She will teach you specific strategies to build your business to success. Remember “just because you are a master at design does not mean you are a master at business.”

Kae shares with us:

What about brands?
Know the background
Personality draws customers
You need to have core values to make decisions
Initial coaching sessions: how they work
How she works together with her husband
Sometimes you need to have people to delegate to
Tips for struggling businesses

Links Mentioned:

www.kaewhitaker.com

www.instagram.com/kaewhitaker

www.facebook.com/kaewhitaker

www.twitter.com/kaewhitaker

www.snapchat.com/kaewhitaker

www.periscope.com/kaewhitaker

www.periscope.com/tv/kaewhitaker

25: Peter Fasano - An Exceptional Artist, A Humble Man May 02, 2016

Show notes

On the show today, we have Peter Fasano who sells hand-silk screen, hand painted fabrics and wall coverings. Peter’s story is special because he discovered his business by accident. He had gotten out of the Army and started painting, and that’s where he discovered the potential for a successful business. Peter has done just that: made a super successful and environmentally friendly business, I might add!

Peter shares with us:

Art gallery vs. fabric painting
Location, location, location
Fabric painter vs. fabric designer
He works with his wife and has been for forever
1/3 of his studio is commissioned by other designers
His most rewarding experience
A new collection!
His work is showcased in 15 states in the United States and in other countries!

Links Mentioned:

24: Krista Coupar- Not Your Average Business Consultant Apr 27, 2016

Show notes

I am so excited about our guest today on the show. Krista Coupar has a unique business that includes business coaching, PR, marketing, staffing, design support and management. Wow! She can work virtually or in person. If you can FedEx, you can work. You have got to listen to this episode! It will blow your mind!

Krista shares with us:

Showcasing designers work online
Started business coaching in 2007
The who, what, when, where, why and how much you should spend on billable
How to get the least amount of pushback
Plan out your day
Facing the “NO”
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Online designing for designers
Have a place to hold court

Links Mentioned:

23: Rio Hamilton - Media Expert and Author of the Wildly Popular Industry Blog, Mon Oncle Apr 25, 2016

Show notes

Rio Hamilton is a marketing and business development strategist who is based in Manhattan for interior design industry. He has had the privilege to work at NIEDERMAIER and be an apprentice to Judy Niedermaier as director of sales and marketing. He also has a wonderful blog. If you have not read it, you should!

Rio shares with us:

Designed his own furniture
Niedermaier was family owned until doors closed
Share your knowledge
The Holiday House
How does his business work?
Mon Oncle
How did the blog come about?
Unexpected things make things fun
Bigger camera = serious

Links Mentioned:

www.riohamilton.com

http://www.riohamilton.com/2015/09/the-profile-all-about-alexa.html

http://design-bloggers-conference.com

22: Fred Berns - How to Create a Killer Bio Apr 20, 2016

Show notes

Fred Berns is a Denver based coach for interior designers. He teaches interior designers how to be successful at copywriting and Bios. His motto is “Your most important sale is a personal sale.” You wouldn’t believe how many ways you can use your bio. Fred has some very in depth information and tips on how to beef up that bio, so that it really sells you.

Fred shares with us:

Best way to promote yourself- most important sale is a personal sale
What goes into a good bio?
Is there an order the information should be placed?
Don’t sell yourself short
Your bio is worth more than just the “about me” section of your website

Links Mentioned:

www.biobriefing.com
www.interiordesignbusiness.net
fred@fredberns.com
303-589-3013

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