Trade Tales

Latest Episodes:

Jean Liu’s trick for measuring client commitment Nov 06, 2024

Show notes

Jean Liu launched her own firm and proved to herself that she could find success outside of the family business. More than a decade on, she shares why she’s revisiting what it means to be a leader—and charting a path to growth in which bigger isn’t always better.

This episode was sponsored by Klafs.

LINKS
Jean Liu
Kaitlin Petersen
Business of Home

Why Josh Greene’s favorite clients contribute creatively Oct 23, 2024

Show notes

Josh Greene took lessons from working for storied retail and residential design firms to launch his own ventures—first with a partner and then alone. He describes how going solo forced him to take a fresh look at his business’s financials—and how his forays into developing product lines have opened the door to a whole new world of creative opportunities.

This episode was sponsored by Regina Andrew and Room & Board.

LINKS
Josh Greene
Kaitlin Petersen
Business of Home

Swati Goorha on the power of storytelling in design Oct 09, 2024

Show notes

Swati Goorha made a splash at the recent Kips Bay showhouse in New York for telling the story of her own growth through design. That approach was more than a one-off: It’s a strategy that underpins many aspects of her firm. She shares how she’s using storytelling for everything from project flow to getting clients on board with a design concept.

This episode was sponsored by Regina Andrew and Room & Board.

LINKS
Swati Goorha
Kaitlin Petersen
Business of Home

Considering a sabbatical? Chloe Redmond Warner did it—and shares how you can, too Sep 25, 2024

Show notes

Chloe Redmond Warner realized several years ago that she had reached a breaking point. To get back to herself, she took a four-month sabbatical, with the hopes of returning to her firm as a better designer, and a better leader, too. The result wasn’t exactly what she was expecting, but it gave her the clarity she needed to change the way she worked.

This episode was sponsored by Universal Furniture and The Shade Store.

LINKS
Chloe Redmond Warner
Kaitlin Petersen
Business of Home

Leann Conquer on why there is more than one way to build a budget Sep 11, 2024

Show notes

Leann Conquer is celebrating her firm’s tenth anniversary with some big wins and industry recognition—but also with a fresh perspective on how to evolve in the years to come. With operational excellence top of mind, she’s focused on refining the firm’s systems while protecting space for creative pursuits.

This episode was sponsored by Universal Furniture and The Shade Store.

LINKS
Leann Conquer
Kaitlin Petersen
Business of Home

Why passion is a priority in Anissa Zajac’s hiring process Aug 28, 2024

Show notes

Anissa Zajac pushed the reset button on her firm a few years ago after a crucial employee left her team. The tumultuous period that followed taught her what it takes to build a team that fits her goals—and how to grow as a leader as she grows her business. In this episode, she shares the community-building power of investing in brick-and-mortar, how she’s implemented new systems to make hiring easier, and why she’s letting her rates communicate her firm’s value.