Anne McDonald made a big push a few years back to take her firm to the next level—toward bigger projects, more robust budgets, and new opportunities. The process required not only refining her team, but also learning to trust her own abilities. On this episode of the podcast, the Minneapolis, Minnesota–based designer shares why bringing on a CFO has helped her look toward the future, how she is navigating a shift towards smaller projects, and how her team is adjusting to a new pace of work.LINKSAnne McDonald Kaitlin PetersenBusiness of Home
--------
41:55
--------
41:55
Ask Us Anything: Jean Liu on the best way to use credit cards for purchasing
Jean Liu joins the show to answer a question from a designer who is wondering whether or not to pass along vendor processing fees to clients. The Dallas–based designer jumps in with advice on communicating additional fees to clients in a pre-invoice estimate, the value of using credit cards as a form of consumer protection and preparing for tariff-related fees.LINKSJean LiuKaitlin PetersenBusiness of Home
--------
36:14
--------
36:14
How acquiring another design firm helped Dwayne Bergmann get back in touch with his creativity
Dwayne Bergmann’s multifaceted approach to business growth has included everything from repping cabinet lines and cofounding a slab importing company to acquiring another Florida designer’s firm. He shares how, despite his passion for expansion, he now finds himself more in the weeds than ever when it comes to creative work.LINKSDwayne BergmannKaitlin PetersenBusiness of Home
--------
1:06:25
--------
1:06:25
Ask Us Anything: Brian Paquette on warehouse insurance that works for designers
Brian Paquette joins the show to answer a question from a fellow designer who wanted to know the best way to protect items in storage for her clients. The Seattle-based designer jumps in with advice on vetting storage partners, how warehouse insurance can result in profitability for both parties, and why the design business is 95 percent execution and logistics. This episode was sponsored by Four Hands. LINKSBrian PaquetteKaitlin PetersenBusiness of Home
--------
34:59
--------
34:59
How Michelle Gage built the team that helped her escape burnout
Michelle Gage found herself fast-approaching the point of burnout several years ago. In response, she threw herself into the process of remaking her business—overhauling back-end systems and making high-level hires in order to rekindle the sense of enjoyment that drew her to design in the first place. Elsewhere in this episode, she also shares the book that transformed her approach to leadership, the benefits of hiring a brand manager and how she educates clients on the costs of design.LINKSMichelle GageKaitlin PetersenBusiness of Home
Business of Home's editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen talks to interior designers about nurturing creativity, finding a firm’s financial footing, setting goals and discovering their own version of success as a result.
New Zealand