Everything Old is New Again

September 3

Maybe it's a sign of maturing (not aging of course), but I've been doing a lot of reflecting on my most recent trip to the International Home Furnishings Market. As exciting as it is to see the new furniture, lamps, rugs and accessories at the Market, this time there was something else I saw that was even more exciting. You see, I traveled to the Market with two of our interior designers, both relatively new to our staff.

 

First, a little background

Because of our reputation in Central Ohio, Darrons has the opportunity to hire a lot of very qualified interior designers. Usually, like most established firms, we interview experienced designers that we anticipate will bring clientele with them. But recently, I was persuaded to interview Cary, a designer with less experience than I'd normally consider. Only because I had so much respect for the designer recommending her, who is not a member of our firm, did I agree. Frankly, I was extending a courtesy to someone who has been a great supporter of Darrons for 27 years. Well, my brother and I were bowled over. By the end of the interview, we were asking Cary when she could start! Cary's career has had a great beginning, and that's saying a lot in this sluggish economy. Because of her success, Stephanie, our next hire, was another designer at about the same experience level, and with just as much poise and enthusiasm. All of a sudden, I find that I have Young Professionals on staff! I affectionately refer to them as my YPs.

It's taken some adjustment on my part, but I'm quickly learning that the best thing I can do to support the YPs is to stay out of their way! I wish I could say I had their energy and drive back when I was their age, but I'm not sure it's true.

 

Now, back to the market trip

The drive there takes about 6 ½ hours. I enjoy the drive, and also like the opportunity to talk with employees along for the ride. I even stopped to show them Pilot Mountain, one of my favorite spots east of the Mississippi River. Over the years, I've learned some employees like to nap, while others like to joke or just make small talk. Not so with Cary and Stephanie.

They talked strategy; finalizing what they wanted to leave displayed, and what needed to be replaced in the Darrons showroom. Sure, we got to know each other better; but more importantly, after listening to my YPs, I started to realize I've been missing a fresh perspective.

Days start early at the Market, and my YP's were ready and eager every morning. In the showrooms, they asked all the right, and sometimes tough, questions. They were sponges, soaking up information.

 

In the Thayer Coggin showroom, Royale Wiggin, the President and CEO, was so impressed with their thirst for knowledge that she offered them a personally guided tour of the factory. Later, she told me that after a couple minutes of speaking with them, she wanted to personally make sure these two understood what was unique about Thayer Coggin. I've toured numerous furniture factories. But this time I just followed and snapped pictures. Cary and Stephanie asked the questions they wanted answered. I learned things I hadn't learned in over 40 years in this business.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seeing things again for the first time
The trip to the International Home Furnishings Market is about seeing what's fresh and new. I saw lots of beautiful home furnishings, and in a few more weeks you'll be seeing them in our showroom. But my biggest find was the two YPs that I work with every day; and seeing my industry in a new way.

 

Click here to meet Cary and Stephanie online. While you're there, take a moment and also meet Debra Mosic and Bethany Metcalf, the other members of our outstanding interior design staff.

 

By Ron Hass, President, Darrons of Arlington