Today we’d like to introduce you to Angie Gardeck.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
After graduating from college in 1987 with a degree in Finance and Economics, I jumped into a staff accountant position for a major oil corporation. It didn’t take me long to realize this was not the right fit for me. I stuck it out for a few years, then after having 3 kids in 3 years, I found myself a stay-at-home Mom. This was one of the most rewarding times in my life, but eventually, the kids were growing up and busy with their own lives and I began searching for a new challenge. My husband’s encouraging words were, “if you want to reinvent yourself, now is your chance, but if you’re going to do it, do it right”. I knew instantly what I would do. The next day I researched options for an Interior Design program at a local college and when I put my kids on the bus that fall, I headed back to school myself.
After many weekends at a drafting table and taking classes 1 or 2 at a time, I graduated and established New Perspective Design in 2002. Combining my love of design with my business background allows me to provide a service based experience with a focus on creating functional and beautiful interiors – on time and on budget. It’s been 15 years since I started New Perspective Design and I love interior design as much today as I did in 2002.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Six years into building my business, the economy suffered a crash in the home building market. I was lucky enough to be able to work at home through the slower time and keep my business evolving. A sharp eye on business expenses and working efficiently from home allowed New Perspective to weather the storm and in 2013 with a stronger home market, I moved my business into a local retail office space. I also hired my first full-time employee. Pam Guido joined New Perspective in 2013 and brought her interior design background along with great organizational skills to the firm, It was then that the business started to take off. We have grown each year and in 2017, added our client support specialist. Katie Kirker monitors product purchases and keeps clients in the loop throughout their project timeline also taking professional photos of our jobs.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about New Perspective Design – what should we know?
We create an environment our clients love to live in. With a focus on the residential market, we provide space planning and 3D renderings, kitchen and bath renovation, new builds, color consultation, furnishings, and accessories. We also work on commercial projects, including our most recent commercial project, a local restaurant.
This year we are proud to have partnered with Overstreet Builders in Naperville to design our first Showcase home featured on the 2017 NIHBA Cavalcade of Homes Tour.
I approach each project as if it was my own home, I work intently to not just create a “good enough” space but to create the “perfect” space for every client.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I think the key to my success is a true passion for design, a desire to make every client happy, and a well run, sound business practice.
See full article here.