EP 112 - Learning How to Own Your Decisions with Caroline Hipple, President of Norwalk Furniture

It all starts with an invisible idea. In today’s episode, we’re discussing the importance of showing up, having dreams and letting the universe do the rest. Our guest is Caroline Hipple, President of Norwalk Furniture. Caroline shares an amazing history that started with opening one furniture store and led to managing hundreds of employees today. You will also hear how she expertly gives her teams hope during times of crisis and why giving back to the community is important. 

In This Episode: 

  • [02:52] Caroline started her career as an “accidental retailer”

  • [08:10] At only 22, Caroline’s boss sent her to open nine stores in Chicago

  • [09:52] There are ways to turn a dispirited company around

  • [15:33] How Caroline and her friends teamed up and re-opened a factory in 2008

  • [17:46] Reinventing fabrics as the silent salesperson

  • [28:10] The biggest lessons Covid has taught Caroline about business

  • [32:16] How to motivate employees in times of crisis

  • [35:25] The one thing young people should learn how to do to become successful

Key Takeaways: 

  • It’s okay to listen to your intuition, even when everyone else is going in a different direction. Always bet on yourself.

  • One of the best recipes for staying ahead of the competition is asking your customers what they want. It sounds simple but not everyone does it.

  • When your attitude is right, the things you say and do are right.

  • Own your mistakes, learn along the way.

Quotes:

“When you go to the 7-Eleven and the clerk isn't very nice to you, it's not their fault. Chances are, they're not treated very well.” Caroline Hipple

“You want to be right. How do you get right? You look at trends and you predict trends.” Caroline Hipple

“We analyze what is selling obviously, but we also analyze how it's used.” Caroline Hipple

Links & Giveaway: 

A Pathway to Profit: https://www.amazon.com/Pathway-Profit-Anita-Pugh/dp/1460210816

Norwalk Furniture: https://norwalkfurniture.com/

Sponsored by Emily Morrow Home

 
 

This episode of Inside Design is sponsored by Emily Morrow Home. Emily Morrow Home is a luxury flooring “to the trade” brand constructed of North American hardwoods that feature thicker, longer and wider planks in beautiful finishes and an array of styles. I love that they have a barrier to make them splash, spill and scuff proof as well as being dent resistant. Crafted in Tennessee by hand, inside of a medium security prison, Emily Morrow Home is a story of second chances and taking pride in what one does. Visit their website emilymorrowhome.com or follow on Instagram.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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