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 Rick Ingram
Franchise Owner
Illinois
Background:
Rick holds a B.A. in Psychology and an M.S. in Business Management
and has attended the Harrington Institute School of Interior Design.
Prior to starting his Interiors by Decorating Den franchise, Rick
worked for Sears Roebuck and Company where he held many positions
including sales management, store management and buyer.
Personal
life:
In addition to running a busy interior decorating business, Rick
enjoys reading, traveling, and the great outdoors.
Reason
for starting a decorating business:
"The idea of being an interior decorator had always been
very appealing to me. In researching my options for entering the
interior decorating field, I spoke with various design firms.
As a result of my research, I realized that even though I had
the educational experience, I lacked "hands on" experience
as a decorator, and thus I would start at the bottom."
What
Rick likes best about running his Interiors by Decorating Den franchise:
"There are so many aspects that I love that I would have
to highlight the four aspects I cherish most. The freedom and
flexibility to set my own schedule, the wonderful people that I meet and the
friendships that I develop, the opportunity to control my business, and the fact
that I am getting up every morning to do something I truly love."
Most
memorable moment:
"There are so many memorable moments, but the first one that
comes to mind was my first rather large commercial order. Even
though I had prepared a very comprehensive, well thought out proposal, I was
stunned when they accepted it! It certainly launched me into another level of
my business!"
Business
Goals:
"One key business goal that I have is to be considered among
the very "Top" decorators in the IDD system nationwide."
Advice to those considering entering a career in interior
decorating:
"I would have to say that I would like to pass on some advice
that someone gave to me to be prepared, to work hard and to persevere;
be sure to have a solid business plan and read a lot! Read books and magazines
on the subjects of selling, business and interior design, you never stop learning."
 Background:
Janice holds a Masters degree in Management and an Undergraduate degree in Art
and Home Economics and spent twenty-two years in the field of educational
administration prior to starting her Interiors by Decorating Den franchise.
Personal
Life:
Married 37 years, Janice and husband Dean share two children
and a much-loved poodle named "Timmy." Janice enjoys
reading, shopping and staying abreast of trends. "If I
could have one wish granted, it would be to have all the time
and energy in the world to do nothing but decorate!"
Reason
for starting an interior decorating business:
"I had the unexpected opportunity of an early retirement which when presented
was too good to pass up. At the time, I was just shy of 50 years old. To young
to retire, I changed careers to finally do something I¹d dreamed
of doing for the previous 25 years!"
What
Janice like best about running a Interiors by Decorating
Den franchise:
"Everything! However, what I like best is the fact that I took a chance
to finally do something for myself and I have conquered that challenge!"
Most
memorable moment:
"To this day, my most memorable experience is the very first sale that
I made to a couple whom I considered to have very savvy purchasing knowledge.
The thought that I was now their decorator and that they looked to me for guidance
and advice made me ecstatic! Along with that sale came a lot of confidence
to continue designing and selling my very best!"
Business
Goals:
"To keep my business strong yet manageable, wearing both the owner and
operator hats."
Advice
to those considering entering a career in design:
"Be prepared to work hard. Keep in mind that in order to have something
wonderful it is worth working hard for. And last but not least FOLLOW THE SYSTEM!
It works!"
 Background:
Rebecca studied Fashion Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New
York City. Armed with her degree, Rebecca worked as a fashion designer
until putting that on hold to start her family. Upon re-entering the work
force, Rebecca decided that 'interior design' was her passion and thus
joined the staff at Wellesley College in Massachusetts as an interior designer.
Personal
life:
Rebecca and husband Dan have been married 31 years and are
the proud parents of two grown children. Rebecca is active
in church activities, the local women's club, the Chamber of
Commerce and Cincinnati Children's Hospital charities.
Reason
for starting a decorating business:
"I had gotten to a point in my life where I knew I didn't want to work
for someone else. I also knew that I lacked the experience to start a business
and the knowledge of how to market my talents. I recalled that a high school
classmate had started a decorating business with the assistance of a franchise.
I then came across Interiors by Decorating Den at a Boston Home Show were I
learned that my friend had been happily building her Interiors by Decorating
Den business for over three years and loved it!"
What
Rebecca likes best about running her Interiors by Decorating
Den franchise:
"I get to use my creativity in so many ways. My clients are wonderful
and each is so different from the other, their needs as well as their tastes
vary greatly. I NEVER get bored!"
Most
memorable moment:
"Being named "Decorator of the Year" was the highlight of my
business career followed closely by our Region being named "Region of
the Year." The recognition at our annual Market Conference in front of
family and friends was both an honor and a thrill."
Business
Goals:
"While I have very specific objectives in my business, my overall goal
is to remain happy in what I do."
Advice
to those considering entering a career in interior decorating:
"Interior decorating is fun and rewarding. It also requires dedication
and work. The beautiful thing about Interiors by Decorating Den is that they
have already refined the business model for you."
Meet some more of our Decorators
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