Photography by Bo Carlock / Spacecrafting
For the second installment of their popular panel event series, O’Hara Interiors and Lelch hosted local custom home–industry leaders for a conversation on expanding a company’s reach. Guests gathered at the welcoming O’Hara family home for an evening of camaraderie, industry expertise and plenty of snacks and sips. Here, we share insights from the evening’s distinguished panelists on the most important elements to master when expanding your company’s impact across markets.
ON CONFIDENCE
CEO of Warners’ Stellian
“It’s important to show clients that you’re a horse to bet on,” Warner says. His best advice for accomplishing that? Confidence. Building self-assurance within the company is imperative when it comes to expansion. He continues, “When you have a collective ‘we’re not going to fail’ mentality, those inevitable roadblocks feel a little less daunting.” When a team already succeeds in one space, that excellence can grow elsewhere. “The bottom line is that good work means building business,” Warner says.
ON CONNECTION
Co-Owner of Rehkamp Larson Architects
When debating expansion into a new market, Larson explains, “It’s the personal relationships that make the extra effort worth it.” Client connections often open doors to new opportunities, and despite challenges, Larson believes that genuine human connection is what keeps them flowing. He notes that a critical element to this is conducting in-person meetings, which can help instill a sense of trust between a business and its clients.
ON PLANNING AHEAD
President of Nor-Son Custom Builders
When a request or connection becomes the entry point to a new market, Holmstrom says, “Take the jump.” But he also emphasizes the importance of planning. Rather than saying no out of initial fear or intimidation, Holmstrom encourages leaders to say “yes” and prepare as much as possible. “You’ll learn along the way if you stay persistent and committed, but the more surprises you can avoid with sufficient planning, the better,” he explains.
