In this episode of the Floor Stories podcast, Kristin Stensby shares her journey in the flooring industry, from growing up in a family business to transitioning into software development with Showroom Pricing. She discusses the challenges of working in a family environment, the importance of customer relationships, and the evolution of technology in the flooring industry. Kristin emphasizes the need for confidence and adaptability in business, while also providing insights into the future of the industry and advice for newcomers.

Takeaways

• Kristin's passion for travel reflects her love for planning and executing vacations.
• Growing up in a flooring family shaped Kristin's career path.
• Working in a family business has its challenges but also offers unique insights.
• The transition from sales to software development was driven by a need for better pricing solutions.
• Building Showroom Pricing was a response to industry challenges and personal experiences.
• Success in sales comes from building relationships and understanding customer needs.
• Confidence is key in business, and it's important to trust your instincts.
• The flooring industry is evolving with technology, but personal connections remain vital.
• Newcomers should focus on educating customers rather than just selling products.
• The future of the flooring industry will involve more automation without losing the human touch.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kristin Stensby

02:53 Kristin's Journey in the Flooring Industry

05:49 Family Dynamics in Business

08:35 Challenges and Learning Moments in Sales

11:16 Transitioning to Showroom Pricing

14:12 Building a Software Solution for the Flooring Industry

17:31 Overcoming Challenges in Business Growth

19:57 Client Success Stories and Their Impact

21:58 Reflections on the Journey and Lessons Learned

22:51 Evolution of Showroom Pricing Software

25:26 The Importance of Vendor Relationships

28:00 Memorable Projects and Experiences

29:31 Navigating Industry Challenges and Mistakes

30:35 The Future of Technology in the Flooring Industry

34:59 Advice for Newcomers in the Flooring Trade