Barb, a former accounting professional from Rochester, New York, got her start in flooring in an unconventional way – a browse through the Yellow Pages. Having lost her accounting position during the economic downturn in the 1980s, she flipped through the once popular business directory until she found her calling – carpet.
Yes carpet, and with no prior experience in the field, she turned to Business Growth Expert, Susan Depue, for a warm introduction to key decision makers in the industry. Eventually hired as a commission only sales executive for a major flooring company, Barb worked primarily with custom home builders and remodeling contractors, helping their clients choose flooring for their homes or businesses. On any given day, you could find her driving around developing subdivisions, getting the names and phone numbers of local builders in which to call on. And it’s this zeal and determination to succeed that led her to earn top sales and the respect of many of the major builders and flooring suppliers in the area.
Yet, Barb decided to leave the security of her sales job to pursue a business idea of her own – to provide quality flooring with a personal touch to homeowners and business owners who sought more flexibility in how they chose flooring and when it was installed. Because at ICD, they bring the showroom to you.
Now five years later, Barb and the ICD team are ready to celebrate their 5th anniversary in business by hosting an Anniversary Open House in May 2014 to commemorate five years of service excellence.
And while expecting a banner year in sales this year, Barb works just as hard today as she did when she started ICD. She also surrounds herself with a supportive family, talented staff and experienced installers, and a great network of professionals that keep her motivated and give her the tools needed to grow her business.
With 20 years of experience in flooring and a thriving business, it would be easy to move too fast. But she cautions, “Manage your growth, keep your overhead low, and hire when you need it, not when you want it – there’s a difference.”
Connect with Barbara Tyler
Owner & Flooring Specialist, ICD Flooring
Website: http://www.icdflooring.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/barbara-tyler/21/a6a/967
By: Jacqueline Hayes, Owner of Crayons & Marketers, LLC