Turning Her Passion into a Thriving Business

Michelle Spencer was 23 and fresh out of design school when she started working for Norwalk, The Furniture Idea. She enjoyed her job so much that her mom, Linda Johnson ended up joining her as a Design Consultant. Then, 10 years ago, Michelle and Linda’s boss decided to sell his Norwalk location. Michelle had enough knowledge of the business to confidently buy it. “When the franchise location became available, we lured my father into the business to help finance it. I was 28 years old at the time, and really loved my work and the store environment.”

Michelle’s parents put everything on the line when they purchased the franchise location but her parents are business savvy, Michelle has lots of energy, and they decided it was a good fit for the family. “We have grown every year since we’ve owned the business. We haven’t skipped a beat and it’s been so peaceful.” Today, Michelle’s store employs six Design Consultants as well as back office support.

“I had the passion to own this business. In 15 years of working for and at Norwalk, I’ve never dreaded going to work. Corporate has created a beautiful product and I really enjoy being here.”

A Full Service Furniture and Design Store
Norwalk is different from the competition because not only does each store offer custom upholstered furniture, made to order, and delivered quickly, but each location also offers a wide range of accessories as well as full service interior design services.

Michelle explained, “We can decorate an entire house! We offer clients rugs, window treatments, accessories and more! We load our vehicles full of accessories and go to the clients’ houses. For example, today I spent 5 hours of my time at a client’s house and I sold $10,000 in accessories. I even picked out the paint colors for the client’s kids’ bedrooms. We go beyond the call of duty when it comes to our design services. Clients are so appreciative of our time and expertise and that keeps them coming back.”

At Norwalk, customers come into a showroom and although they will sometimes simply order a piece of furniture, often they will allow a Norwalk Design Consultant to go out to their home and come up with a design plan for their home. This service is free for customers and they don’t have to buy everything at once. They then have a design plan and can buy components from Norwalk in the future if they don’t want to buy everything all at once. Norwalk Design Consultants draw floor plans of clients’ homes, pick out fabrics, colors, and accessories that all work together for that particular client.

The Competitive Advantages of Owning a Norwalk Franchise
Buying a Norwalk franchise offers you the opportunity to own a completely unique franchise concept with numerous advantages over the competition. What gives Norwalk its unique competitive advantage?

• The expertise of Norwalk Design Consultants – They’re what keeps customers coming back because they will actually draw up a design plan for the client’s home, including helping them to choose paint colors and accessories.
• The concept - Customers can come into a store, customize their furniture, and then get it quickly!
• Curiosity – Norwalk showrooms are beautiful from the outside and it draws customers right in.
• Word of mouth – The concept’s best advertising! Clients are so excited and pleased with the service and products they receive from Norwalk that they tell everyone.

No Previous Industry Experience is Necessary
Although Michelle did have a background in design before purchasing her business, you do not necessarily need professional interior design experience to qualify. A passion for design and a sense of balance and proportion is helpful but Norwalk will train you and you will employ Design Consultants to work for you as well. Additionally, because training is so thorough, Michelle explained, “You don’t necessarily need a sales background. I didn’t have a selling background before joining Norwalk. Their selling system is so easy to learn. It’s non-threatening and effective.”

Training and support from corporate is integral to the brand’s success. “Norwalk has one of the strongest training programs in the furniture industry! Not only do I teach my Design Consultants but I also send them to Norwalk’s training program as well because it’s so informative,” said Michelle.

She continued, “The support from corporate is amazing. We’ve seen a lot of great changes at the factories over the last year and a half. And recently, there have been many changes at corporate that have led to many positive outcomes for the brand. The support is just phenomenal and getting better and better.”

A Business That Fits In With Your Lifestyle Goals
Whether you’re searching for a business that enables you to work around your children’s schedules, allows you to have more time for a hobby or sport, or you’d like to commute less each day, choosing the right franchise for you and your needs is critical to your success and happiness as a business owner. For Michelle, who’s a mother, owning a business that is family-friendly was extremely important and Norwalk is a perfect fit for her.   

Michelle concluded, “I would definitely recommend this business to other women. If you’re high-energy, flexible, open-minded, and have compassion for other people, this is a great business to own.”