Business of Home Podcast: Why Tom Stringer Gives His Employees Sabbaticals and Executive Coaching

Host: Dennis Scully
Guest: Tom Stringer, Interior Designer and Founder of Tom Stringer Design Partners
Release Date: November 18, 2024

In this insightful episode of the Business of Home Podcast, host Dennis Scully engages in an illuminating conversation with Tom Stringer, a revered figure in Chicago's interior design scene. Tom, who established his own design firm in the mid-1990s after honing his skills under Alessandro Branca, shares his unique approaches to client selection, employee retention, and business management. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, valuable insights, and forward-thinking conclusions drawn from their engaging dialogue.

Early Inspirations and Path to Design

Tom Stringer's passion for design was evident from a young age. Growing up in Elm Grove, Wisconsin, Tom was captivated by architecture and system design, often sketching house plans on graph paper in second grade and modifying toy sets to simulate urban planning.

[02:34] Tom Stringer: “I started drawing house plans on graph paper I think in the second grade.”

This early fascination extended beyond mere drawings; Tom experimented with low-voltage landscape lighting in his mother's house during his teenage years, blending technical skills with creative design.

[04:00] Tom Stringer: “I started doing that, you know, in my mother's house, you know, insisting that we landscape light at my direction.”

His grandmother's encouragement further fueled his interest, humorously predicting a future as the "next White House gardener."

[04:07] Tom Stringer: “My grandmother proclaimed that I would be the next White House gardener for my love of gardening and sprinkling systems and things like that.”

Educational Journey and Early Career

Tom pursued his passion academically by enrolling in the College of Architecture at Arizona State University (ASU), deliberately choosing a program that integrated architecture, interiors, and product design. This multidisciplinary approach equipped him with a robust technical foundation.

[05:35] Tom Stringer: “I sought out a design program that was within a college of architecture because I was interested in an institution that would provide, I thought, a higher degree of technical focus.”

However, his academic journey was interspersed with significant real-world experiences. At just 20 years old, Tom took over a struggling design firm in Scottsdale when its owner fell ill, marking his first encounter with running a business.

[09:00] Tom Stringer: “At 20 to 21 years old, I found myself running a design firm... it was an adventure.”

Despite the challenges, this early leadership role underscored Tom's resilience and adaptability, traits that would later define his business philosophy.

Establishing a Legacy: Building Tom Stringer Design Partners

After gaining invaluable experience in Chicago under Alessandro Branca's mentorship, Tom founded his own firm nearly three decades ago. His vision was clear: to create a legacy firm characterized by robust business practices, exceptional client relationships, and a supportive work environment.

[13:57] Tom Stringer: “I wanted to build a firm that had a really good foundation. I wanted top notch business administration. I wanted employee retention.”

A cornerstone of his firm's enduring success is the cultivation of long-term relationships with clients, often spanning multiple generations. Tom exemplifies this with a longstanding partnership with a client he has served for 30 years, currently working on projects for the client's children and grandchild.

[14:52] Tom Stringer: “I have so much freedom because these are clients who come in with an idea and then essentially get out of the way because they have such a high level of trust that what my team will do is the right thing.”

Client Selection: Building Trust and Alignment

Tom emphasizes the importance of carefully vetting clients to ensure alignment in values and philanthropic outlooks. He employs a rigorous interview process akin to hiring, assessing potential clients based on their personal rapport, philanthropic activities, and even their use of language in conversations.

[20:43] Tom Stringer: “I look at many factors at when I'm looking at new clients... if a client's life story and their personality and their mannerisms and their energy make me want to hang out with them and go to dinner with them...”

This selective approach fosters a collaborative and respectful environment, enhancing the quality of design outcomes and client satisfaction.

[25:02] Tom Stringer: “We make the project moving forward and we solve the problem. And that's very powerful both in moving projects forward and in winning clients allegiance.”

Innovative Employee Retention: Sabbaticals and Executive Coaching

One of the most distinctive aspects of Tom's leadership is his commitment to employee well-being and professional growth. Recognizing that a happy and motivated team is pivotal to the firm's success, Tom has instituted several progressive benefits:

1. Sabbatical Program: Every five years, employees are granted a one-month sabbatical to pursue activities that enrich their professional and personal lives. This initiative not only rejuvenates the staff but also injects fresh perspectives into their work.

   [28:30] Tom Stringer: “We ask our employees to do something during the sabbatical that will benefit them professionally... a young designer who's been to Paris is a better designer.”

2. Professional Coaching: Inspired by his transformative experience with an executive coach, Tom extended professional coaching opportunities to all employees, fostering personal development and enhancing workplace culture.

   [32:14] Tom Stringer: “Professional coaching for all employees... it has changed the way we operate and the culture we foster.”

3. Robust Benefits Package: From insurance and retirement plans to comprehensive business administration support, Tom ensures that his employees have access to a wide array of benefits, contributing to high retention rates.

   [27:10] Tom Stringer: “We keep adding to the menu... insurance, vision, dental, and expanded to retirement 401k.”

These initiatives reflect Tom's belief that investing in employees leads to a more creative, dedicated, and loyal workforce, ultimately benefiting the firm's clients and projects.

Embracing Technology: The Future of Design

Tom is at the forefront of integrating technology into the design industry. As a lead investor and board member of Studio Designer, he advocates for leveraging big data and artificial intelligence to streamline design processes and enhance manufacturing efficiency.

[38:58] Tom Stringer: “If you can start tying all these things together... there's knowledge to be gained from the manufacturer side.”

He envisions a future where small artisanal manufacturers have access to predictive data, allowing them to anticipate trends, manage inventory effectively, and reduce lead times significantly.

[42:10] Tom Stringer: “A small shop with access to big data is not such a small shop if they are able to navigate the world around them in a more effective way.”

This technological integration promises to revolutionize manufacturing workflows, making the production of custom furniture and design elements more efficient and responsive to market demands.

Succession Planning: Ensuring a Lasting Legacy

Understanding the challenges of perpetuating a design firm beyond its founder's tenure, Tom has proactively implemented succession strategies. By rebranding to Tom Stringer Design Partners and cultivating a partnership model, he ensures that leadership transitions are seamless and that the firm's ethos is preserved.

[35:22] Tom Stringer: “We rebranded to Tom Stringer Design Partners 10 years ago... creating a partnership path for Kruti because we just felt like she had the administrative brainpower to power the organization forward.”

This approach not only secures the firm's future but also empowers emerging leaders within the organization to take on greater responsibilities, fostering a collaborative and sustainable business model.

Industry Challenges and Client Perceptions

Tom candidly addresses the inherent challenges within the interior design industry, particularly the perception of long lead times and high costs. He contrasts the rapid pace of modern consumer expectations with the meticulous and time-intensive nature of bespoke design work.

[46:11] Tom Stringer: “The time commitment to work with an interior designer is another thing... instant gratification or delayed gratification?”

Tom advocates for a cultural shift that values patience and quality over immediate results. By educating clients on the intricacies of the design process and the importance of thoughtful, data-driven design decisions, he aims to demystify the industry and highlight its true value.

[47:55] Tom Stringer: “I think it's a huge part of it... it's expensive, it's daunting, time-consuming.”

Conclusion: A Vision for the Future

Tom Stringer's thoughtful approach to business management, client relations, and employee development sets him apart in the interior design community. His commitment to fostering a positive workplace, coupled with his embrace of technological advancements, positions his firm for continued success and longevity. As the design industry evolves, Tom's strategies offer a blueprint for creating sustainable businesses that prioritize both quality and human capital.

[48:42] Tom Stringer: “It's been a pleasure. Great to be with you.”

Through his innovative practices and forward-thinking mindset, Tom Stringer exemplifies the qualities of a visionary leader dedicated to excellence, both in design and in the way his business operates.

Notable Quotes:

• Early Passion for Design:

  “I started drawing house plans on graph paper I think in the second grade.” — [02:34]

• Leadership Under Pressure:

  “At 20 to 21 years old, I found myself running a design firm... it was an adventure.” — [09:00]

• Client Relationship Philosophy:

  “I have so much freedom because these are clients who come in with an idea and then essentially get out of the way because they have such a high level of trust that what my team will do is the right thing.” — [14:52]

• Employee Sabbaticals:

  “A young designer who's been to Paris is a better designer.” — [28:30]

• Embracing Technology:

  “A small shop with access to big data is not such a small shop if they are able to navigate the world around them in a more effective way.” — [42:10]

• Succession Planning:

  “We rebranded to Tom Stringer Design Partners 10 years ago... creating a partnership path for Kruti because we just felt like she had the administrative brainpower to power the organization forward.” — [35:22]

Tom Stringer's insights offer invaluable lessons for current and aspiring leaders within the interior design industry, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, strategic planning, and a genuine commitment to both clients and employees.