Business With Kensley Hendrix podcast

0:02Hi, and welcome to this week's episode of the Epic Entrepreneurs podcast where we are all about helping business owners just like you achieve success. So we don't do fancy smancy. We don't do flashing lights. We don't do a lot of things that a lot of podcasts will do. These are just real stories about real people and their entrepreneurial and business experiences. We go into their wins, their challenges, and their learnings. So we hope you enjoy it. Hey there, welcome to this week's episode of Epic Entrepreneurs, brought to you by Action Coach Growth Partners. I'm your host, Bill Gilliland, and in this podcast, you'll find three things.

0:46You're going to hear real stories from real entrepreneurs that will help you along your entrepreneurial journey. You're also going to get business tips to help you scale up faster, and you're going to get actual coaching to help you get better real world results to be the best entrepreneur you can be. Hey, and if you like the podcast, remember to subscribe. And now, enjoy the show. Hey there, I hope you're having a fantastic week. Welcome to this week's episode of Epic Entrepreneurs. And this week, I've got Kinsley Hendricks from Christie's Lighting. Welcome to the show, Kinsley. Thank you. I'm excited.

1:25so kinsley tell us how you came to be at christie's lighting and what you do oh well funny i stumbled upon it i actually worked next door and then um loved the culture so much over here just came over here and got myself a job um i am business development so my old title was brand ambassador it's kind of the same thing it just when you're explaining to people what you do it sounds better to say business development um so we have christy's lighting gallery uh the silver fox gallery and american eagle locksmith all very much encompassing the you know building industry so we have lights we have plumbing we have door hardware we have cabinet hardware we have interior designers we love the building industry and plan to stick around in it for a while.

2:22So, I mean, you deal directly with contractors, but you also do business. I mean, people can just come in there and buy stuff. I mean, I bought a heated towel rack in there. So, I mean, it's a pretty good mix, right? Yeah, it's a pretty good mix. This location is at Christie's at the Airport Design Center. So, it's pretty centrally located. It's on Airport Road. So, And then we're pretty convenient for Transylvania County as well. So we pull in a pretty good walk-in crowd and then contractors kind of all over the western North Carolina, Carolinas too. Yeah, and upstate South Carolina as well because I know you have an office down there as well, right?

3:10We do. Yeah, we do. So and a lot of our builders, a lot of the builders that build here, some of them go down there and then it just it works pretty well together. But it made sense to have a store down there with what we have going on. Yeah. So let's talk about the culture a little bit. I mean, I think a lot of the people that do business with you really like. I mean, that's really one of the things that attracts them is your your your service and your and the kind of culture that you have there. Talk about that and how that's and why that's a big deal. Yeah. So Christie's is really cool. I say Christie's, but I mean, all of the locations, it's just Christie's is where I'm at today, but it's, it's been such a really cool opportunity.

3:53And I think anybody that works here would agree. There's so much room for growth. There's, you know, there's so many different ways you can go with this. It's not just a job. It's like a lifestyle you get to, you know, you're really close with the people that you work with. And then And I think it's just really neat that everybody here really cares about the quality of customer service that they give. Because we are, I mean, in a small, a big small town. Everybody knows everybody. So your reputation is everything. And I think everybody takes that pretty seriously. But it's also really down to earth.

4:28And then, you know, just kind of being able to take your ideas and run with it. And, you know, I've worked in corporations too. And it's, you know, you can easily get squashed and shut down there. Whereas here, it's just, it feels like the opportunities are endless. And then the connections that you make, like everybody's rooting for you. So it's, I love it. It's cool. Yeah. Sometimes it's hard to describe the culture, but I hear it. The connection, the closeness, the teamwork, the camaraderie, the friendships, the you know the the um the hard work the hard work yeah yeah and you're rewarded for what you do and it's not like and i know that there's places in the industry that can squash your creative abilities and your you know here you have room to grow and they encourage that and they want to hear your ideas and i think that it's really apparent with our owners with our management.

5:30It's special. I've worked a few places, so I can say that with confidence. Yeah, it's nice to be able to work in a company that cares. Yeah. Yeah. And I think that our customers get that too, because we have a lot of like, you know, we're able to have a lot of repeat business. And I think that's why. Oh, I don't think there's any question. I can't. I see it in all our clients where the, you know, People do business with similar people and with a culture they fit. Everybody says people got to know, like, and trust you. Well, they're not going to know, like, and trust you if they don't trust your culture.

6:08That comes apparent. I mean, if the employees, if the team is not happy and not having a good time and they're just there to work, show up and get a paycheck, well, that comes across. It does. It does. And you feel that. And I think that's one of the things I love most about that is you don't feel that here. You know, when something happens to somebody, everybody cares. Everybody is there for you and they're in your corner. I think that's really cool. I think that's awesome. And it's also one of the reasons that we wanted to have and that I think that y 'all agreed to be a sponsor of the Asheville Business Summit coming up in August.

6:49And we're super happy to have y 'all as a sponsor. or tell us about the reason that you came on board as a sponsor and why it makes sense for y 'all. How'd you like to learn from the best? How'd you like to network with the best? How'd you like to be the best? Well, the key to being the best is to hang around with the best and to learn from the best. And we're going to make that possible for you this August in Asheville at the Asheville Business Summit. I want you to stay tuned. We're bringing in speakers from outside. We've got a lot of good events planned. It's going to be amazing. We got more information coming, but if you'd like more info on how you can be involved, how you can attend, or how you can be a sponsor for this event, it's going to be over 350 entrepreneurs in one place right here in Western North Carolina in Asheville.

7:43For more info or to be a sponsor, I want you to reach out directly to Beth Limmel. that's l-e-m-m-e-l at actioncoast.com that's bethlimmel at actioncoast.com we look forward to seeing you there it's going to be amazing yeah i mean it's just a really cool opportunity with it being um something this big being in our area it's a good way to connect to other um businesses in our area because we are you know we we are a small business we've been here for 15 years but we you There's still some people out there that don't know that we're here. And I think that the more that we can get out there and meet these people and also apart from the connections and stuff that we're going to make from that, getting to hear the speakers and learn and just kind of gain all that we can from that, I think it's going to be really great.

8:37But yeah, connections is huge in this area. So we're excited about it. Yeah, I love, I actually love, because I see you everywhere that I go. And so you're around. I mean, we're traveling, at least our companies travel in some of the same circles and have similar clients and tend to do. So, I mean, one of the things I love is that, I mean, really your job is to be that connector with, I mean, I imagine that you actually probably help not only get a lot of business for y 'all's businesses, but you get, I imagine that you probably connect to other businesses where that, all the time. yeah and I do I for just me personally I think it's a huge um how I want to be and how I strive to be is um paying it forward like I believe that if you help other people help other businesses that you know it it may not do anything for you per se but it's helping them out and somewhere down the line you know they'll remember that and they'll you know put a good word in for you or whatever but I love I I've had really really cool um stuff happen just from me connecting people to other businesses and that I have nothing that we have nothing to do with it we have nothing to gain from it but it's it's really rewarding to get to do that and see what transpires the collaborations that have happened it's really neat but have you got an example that you could that you could share that comes to mind right away?

10:15Oh, goodness. Yes, I'm sure that I do. I'm trying to think of what the most recent one is. Oh, one that just happened was, I'm not sure if you're familiar with it, but you should be because he's a great guy. There's this guy that does, his company is Brevard Laser, and he makes like logoed, he made us a few things. I don't know if I have anything with me right now to show you but he makes little like he makes hats and journals and all this different stuff well he um it's his side hustle like he's starting this business he's a one-man show right and um he has a full-time job in Hendersonville and reached out and was like hey we'd I'd love to work with you or whatever and I was like you should come to this home builders event because you know i know a lot of people in the builders association so like come on and i'll introduce you and then just from that like one instagram message you know he was able to be introduced to a few different people and like work with them through that and you know soon he'll be able to go out on his own and i think that's just that's so cool like the connections that you can make happen.

11:30I love that. I love doing stuff like that. It really is about who you know. And it's really kind of a knack too. I mean, some people do it naturally. And I think that, I think you're right. I was actually listening to a podcast this morning about, and this guy was a doctor and he actually had, they actually had research. It wasn't just his idea that like doing, doing acts of service is the way he put it. So doing nice things, being kind. They have like evidence that you have a longer life. You're certainly happier and all that. And he said, look, it's all data. It's nothing. I didn't make this up.

12:12It's all data. I believe it. So yeah, you just feel good when you're able to help somebody out. And I think, you know, I do believe in, you know, what goes around comes around. So the more, the more, the more, the more, the more. Yeah, I think I mean, I just think that it's it's a really cool position to be in because and I think it helps us stand out, too, is like we're not just here. I'm not here to just push lights. I love I want you to buy lights from us, buy all your things from us. But if there's other ways that we can help you be successful, we're going to we're going to do that. So I don't know.

12:45I just it's really cool getting to connect. Yeah, I mean, and sort of doing the right thing. I mean, sometimes it's not the right thing for someone to buy from you. You don't have the right thing for them. They don't have. But you know who does. Oh, yeah. And that happens here, too. Like, we'll have customers, and if we don't have it, and the person down the street does, everybody here is like, go here, here's the address, here's their number. Like, it works out really well. Yeah, I mean, yeah. it's sort of that abundance mentality there's plenty of business for everybody so um it's awesome well you mentioned the builders association a few times and they're actually they are actually going to be on the podcast as well because they're one of the sponsors as well so but that's that's been a if you have anything to do with building we're members on you know christy's a member kensley's very involved beth is with us is very involved so it's um that's a great in fact i've been a member of uh two other builders associations in other areas and uh and i've spoken at a couple of more and this is the best one i've ever seen so if you're in the uh western north carolina area you're going to want to you know and you have anything to do or any reason to be part of it it is a great association to be a member of to be a member of and i don't Yeah.

14:09Yeah. So if you need help, if you need help with that, you can reach out to me or you can reach out to Kinsley. Either way, we'll get it. So listen, if people are trying to get a hold of you or Christie's, how should they do it? It just depends on what avenue they want to go down. You can look us up at christieslighting.com. If you need interior design services, that's what our sister store is for. And that's the Silver Fox Gallery. We have an interior designer over there. Her name is Kayla. And we have a design loft that is right now it's free for builders to work out of as far as like meeting with their clients and doing consultations.

14:47it's yeah it's really cute it's off of main street in hendersonville so it's in a historic building and you get the whole loft experience um it's really neat and then um designers can work out of there too because it is a it's a design studio and that's you know one of the ways that we like to kind of give back to our industry we are very aware that not everybody has offices to work out of especially you know because of covid and whatever the case maybe we have a lot of like one-man show businesses and we'd love for them to be able to utilize that and we have tons of resources there um so you can look that up um and then we're on instagram we're on facebook it's the whole gamut and then locksmith american eagle locksmith um also relating back to they'll do anything a locksmith does but um right now what i'm pushing for is you know they can rekey the houses, they can install the door hardware, save tons of time, money, energy, doing all that.

15:48So, yeah. Yeah. Getting a little empire over there having to do with anything to do with building. And frankly, slowly but surely. Yeah. I didn't even think about that. There are a lot of contractors who are just in a truck. I mean, they're essentially working out of their truck. So yeah, having a place for them to go and being able to sit down for, you know, have a cup of coffee and do a little work. It goes back to the connections aspect of it. We may not get anything from it right then and there. It's free for them to use, but it's there. That's what it's there for. It's a meeting space that's professional, that's really unique.

16:31If they so happen to pop downstairs and shop around, we love that. Of course. It's not an expectation, but it's yeah well but it's yeah it's kind of hard to not go i mean eventually they're gonna buy something i mean it's i mean it's good business it's really well i've known you for a while and i wouldn't i mean i can't imagine a better job for you i mean you i really like it i mean you get to go out you get to talk to people you get the network you get to you know you get to go to things you get to see a lot of people and it's fun right yeah it's never it's never dull it's never the same thing every day and that i really appreciate yeah and it's fun yeah and it's and it's kind of a fun environment down at christie's too so uh and so and christie's is it is like you said it's off of airport road what's the address oh that's that's a great question we love that question i'm like super dyslexic so apologies isn't it three design avenue that sounds right it's in design it's design avenue Three Design Avenue.

17:37Three Design Avenue. Yep. Right off of Airport Road. You can just plug it in your GPS. It'll take you right there. I've done it a few times. It'll get you there. Hey, and we want everybody in business to come out for the Asheville Business Summit on August 20th. We've got Brad Sugars, the number one business coach in the world, coming to speak to us right here in Asheville. And you can get all the information at wncsummit.com. w n c summit.com it's all on there uh we look forward to seeing you over there the folks at christie's will have their have their table be it you can you can talk to them there we'll be there we'll chat with you yeah you're going to want to go ahead and get your tickets now while it's still in the early bird phases and then um uh and we'll hope to see you there it's going to be uh it's going to be a big event we're expecting 300 or so businesses and yeah, it's going to be the biggest event business-wise in Asheville.

18:39So that's our goal and that's what we're going to do. It'll be really special for other people to get to see the just Western North Carolina business culture in general. I think it's super special. Yeah, it really is. The truth is I haven't seen a lot different than what you guys have at Christie's. I mean, people want to help you. I mean, they want to be helpful. You know, so come on out. I think you'll meet a lot of great people. Make sure you get your tickets. It's going to be a sellout. I can tell you that right now. Oh, yeah. And so you're going to want to get them now. And we'll look forward to seeing everybody.

19:19Well, Kinsley, thanks for being on. It's been a lot of fun. Yeah, thanks for having me. Hey, and until next time, all the best. Hey, thanks for listening to the Epic Entrepreneurs podcast. podcasts, here's three things that you can do. Number one, remember to subscribe to the podcast. It takes very little effort on your part. It's going to help you and your fellow entrepreneurs. Plus, you guys know how it works. The more subscribers we get, the more cool things we can offer to you. Second, to learn more about growing your business, just download my book, The Coach Approach. It's free for you at giftfrombill.com.

19:54That's giftfrombill.com. Hey, and if you'd like more info about growing your business and what we can do to help you grow your business, send me an email directly. Just send it to williamgillilland at actioncoach.com. That's my personal email that I read. No one else reads it first. It's not screened. It's my real email. Just send it to me. I can't wait to talk to you. Hey, and until then, all the best. hey thanks for listening to the epic entrepreneurs podcast here's three things that you can do number one remember to subscribe to the podcast it takes very little effort on your part it's going to help you and your fellow entrepreneurs plus you you guys know how it works the more subscribers we get, the more cool things we can offer to you.

20:49Second, to learn more about growing your business, just download my book, The Coach Approach. It's free for you at giftfrombill.com. That's giftfrombill.com. Hey, and if you'd like more info about growing your business and what we can do to help you grow your business, send me an email directly. Just send it to williamgilliland at actioncoach.com. That's my personal email that I read. No one else reads it first. It's not screened. It's my real email. Just send it to me. I can't wait to talk to you. Hey, and until then, all the best.