We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stephanie Penn a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Stephanie, appreciate you joining us today. The more we talk about good leadership the more we think good leadership practices will spread and so we’d love for you to tell us a story about the best boss you’ve had and what they were like or what they did that was so great?
The Best Boss I Ever Had: Larry Herring
When the mortgage industry collapsed in 2008, I found myself needing to pivot my career and applied for a job (yes I said job) in retail furniture sales.
Despite my passion for decorating and home furnishings, I had zero experience in direct sales. Just the mere thought of walking up to strangers and facing potential rejection terrified me. This retail world was a whole new ballgame and I wasn’t sure if I was cut out for sales.
That’s where Larry Herring, my manager, stepped in. He was a fantastic leader – very knowledgeable, humorous, and incredibly supportive. He took me under his wing and guided me through the cutthroat world of retail furniture sales.
Larry taught me everything: furniture product knowledge, warranty details, reading different types of customers and most importantly how to overcome rejection and still close the sale. He fostered a positive yet competitive environment, pushing us to be our best while celebrating our successes.
The retail culture is definitely not for the faint of heart, and although I wasn’t the top salesperson, with Larry’s guidance, I can proudly say I held my own as a newbie. I have never laughed so much and I really learned not to take myself too seriously in this business. I had so much fun laughing my way through the ups and downs, and it was truly an experience I’ll never forget.
I learned invaluable skills that extended beyond sales: resilience, confidence, and the importance of building genuine connections with customers.
Years later, as I launch my own home furnishings and design business, I still carry those lessons with me. Larry’s leadership instilled in me a belief in my abilities and the importance of adaptability and perseverance, qualities that are essential for any entrepreneur. He truly was the best boss I ever had.
Stephanie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
From Mortgages to Makeovers: My Journey to Home Styling & Staging
Hi everyone! I’m Stephanie, the founder of Penn & Hearth Home Furnishings.
I’m passionate about helping people create spaces that truly reflect their style and enhance their lives.
My journey to home styling and staging might seem a bit unexpected. I spent over 25 years in the mortgage industry, helping people navigate the complexities of home financing. But it wasn’t just about financing homes; it was about building genuine connections and fostering trust with my clients. Those relationships, along with my lifelong love for home furnishings and design, led me to my true calling: transforming houses into homes.
The name “Penn & Hearth” holds special meaning for me. The hearth, traditionally the heart of the home, represents warmth, gathering, and a sense of belonging. At Penn & Hearth, we believe that every space has the potential to become a haven, a place where you feel truly at home.
We offer a range of services, including home staging, styling, and design consultations. We specialize in creating beautiful and functional spaces that are accessible and inclusive for everyone. Whether you’re selling your home, settling into a new one, or simply looking to refresh your current space, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
What sets us apart?
Personalized Approach: We take the time to understand your unique needs and preferences, creating a space that truly reflects your style and personality.
Accessibility and Inclusivity: We’re passionate about creating spaces that are accessible and functional for everyone, including those aging in place or with disabilities.
Affordable Solutions: We offer flexible packages and competitive pricing to make professional home staging, styling and design accessible to a wider range of clients.
I’m most proud of the positive impact we’re making on our clients’ lives. Whether it’s helping them sell their home quickly or creating a space that brings them joy and comfort, it’s incredibly rewarding to see the transformation and hear their heartfelt gratitude.
For potential clients, I want you to know that Penn & Hearth Home Furnishings is more than just a home furnishings and staging company. We’re your partners in creating a space that truly reflects your unique style and enhances your everyday life.
We’re committed to providing exceptional service, expert guidance, and personalized solutions that empower others to “Live Beautifully.”
Have you ever had to pivot?
When I first envisioned Penn & Hearth, I was determined to launch an online furniture gallery. I spent months researching the market, developing my brand, and even securing partnerships with vendors. However, as I delved deeper into the financial projections and operational complexities, I realized that the overhead costs and logistical challenges were beyond my current resources.
It was a significant setback, and I could have easily given up on my entrepreneurial dream. But instead, I chose to adapt. I took a step back, reassessed my strengths and passions, and pivoted my business idea to focus on home staging, styling and design.
This pivot allowed me to leverage my existing design skills and network, while also reducing the financial risks associated with inventory and logistics. It was a challenging transition, but I embraced the opportunity to learn new skills, explore a different market, and ultimately create a business that aligns more closely with my current resources and long-term goals.
This experience taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and staying true to my vision while being open to change. It reinforced my belief that setbacks can be stepping stones to even greater opportunities, and that with determination and a willingness to learn, I can overcome challenges and achieve my entrepreneurial dreams.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
My 25+ years in the mortgage industry have provided a great foundation for my business. Those strong client relationships that I’ve developed over the years have been my best source of referrals, early clients and supporters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pennhearthhome.com
- Facebook: stephanierpenn
- Other: https://www.pennhearthhome.com
