We recently connected with Chantell Pfitzer and have shared our conversation below.

Chantell, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.

I love this question because it allows me to share insights that can help others launch or grow their businesses. If I were to start over, here are the key principles I’d follow:

1. Market Validation Is Everything
– Test quickly and affordably: Before investing in branding or infrastructure, I’d focus on validating the demand for my idea with simple, low-cost tests.
– Start messy, refine later: The Garage Edit began as a project management company with a basic website, no logo, and just a general idea. By putting it out there, I discovered a demand for garage conversions and organization, which shaped the business into what it is today.
– Key takeaway: Don’t wait for perfection. Get your idea into the world and refine as you go. For a deeper dive, The Lean Startup is a fantastic resource that influenced my approach.

2. Take Inventory of Yourself
– Understand your reality: Your circumstances and strengths should guide how you approach your business.
– Leverage your strengths: For me, being an extrovert with a passion for project management helped me thrive in my niche. Knowing what energizes you—and what doesn’t—is crucial.
– Align your work with your interests: Business is hard, but pursuing something you love makes it more sustainable. Whether you thrive in high-energy, hands-on environments or prefer quiet, behind-the-scenes work, choose a path that suits you.

3. Learn to Sell and Negotiate
– The universal skills: No matter what you do—whether it’s launching a product, building a brand, or developing software—you’ll need to sell, negotiate, and market. These skills are foundational to entrepreneurial success.
– Refine and apply: My ability to understand people, negotiate, and sell is something I’ve honed over years of working with some of the best business minds in the world. At its core, it’s about mastering principles of psychology.
– Recommended resource: For anyone wanting to sharpen these skills, Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss offers practical insights from an FBI negotiator that can elevate your ability to sell and negotiate effectively.

By focusing on validation, self-awareness, and building these core skills, you can set yourself up for success. These principles have shaped my journey, and if I’d understood them sooner, I could’ve grown faster and more efficiently.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

’m Chantell Pfitzer, founder of The Garage Edit, where we specialize in transforming garages into extraordinary spaces that reflect your lifestyle. From custom gyms and showrooms to tailored storage solutions, we blend functionality with impeccable style, making your garage a true statement piece.

The idea for The Garage Edit came about when I managed a garage conversion project at a point in my career where I was actively seeking to launch my own business. As someone with a lifelong entrepreneurial spirit, I quickly realized I had stumbled upon an incredible niche. With my background in estate and project management, I saw an opportunity to bring meticulous design and expert management to a space that’s often overlooked.

What We Do
At The Garage Edit, we’re build-out and conversion specialists. From design to installation, we expertly manage every step of the process, ensuring a seamless experience and a stunning result. Whether creating a sleek gym, a luxurious car showroom, or a multi-functional space, we deliver solutions that elevate your garage to a new level.

What Sets Us Apart
What sets us apart is our attention to detail and client-centric approach. My experience managing large estates for some of the wealthiest individuals in the country has ingrained in me the importance of delivering exceptional service and flawless execution. We don’t just convert garages; we transform them into spaces that integrate seamlessly with your home while reflecting your unique style.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m incredibly proud of the traction The Garage Edit has gained since its launch. Seeing our vision resonate with clients and watching a forgotten space transform into something beautiful and functional is deeply rewarding. Building a company that values creativity, collaboration, and truly understanding our clients’ needs has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my journey.

What I Want You to Know About Us
At The Garage Edit, we believe your garage should be more than a functional space—it should be a feature you’re proud of. From the initial design to the final installation, we ensure every project is expertly managed and perfectly tailored to your needs.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Advice for Managing a Team and Maintaining High Morale
I’m proud of the strong relationships I’ve built with my teams over the years. Many former team members still reach out for advice, use me as a reference, or catch up during the holidays. To me, this reflects key principles of great management:
1. Respect and Authority Go Hand in Hand
* A good manager earns respect through integrity and professionalism—not fear or dominance.
* It’s not about yelling or asserting authority loudly; it’s about delivering clear, direct communication while maintaining mutual respect.
2. Treat People as Humans First
* The best managers understand that every team member is unique and tailor their communication accordingly.
* I’ve managed people from 17 to 65 years old, and every interaction requires a different approach based on personality, lifestyle, and needs.
3. Build Trust Through Actions
* I recall one job where a new staff member, who wasn’t my hire, simply left without checking out at the end of the workday. He assumed his part was done and went home without ensuring the team didn’t need help or confirming everything was wrapped up.
* In contrast, my core team members consistently stayed to check in, ask if anything was needed, and ensure the job was fully completed—no matter the time of day. This loyalty and professionalism came from mutual respect and strong relationships, not fear or micromanagement.
* Over time, the individual who left early didn’t last long. It showed me the difference between those who see the team as a priority and those who don’t.
4. Kindness and Accountability Aren’t Mutually Exclusive
* You can be approachable and supportive without being a pushover. The best managers foster loyalty by understanding their team, setting clear expectations, and holding everyone accountable in a fair and respectful way.
5. Lead by Example
* Authority is earned through your actions, skills, and integrity—not by raising your voice or instilling fear. When your team respects you because of your values, they’ll naturally follow your lead and go above and beyond.
The Takeaway
Effective management isn’t about being the loudest or most commanding—it’s about leading with empathy, respect, and professionalism. When you build a culture of trust and teamwork, people will step up without being asked or pressured.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

As an entrepreneur, there are countless lessons you have to unlearn because the journey is about stepping outside the box when most people stay inside it. One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the need for perfection.

Early on, I thought everything had to be polished and refined before putting it out into the world. I believed I was competing with others who had it all together, but the truth is, most people are figuring it out as they go. As I gained more experience, I realized that entrepreneurship is about learning in action.

The willingness to take imperfect steps forward has been one of the most valuable shifts in my mindset. It’s not about having everything perfect—it’s about having the courage to start, adapt, and improve along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thegarageedit.com
• Instagram: @thegarage_edit
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564822382851
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantell-pfitzer-3b0547241/

Image Credits

The Garage Edit