Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gabi Sperry, CKD, CAPS. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Gabi thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you manage your own social media?
I personally manage my own Social Media accounts. 6 years ago I started using social media again, after taking a break for about 2 years. It was a fresh start to revive my career. Over the last few years, I have really incorporated Social Media Marketing into my business model and daily routine after realizing how it was helping my business. It is refreshing pouring my skill set into something new that I have really come to enjoy. Social Media has become another tool for my canvas and an refreshing avenue in which I can express my passion for Residential Design. It brings me a unique type of joy when I walk into a new client’s home and they say that they follow me on social media. I’ve had clients say that they are a fan of my work which was so nice to hear. When clients compliment or refer to a recent post, it reassures me that the time I am investing is worth it. Hearing feedback about my online presence motivates me into sharpening my skills and pouring extra effort into my next post. It is a wonderful modern way to connect with my clients. I enjoy managing my own Social Media.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I have been a Residential Designer since 1998. Originally I wanted to be an Architect, so I went to night school for two years during high school and studied Interior Design and Architecture. The week I graduated high school I started college and I was blessed with my first Freelance Design client in 1998. I acquired my Associates of Arts degree in Interior Design then veered towards Kitchen and Bath Design specifically. I also became a Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) with the NKBA in 2006.
After working for a Kitchen and Bath Design Firm for over 10 years while also still doing Freelance Design work on the side, I decided that I wanted to become more involved in the Construction aspect of Remodels. Over the years I worked for several Design-Build and Construction companies. I also became a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) with the NAHB in 2015. Then unfortunately, I was in a horrible car accident and the doctors placed me on permanent disability, I was told I would never be able to work again. By God’s Grace and His beautiful miracles, I was healed in 2017. The fact that I lost my physical and mental abilities after my car accident made me appreciate my certification as a CAPS and my career even more so.
I am truly living out my dream career as a Residential Designer. I partner with the top Design-Build firm in Dallas Fort-Worth, DFW Improved. I offer Complimentary In-Home or Online Consultations and create the complete package that my talented Team of Interior Designers and Project Managers require to be able to convert houses into homes. We specialize in Complete Project Management, Remodels, Additions and Complete Home Remodels. We work on any size project from small partial refresh projects up to New Home Builds. I ensure my clients’ investment is maximized. At the end of each project I want to make sure my clients are truly happy with every detail.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
The fact that I am so grateful that God gave me a second chance at life, comes across in my work and customer service. You see after my car accident I couldn’t walk on my own, I couldn’t complete my sentences, had severe brain fog, was in severe physical pain and struggled with a long list of 18 symptoms which rendered me completely disabled – basically I couldn’t take care of myself let alone my sons. So, I am thrilled to simply be able to work. It is that simple. That pure joy overflows into how I carry myself. I have clients compliment my customer service all the time, and I don’t think they don’t realize how much that means to me. I love that my reputation entails everyone knowing that I work extremely hard. I sacrifice sleep to work extra hours because I want to, because it truly makes me happy. I appreciate the small things and do not take anything for granted.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
I am very involved with every aspect of my clients’ remodels, from first consultation, throughout Design and Construction to beyond completion. Every detail is so important and heavy involvement throughout the process is key. My customer service and communication has to be top notch, there is no other option. That naturally evolves into my clientele growing. The best compliment I can receive is a referral from a client or a repeat client, and I am blessed that it happens often. It is extremely important that I go above and beyond with every single client.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dfwimproved.com/project-gallery/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabi.sperry/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GabiSperry.CKD.CAPS
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabisperry/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/gabi_sperry
Image Credits
Charlie Spencer – Fixed Focus Productions & Shoot 2 Sell