Liz Toombs, founder of PDR Interiors. (Credit: Courtesy of PDR Interiors)
Her Firms Brings Fresh Designs to Sorority Houses
Liz Toombs’ design company, PDR Interiors, is offering Greek houses across the country some sleek new interiors.
In 2008, the design firm Liz Toombs was working for at the time closed down – a recession casualty. She decided, with her newfound time, to venture out on her own and launch PDR Interiors just one year later. Over the last 16 years, Toombs has built her company into a successful design firm that specializes in decorating sorority houses. The Martin, Tennessee, entrepreneur attributes features in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, and the rise of social media trends like #rushtok, to her company’s success. She’s proud to have built a business that sustains her financially, supports her employees, and fulfills her creatively.
Here’s our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project.
How is your business different from others in your industry?
Our target market, sororities, sets us very much apart from most other design firms. We strive to connect with our clients and, together as a team, and I believe that makes us good at our work.
What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?
Managing my team and scaling up always go hand in hand. It is hard, as a semi-seasonal business, to know when to hire, who to hire, and how your sales will follow suit. When I say “semi-seasonal,” I mean that our sorority-house work has a specific timetable – most projects are installed in the summer, so we have a lull in the latter part of the year, before new projects start up. I don’t love managing a team, but I do love fostering the growth of my employees. It’s all about balance.
Have you experienced any significant personal situations that have affected your business decisions?
When I first started my business, I remember being told by a trusted advisor that it was hard to make it in the design industry. He really didn’t think I could hack it. Then, two years after starting my business, my mom was diagnosed with cancer – for the subsequent 11 months, I helped with her care. Later on, I went through a divorce, and then relocated to a new city and state for a fresh start. Living in this new world of remote work has made that last change easier to navigate, but all of it can still present challenges at times. There are lots of things that I’m still getting used to.
What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs?
Network like crazy! I did, and it was so beneficial for me. You never know who might need your services, or who may know someone who would be an ideal client!
How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?
I keep a board of kind notes from clients in my office. It cheers me up anytime I’m getting down on myself or feeling frustrated in general.
What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?
I am a music lover of all genres – so this question is hard! I’d probably choose a Taylor Swift song such as “The Man.”
Who is your most important role model?
My grandfather. He was a lifelong learner and an entrepreneur himself.
Instagram: @PDRInteriors
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