Kaitlyn is not only an interior designer, but a licensed general contractor in her own right. Iconic thus provides full-service design and construction services while keeping both the functionality and structural integrity of the space in mind.

As our conversation unfolds, it soon becomes clear that Kaitlyn is an entrepreneur at heart. She had always loved interior design but hesitated in jumping into the space as a professional for fear that she would not be able to make a living out of it.

She graduated with an MBA in 2016, which she sees as being integral to her success as a business owner once she finally took the leap into starting her own company.

Listen in as Kaitlyn speaks on the ins-and-outs of Iconic; how her personality and lifestyle has influenced the direction of the company as well as her design style; and her tips for developing strong relationships with clients, builders, trade partners, and team members.

Topics Discussed: 

• [01:45] Kaitlyn’s collaboration with AFT
• [05:40] How Kaitlyn acquired her contractor license
• [09:35] Hiring and working with a team, and vetting trade partners
• [13:28] What makes a good relationship with a builder
• [16:49] Why Kaitlyn decided to get licensed
• [20:45] How Kaitlyn’s lifestyle and travels influence the direction of her company
• [24:08] Achieving work-life balance
• [27:45] What Kaitlyn looks for in new hires
• [35:25] Why Katilyn got into design
• [39:35] Working at an architecture and interior design firm
• [42:54] Keeping the pipeline full
• [44:57] Iconic’s client questionnaire
• [49:22] Setting expectations with clients
• [50:33] What’s next for Kaitlyn
• [52:14] Using Instagram for businesssimplecast

Connect with Iconic Design + Build

• Website - https://www.iconicdesignbuild.com/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iconicdesignbuild/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/iconicdesignbuild/
• Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/iconicdesignbuild/_created/
• Houzz - https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/iconic-design-build-pfvwus-pf~95167025?

Connect with Brad Leavitt:

• Website - https://www.aftconstructionpodcast.com/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/aft_construction
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftconstruction
• Houzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/aft-construction/aft-construction
• Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.ph/AFT_CONSTRUCTION/
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jg

Key Quotes by Kaitlyn:

• There is so much that goes into creating a new role in a company when you already have a system, because you’re changing the system and everybody’s role changes in some way.
• Every project is different, so you don’t want to overwhelm [your client] with too much information. I’m always trying to figure out how to explain as much of our process as I can. At the same time, you can’t explain everything because there is too much information.
• Setting expectations is definitely a huge factor in the success of the whole project.