Part 3 of 4
This is the third in a series on how young entrepreneurs and innovation – not massive government spending – will get us out of our economic recession. The young entrepreneurs I’ve interviewed have all started their companies during this recession.
By Katie Kieffer
Endura Financial Federal Credit Lobby – Interior Design by Evoke
The Questions:
1.) Tell me about Evoke. What’s the story behind your company?
I started Evoke two and a half years ago. I set out to focus on the corporate market and actually work in the Minnesota market for a change. I had been traveling a lot, working on casinos and hotels for the past six or so years and needed to be around more for my new blended family.
I have always enjoyed working with smaller companies on their offices and creating a “home” for their brand. I founded the firm on the principles of conscious design. Conscious design takes a holistic view of space from the perspective of people, environment, culture and cost. Functional and beautiful spaces facilitate productivity and joy. I love hearing stories from clients about how we increased their efficiency. I once had a client increase their employee productivity by 30 percent in 30 days after moving into the new space. What a wonderful gift for them.
2.) Was it hard to make that leap into the Minneapolis market?
It has been time-consuming – introducing myself and my brand – but not necessarily difficult getting into the market. The one positive of the recession is that no one is especially busy, so scheduling coffee and breakfast meetings is much easier. (Always looking for the positives!)
3.) What are some resources you’d recommend for people who are trying to decide whether to venture off on their own?
Inc. magazine and Entrepreneur Magazine are national publications that feature people who’ve started their own companies. They can be very inspirational to people who are just getting started.
4.) Is it a good or bad idea to start a company during a recession as a young professional?
It boils down to your personality. Are you a strong, driven person committed to your venture through thick and thin? Then go for it.
Recessions are about shaking things up. Some of the best ideas have come from recessions. I love the word recession. It starts with the pre-fix “re.” Think of all the fabulous words that start with “re:” re-birth, re-think, re-do, re-generate, re-juvenate, re-plenish, re-new, re-novate, re-vitalize. Thinking of recession as a re-birth puts a positive spin on an otherwise negative word.
All that aside, from a business perspective, this was probably the worst time I could have started my business. This recession has turned out to be far longer and more difficult than anyone could have predicted. It will be interesting to look back in ten years, though.
5.) What’s unique about EVOKE?
If you hire my firm you know who you will be working with at the end of the day, me. I strive to make life easier for each client by giving them a complete binder of information, so that in 10 years if they need to re-paint or re-carpet all the information is right at their finger tips.
6.) What are the biggest challenges and rewards you experience as a young entrepreneur?
- The biggest challenge: That would be the “fallen” credit market. My business is reliant on my clients’ ability to fund projects. The A&D industry as well as the commercial real estate industry has seen many projects go on hold indefinitely due to lack of financing.
- The rewards are: Seeing how many people know and recognize the Evoke brand. After two years of meeting and greeting it is fun to see people recognize me and the brand. (It is also nice to know more than one person at a NAIOP meeting. They are not as scary anymore!)
7.) Any last words of advice for budding entrepreneurs?
Be prepared for a lot of hours. Remember, with every challenge comes an opportunity. Also, follow your passion. If you’re truly not passionate about it, it becomes work and your opportunity for success will decrease.
8.) How can people reach you?
Alyssa Peterson – Evoke Design, Inc.
- Follow me on Twitter: @Evokedesigninc or @EvokeAlyssa
- Website: www.evokedesigninc.com
- Email: Alyssa@evokedesigninc.com
