Career Change: Chanel Cosmetics to Home Surface Refinishing Franchise Owner
“. . . [N]o more suits and pantyhose. Those corporate formal days are gone! I wear jeans to work and love my life.Sharon Dillard, President and Owner, Get A Grip, Inc.
Sharon Dillard, President and Owner, Get A Grip, Inc.
Sharon Dillard’s background in high-end fashion brands companies like CHANEL taught her a lot about marketing, but nothing about resurfacing kitchen and bathroom countertops, tubs and shower surrounds. But in 1999, she took a concept and a patent and turned it into a $2 million/year company. From its beginnings in a home garage, Get A Grip, Inc. Resurfacing is now one of the nation’s fastest-growing franchise businesses, and a national leader in its industry with franchises & dealerships in 17 states.
What was your previous Career?
I was in the cosmetic and fragrance industry as a key account manager for CHANEL, Inc. for more than 17 years.
How did you know it was time to Change Careers?
It was no longer a challenge. I wanted something of my own to be passionate about.
What was an average day like?
I worked Monday through Friday, long hours with a little travel.
What is your new career?
I’m President and owner of a national franchise business called Get A Grip, Inc. We have locations in 17 states.
What is an average day like now?
Crazy busy, and we’re growing even in a recession. I have a more casual lifestyle now – no more suits and pantyhose. Those corporate formal days are gone! I wear jeans to work and love my life.
Why change?
I was looking form something to challenge me and keep my curiosity engaged. I saw that I could take a patent and process and market it. It was never about the money, it was about the challenge, the accomplishment. Then the money comes.
Was the recession a factor in your decision for a career change?
No. This change happened long before the recession.
How did you make the leap?
It fell in my lap at the perfect time. So I made the decision and moved gradually away from my job with CHANEL in Dallas. It took several months of doing 2 jobs until I could make a clean break. I’d often come home from work and spend sleepless nights working on logos, branding, websites, etc.
How did you fund your business?
Through personal savings at first. When we started offering franchises, we took a bank loan. Again, timing was everything.
Silliest thing about your former occupation?
Always dressing up for everything. The cosmetic and fragrance industry is all about image. Now, it’s about the talent and accomplishments. Who cares if you wear jeans to work?
Misconceptions about what you do now?
That success happens overnight. You have to start slowly. People see my lifestyle now – leaving work at a reasonable time, riding my horses, even having horses, but there was a ton of hard work behind the “glamour.” Another misconception is that I never feel overwhelmed. That’s not true. I feel overwhelmed right now when calls come in, the recession and how to mitigate its effects on the business, we recently lost a key employee to a sudden and fatal illness. All those things can be overwhelming.
How do you stay motivated?
I take things one day at a time. I don’t look too far ahead, but when I look back I see how much I’ve accomplished. Plus, I know myself. I step back when I see myself getting into a negative zone. Then I do what relaxes me. And when I walk out the office door at night, business gets left behind the door. My husband and children work in the business with me, and we try to leave business behind at the end of the day.
How do you deal with jealousy?
Haven’t experienced it.
Any moments of Desperation?
Sure – trying to brand the country with our company seems overwhelming sometimes. And dealing with some of our dealers can be challenging.
Surprises?
Nope, except that I now know a lot about franchising that I never thought I would.
Warnings?
When you own a business vs working for someone else, find yourself experts to guide you. Spend the money on attorneys, etc. for guidance.
Would you say to those who believe they need a formal education to change careers?
No, I don’t have one. But lifelong learning is important and comes in handy. I do believe learning is key. If you don’t know something, find someone who does.
If you could share 1 brief nugget of wisdom, what would it be?
You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with. Use their strengths.
How can we learn more about your business?
Visit www.getagripinc.com
