About Us
• Decor&You is a dynamic interior decorating franchise, a rapidly growing and changing business with national headquarters comfortably situated midway between Boston and New York City, in Southbury, Connecticut (population 28,000.)
• Decor&You is part of the global home furnishings industry where sales top $200 billion each year.
• Decor&You today has more than 100 decorators operating throughout 30 states.
• Most franchisees are in their second career, and bring talents and abilities from complementary professions including Business Management, Education, Finance, IT, Law, Real Estate and Telecom.
• A majority of franchisees have advanced education, most with bachelor’s degrees and a number distinguished with master’s degrees.
• Decor&You is the second largest interior decorating franchise in the U.S. and its rate of growth during the first ten years exceeds that of Connecticut’s other well-known franchisor, Subway Restaurants.
• In the franchise world, Decor&You offers the opportunity to build a decorating design firm concentrating on recruiting and building a team of certified decorating professionals.
• Our two largest and most mature franchise regions are based in Virginia and New Jersey.
At Decor&You we work to simplify how people achieve comfort, style and value in their homes and businesses. We’re thrilled to be in a position to accomplish it… and we know we can, because at Decor&You, attention to the individual is in our DNA.
We know that our residential clients love homes that reflect themselves. Clients who open their doors to our trained professional decorators can expect a DecorPlan™ that leads to a uniquely individual environment. They can also look forward to “hands-on” management, which comes with a level of attentive service and accountability that is increasingly rare in the American business landscape.
We know that our commercial clients love the benefits of occupying interior spaces that emphasize brand personality and character. Our decorators capture and reflect brand values in each DecorPlan we create for the offices, restaurants, waiting rooms and hotel rooms our commercial clients own or lease.
Like our clients, Decor&You franchise owners are attracted to this business searching for a space they love, too – in this case, a rewarding profession and an empowering life. They discover the DecorPlan System: a successful, client-centered business model for achieving beautiful, fully decorated interiors. They learn the business in our dynamic Professional Education Program, which is constantly improving and updating its methodologies, focus and instruction. They find a culture of individual support, with CEO Karen Powell leading by example: arriving first, leaving last, and returning every phone call and e-mail.
Decor&You decorators are people who want to make a valuable and lasting impression, not just on their own families and clients, on their local communities, too. See Events, and the dozens of free decorating seminars Decor&You franchisees sponsor every year across the nation. See Community Focus, and the thousands of hours of volunteer work and thousands of dollars in financial support franchisees have devoted to not-for-profit organizations, schools and churches.
We have the power to simplify how people achieve comfort, style and value in their homes and businesses – in essence, to simplify and enhance life. “Love the Space You’re In,” is the right place to start… and it begins with you.
1998 The first Decor&You franchise opened in Prospect, Connecticut.
1998 Mary Gilliatt joins Decor&You as an advisor to guide training and design initiatives.
1999 Decor&You becomes a hit and opens a second franchise in Rockland County, NY.
2001 Paul Pieschel joins the Decor&You executive team to strengthen sales and marketing operations
for the growing company.
2001 Decor&You creates a permanent home for its national training center in Southbury, Connecticut.
2003 Entrepreneur Magazine ranks Decor&You among its Top 500 Franchises for the first time.
2004 Decor&You establishes the Decor&You Foundation dedicated to supporting people and their
pets.
2005 Decor&You opens its first west coast franchise in California.
2005 Decor&You begins hiring professional managers to enhance key franchise functions: coaching,
training, vendor relations, communications and operations.
2006 Decor&You awards its 100th franchise.
2006 Linda Gottlieb joins Decor&You to refine franchisee training and expands and strengthens the
franchisee education curriculum and the faculty.
2006 Frank Spano joins the Decor&You Executive Team to lead strategic development.
2006 Decor&You begins providing design industry certification to graduating franchisees, in
partnership with Certified Interior Decorators International, the nation’s only certifying body
for interior decorating professionals.
2007 Decor&You partners to create the FabriClutch™, a revolution in fabric merchandising that simplifies and enhances the fabric selling and shopping experience for decorators and consumers alike.
2007 Decor&You awards it's first Multi-Unit Territory Director franchise in Virginia.
2007 Decor&You appears in articles in the nation’s three leading daily newspapers: The Washington
Post, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.
2007 Decor&You wins the Mercury Gold Award for Outstanding Internal Communications for its
2006 National Franchisee Conference, “Dressed for Success,” from the PRSA Chapters of
Connecticut and Westchester County.
2008 Eight more Multi-Unit Territory Director franchises are awarded nationwide.
2008 Decor&You celebrates their10 Year Anniversary in Las Vegas style, while taking the World Market
Center by storm.
The Decor&You Charitable Foundation
In 2005, Decor&You and its franchisees established the Decor&You Charitable Foundation. It is a private 501(c)(3) organization that embraces the sentimental tradition of supporting charities that improve the lives of families and their pets.
Each year, the franchise conducts a fundraising event at its annual conference, and donates proceeds to two designated charities. Dozens of Decor&You suppliers contribute decorating products worth thousands of dollars for a silent auction. During the past two years, the following organizations have been beneficiaries of more than $10,000 in donations: Armed Forces Children’s Education Fund, Noah’s Wish, Katrina Disaster Relief, and Military Working Dog Foundation.
Decorators Showing Care – Coast-to-Coast
Decor&You decorators number more than 100 and each one is a local business owner who actively supports his or her local community through volunteer service, leadership and financial contributions. Click hear to read the highlights of the multitude of organizations, coast to coast, that benefit from Decor&You community spirit every year. (coming soon a link to pdf list)
Karen Powell, along with business partners who she met while managing a top-ten ranking sales team for Transdesigns (a national home decorating company) launched their own independent interior decorating business called Décor & More, in 1995. It was concluded that this business concept would best be implemented by a network of franchisees, who would function as full-time entrepreneurs, committed to growing and developing individual decorating businesses to their fullest potential. Franchising also offered a proven path for the partners to expand nationally and internationally while protecting and building the brand and securing the integrity of the system. The partners set to work perfecting systems and training programs, developing a replicable system for decorators or managers to open, operate, and build successful interior decorating businesses.
On that basis, in January 1998, that perfected interior decorating business system was franchised with the establishment of the Decor&You®, Inc. Franchise Program. The structure of Decor&You responded robustly to economic trends in the 90’s and the nature of the changing workforce in the decorating industry.
In less than a decade the company grew to merit inclusion among the top 500 franchise opportunities in the U.S., for four years in a row, as ranked by Entrepreneur Magazine. Today, Decor&You stands as the second largest interior decorating products and services franchise in the U.S., with more than 100 decorators in 30 states.
On the threshold of our tenth year in business, it’s clear that Partnerships have helped drive the growth and success of the Decor&You franchise. We value the contributions of every employee, every franchisee, and a select group of experts and advisors from strategically important industries whose time and knowledge have made and continue to make Decor&You bigger, stronger and better.
Highway Decorated with Dreams Paul Allegro – New Jersey Regional Developer
For Regional Developer Paul Allegro, the famed Jersey Turnpike has become a long cement ribbon of success in the design industry. Paul joined Decor&You just three years ago and today has more than 12 decorators on his team, stretching from exit 6 in the south, north to exit 71. Paul’s journey began 20 years ago when he headed to Manhattan to study Interior Design at the celebrated Parsons School of Design, and complemented that with studies in Business Administration at Queens College in Queens, NY. He was set up for a productive career in retail management in the design industry, running a successful home decorating and home improvement business. Today, Paul focuses straight ahead on mentoring the DecorDesigners in his region, nurturing their spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation and inspiring them to flourish. “Every franchisee is abundantly aware that they’re in business for themselves,” Paul explains, “but not by themselves.” Paul observes that decorators who drive “in the lane,” and follow the proven DecorPlan™ system, enjoy desirable, independent lifestyles where they set their own schedules and work from home. Paul makes periodic trips to Connecticut to serve on the national Decor&You training faculty. He offers road-tested advice to trainees in his “Marketing Cookbook,” a specialized strategic and analytical framework for marketing decorating services. That he chose “cookbook” as the title reflects the other joys in Paul’s life: cooking, gardening and improving the home he shares with his family, children Victoria and Massimo, and wife of nearly 20 years, Giovanna.
Enhancing the Quality of Life in Middle America Amy Boesen – Omaha, Nebraska
Amy Boesen was climbing the corporate ladder at First Data in Omaha, Nebraska’s largest city, reaching the comfortable rank of senior management. With a BS in Textiles, Clothing and Design from the University of Nebraska, Amy felt like she was getting her money’s worth in corporate recognition and rewards. Something was missing, however: the creative side of that degree she had earned. Amy began searching the Internet for opportunities and learned about the home-based Decor&You franchise. She was drawn to the flexible, people-focused culture, which would give her time to participate actively in the lives of sons James and Derek. Amy acquired a franchise in 2004 and says the experience has delivered on its promise. Operating an interior decorating franchise gave Amy the autonomy and busy project work she enjoyed. Ultimately, her greatest reward is her ability to change the way people feel about their surroundings. Amy calls it “decorating therapy” – the power to create a personal space that truly enhances quality of life.
Surpassing the Energizer Sandra Hambley – Virginia & Maryland Regional Developer
From morning until evening, Sandra Hambley is continually recharged by the fast-paced, entrepreneurial demands of managing a regional decorating business. Sandra manages a team of decorators in the Baltimore/Washington corridor, with hundreds of clients, so there’s a lot on her plate: marketing and media, product research, coaching decorators, interfacing with clients, troubleshooting projects, financial management… and more. It sounds hectic by most measures, but for Sandra it adds up to “pride and fulfillment” compared to the demands of corporate work. Sandra is a native of western Pennsylvania and a graduate of Penn State University, who transplanted to Fairfax County nearly 20 years ago. Sandra enjoyed a successful career at Capital One, which she believes prepared her well for the ultimate challenge… entrepreneurship and Decor&You. In just three years, Sandra grew her team of decorators from zero to 12, garnering the most awards for sales and design in the history of Decor&You. Nowhere near slowing down, Sandra just recruited the first Decor&You territory director in the nation and acquired a condominium office space in Herndon, creating a permanent home for her regional design studio. In February, the Washington Post invited Sandra’s team to solve a design challenge in House Calls, a popular Home section feature.
Southern Gentleman with Designs of National Acclaim Ted Jurek – Atlanta, Georgia
The 2006 Decor&You Franchisee of the Year could have taken a rest in ’07 and enjoyed the accolades, but Ted Jurek has 20 years of financial services exec running through his veins. His success as a decorator in just two years made him more eager to reach more clients with even better services. With million dollar homes, Coca-Cola and trendy midtown restaurants on his client list, there was no time to rest. Ted first acquired a window-expert license to begin offering Exciting Windows!™ products and services to his Decor&You clients. As if an MBA from the University of Tulsa and 200 hours of Decor&You training were not enough, Ted stepped up his credentials with a national CID designation. Next, he landed in a Home Page feature story in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, splashed with beautiful color photos of his northern Atlanta home and his little boy, Alec. His clients agree that among Ted’s many attributes, they’re most impressed by his ability to listen – and with exquisite attention to detail and accountability – he can transform their dreams into inspiring interiors.
Karen Powell, CEO
Few understand the significance of the phrase “If it’s not on the calendar, it doesn’t get done!” better than Karen Powell, CEO of the nation’s second largest interior decorating franchise, Decor&You. Karen views Decor&You as the ideal opportunity for businesspeople with extraordinary spirit who want to be their own boss and find the courage to be master of their own success. >Link to full bio
Paul Pieschel, Vice President for Franchise Development
Paul Pieschel brings 30 years of experience in the franchise industry to Decor&You. He joined the company in 2001 to develop the franchise sales operation and guide its growth. He became vice president of the sales division in 2004. Paul previously spent three years with TES Franchising, LLC in Southbury, Conn., and was formerly senior vice president for franchise development with Moto Photo Inc. in Dayton, Ohio.
Frank M. Spano, Executive Strategist
Frank Spano joined Decor&You in 2006 to lead strategic development initiatives capable of supporting and sustaining a large national design organization. Frank is founder of Design Associates, a comprehensive design firm that provides architectural, interior and landscape design, business development, branding, and image management. Under the Design Associates umbrella is the award-winning ApparenzA Design Studio, whose original furniture designs are licensed and distributed worldwide. Frank is on the Board of Directors of ASFD.
Mary Gilliatt, International Design Advisor
The influence of Mary Gilliatt and her treasury of design industry resource books, nearing 40 volumes, permeates Decor&You with the authenticity of great design and a global point of view. Mary first became associated with the franchise in its earliest days, when she joined as Design Director. The Decorating Book, published in 1981, helped secure Mary’s position of international fame and has since been translated into eight languages and sold three million copies worldwide. In 2004 she published Mary Gilliatt’s Dictionary of Architecture & Interior Design, an essential desk reference for anyone who works in or writes about the engaging world of design.
Mary Gilliatt currently sits on the advisory board of the leading design school in America, the New York School of Interior Design, which is proposing to launch the first interior design college in Dubai. Decor&You is fortunate to have Mary Gilliatt on its training faculty, where each year she teaches several classes of trainees. Mary also consults year-round with Decor&You franchisees on individual client decorating plans, to enhance capabilities and maximize beautiful results.
Mary’s accomplishments in the world of design are truly exceptional. Consult our authoritative, three-page biography that details the evolution of her career, her high profile clientele, and the full compendium of her published books (1965 to present).
>Link to full bio
Linda T. Gottlieb, National Training Manager
Linda Gottlieb is national manager of Decor&You training programs and a trend-setter in corporate training and motivation who has developed dozens of training curricula and led hundreds of workshops during her career. Linda joined Decor&You in 2006, to continue the effort to modernize and restructure training programs in line with the needs of a fast-growing franchise with more than 100 owners.
Linda holds a BS in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Instructional Design. She is a member of the American Institute of Fitness Educators and holds multiple industry certifications from IDEA, ACE and AFAA. She is the first corporate trainer in Connecticut to become nationally certified through the Cooper Institute for the Active Living Every Day behavior change program.
Jo Ann Brezette
Jo Ann Brezette is a leading national authority, trainer, and author in the window fashions industry. She lectures throughout North America and has published numerous articles on sales and marketing in the nation’s window fashion magazines. She is author of Selling to the Limit, a practical guide to in-home sales of window fashions, used by educational institutions throughout the U.S.
Decor&You named a national award in Jo Ann’s honor at its 2006 annual conference, to emphasize the value she has contributed to the company, as well as the profession.
As a trainer, Jo Ann impresses with her relaxed style and powerful anecdotes. Jo Ann currently serves as lead instructor at the Exciting Windows! Window Coverings University.
For Decor&You, Jo Ann appears at the national conference each year to lead sell-out audiences in successful techniques for selling, marketing and designing for clients in the in-home business setting.
Susanne Wiener ASID, FIDS
Susanne Wiener is a U.S. design industry leader. A successful career in design in the exclusive Westchester region of New York gave her the credentials and experience to take her to the top of the U.S. Interior Design Society where she served as president, and continues as an elected Fellow and Honorary Lifetime Member.
Susanne is principal of Susanne Wiener Consultants, a White Plains, New York-based firm that specializes in comprehensive training, planning, buying and merchandising solutions for furniture industry retailers and manufacturers. Susanne is author of the correspondence course, Six Solid Steps into Design.
Susanne works with Decor&You franchisees, providing hands-on decorating sales training.
Ed Schultek
Ed Schultek is president of Sandler Sales Institute for Western Connecticut, founded in 2004. Ed has decades of experience in sales for multinational corporations leading the business world, such as Johnson & Johnson and PepsiCo International. At Pepsi for more than 20 years, he built and led the company’s first international sales organization.
Ed is the ultimate sales trainer for people who aren’t comfortable selling. His approach hinges on looking at sales as the “art of matching what your customer needs with something of value that you have to offer.” Ed’s expertise lies in sales reorganization and professional sales training and coaching targeted to boost business owners’ self-confidence in sales and improve their close ratios – by becoming better “customer listeners.”
Ed’s training for Decor&You embraces role-playing, coupled with techniques to change both attitude and behavior, with emphasis on sales as a customer-driven experience.
Certified Interior Decorators International (CIDI)
Our relationship with CIDI publicly acknowledges the Decor&You belief that a trained professional decorator is essential to achieve a fully realized interior. CID certification substantiates our franchise training program and gives confidence to consumers about the reliability and qualifications of our decorators. Decor&You signed an agreement with CIDI, announced in January 2007, which enables every franchisee to qualify for certification immediately upon graduation from the Decor&You Professional Education Program, and successfully passing the standardized CID exam.
Hunter-Douglas
Hunter Douglas is one of the world’s premium makers of window coverings, found in millions of homes and commercial buildings around the globe. Decor&You is pleased to offer their products to our customers and maintain a strong relationship with this outstanding supplier. Decor&You aspires for features that have helped Hunter-Douglas succeed. Their entrepreneurial management style enables the company to stay in the forefront of industry trends. Decor&You today is focused on continuous innovation – a position that has made Hunter-Douglas a leader in product lines, manufacturing processes, distribution network and marketing programs. Though our sizes cannot compare, Hunter-Douglas at 15,000 people and Decor&You at 100, share the belief that strength lies in the talents and skills of our people.
What’s the best way to get to know Decor&You? Become a client! In 2007, we have more than 100 decorators poised to service clients in 30 states with full-service decorating needs for projects, large and small.
Do you need professional freedom and the opportunity to grow – as much as you would love a perfectly decorated home or business? Explore Decor&You franchise opportunities! The energy and lifestyle of franchising make Decor&You an exciting investment opportunity.
Are you looking for a creative job opportunity? Our fast-growing franchise business in the exciting design industry may be the right place for you! Check our employment ads because decorators throughout the U.S. are seeking design assistants, administrative assistants and other qualified help.
Check our Careers page for information and current openings.
Decor&You national headquarters in western Connecticut offers the dynamic combination of corporate structure with entrepreneurial excitement! We maintain a welcoming organization of talented management, dedicated staff and a team of valued consultants who together run our fast-moving national organization, housed in Southbury, Conn., the location of our Decor Performance Enhancement Center (DPEC) and the national Decor Training Center.
