Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Spriggs.
Steve, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have been working since I was 17 years old. When I first started my career path in retail management, I was an extremely shy person, and I had a lot of self-doubts. My first job in management was for Hollywood Video. I did not start in management, however, and after pushing myself to continue to grow, higher-level leaders started to notice my work, ability to maintain information, my natural need to share my knowledge, and my ability to make the customer experience a rewarding one. That first promotion was a huge confidence boost. Other leaders saw something in me that I had not been able to recognize for myself.
Later, I would go on to work, primarily in leadership roles, for several other retailers, such as Blockbuster, JcPenney, Pier 1 Imports, Sur la Table, and currently Pottery Barn.
I’ve had a some amazing mentors in my career, including Gina Clewis (formally of Pier 1), that have taught me about the importance of client/customer relationships and how to be purposeful and driven with those you lead.
The things I have learned being in retail leadership have also helped me with other positions I’ve held outside of this field. I have worked for a couple of nonprofit organizations, from handling the food, health, and recreational needs of senior citizens, working with teens in a dramatic arts ministry, to working as an Independent Graphic Design and Social Media Consultant for an organization raising money for Cystic Fibrosis. The ability to manage and lead those processes were learned from my experience in retail leadership.
What brought me back to retail, especially with Pottery Barn, is my passion for leading others, the chance to be creative, and the relationships built with our clients.
I’m very thankful to be where I am today.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road to success is never easy. It requires strength, ingenuity, and drive. The struggles I faced in my career have come with the ever-evolving retail industry. One of the biggest challenges I faced in the beginning was self-doubt. The power you give to your self-doubt and anxieties can be debilitating. For me, I found courage and strength with people. I gave myself the chance to let go of the things I knew I could control and replaced it with learning from others around me, most importantly, the people who you lead. I have learned so much and I am thankful to all the employees I have been able to collaborate with. Being a leader, your greatest asset and tool are your people.
Another pivotal obstacle that I faced was during my time after being laid-off from Blockbuster. Though I had a chance to work independently on a contractual basis, I found that many companies I interviewed with were more reluctant to hire once they had seen I was let-go due to a closing business, rather than assessing my skills and proven record. It was discouraging, and though many sympathized and were familiar with the financial state of that business, it seemed some held it against me. It was my mentor, Gina Clewis, that recognized that not only was I qualified but was ready to get back in the game. She was one of few people at that time that understood that the company bankruptcy did not define my skill or work ethic. I have learned that when you are in a position to create positive change and take a chance, there are no limits.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Pottery Barn at First Colony – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Pottery Barn was founded in 1949 in Chelsea, New York. We are a multi-channel retailer with eCommerce, catalog, and brick-and-mortar stores all over the world. Our location is in the heart of Sugar Land in First Colony. I lead a team of Design Studio Specialists that provide complementary In-Home, In-Business, and In-Store design consultations. We specialize in residential, trade and commercial services, including working with local area interior designers, businesses of any scale, and other industry partners to design and create spaces that inspire and deliver cohesive looks, from decor to furniture.
My work has been featured in Sugar Land List Magazine, and I have had the opportunity to work with Houston interior designer, Cristina Robinson with Iii Design for the River Oaks Home Show, whose game room was on the cover of July’s Houston House & Home. We are known for our design pillars, offering a variety of styles for any taste. Our complimentary design service sets us apart from all our competitors. We provide floor planning, registry, event planning, custom upholstery, and much more. We service both the Greater Sugar Land and Houston areas.
Pricing:
- Free Design Services
- Free Wedding and Event Registry Services
Contact Info:
- Address: 16535 Southwest Freeway
Suite 960
Sugar Land, TX 77479 - Website: www.potterybarn.com
- Phone: 281-325-0200
- Email: sspriggs1@wsgc.com
- Instagram: PotteryBarn_FirstColony
Image Credit:
Shelly Marnock, Stephen Spriggs
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