Sharon Foley, The Interiors Studio, and Andrew Henry, Childs Company (ProfitSense with Bill McDermott, Episode 25)
Sharon Foley, Director of Interior Design for The Interiors Studio, and Andrew Henry, Partner at Childs Company, were host Bill McDermott’s guests on this edition of ProfitSense. They discussed finding the right professional for the support business owners need to handle their multiple needs, from integrated interior design to architecture to financial services and exit planning. Bill also offered a commentary on delegation, and how business owners succeed when they focus on what they do best and leave other aspects of the business to those appropriately skilled in those areas. ProfitSense with Bill McDermott is produced and broadcast by the North Fulton Studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta.
The Interiors Studio
In 2017, the interior design department at Foley Design Associates Architects, Inc. became The Interiors Studio LLC to allow for more targeted marketing of interior design services. Currently, The Interiors Studio provides both design and procurement services to architects, clients and end-users. A major market segment for The Interiors Studio is senior living design – from affordable senior apartments to continuing care retirement communities, and including skilled nursing, assisted living, memory support and senior independent living projects. They have 6-8 senior living projects in design and production at this time.
Currently, they are also working on a film studio vendor building, a sushi restaurant, a tenant improvement project, a golf clubhouse renovation in Florida, and a hotel renovation in the Caribbean. Creating and maintaining long-term client relationships is the most effective marketing strategy for The Interiors Studio. Principals stay involved in all project phases from concept design to move-in. Procurement of furnishings is managed in-house to maintain control of the entire process. Professional licensure and continuing education are encouraged and supported. Interior designers at The Interiors Studio enjoy working with architects and land planners in a collaborative design environment. The result is a more cohesive and seamless design and ensures that the interior design reflects the architect’s vision for the project.
Sharon Foley, Director of Interior Design, The Interiors Studio
Sharon Foley is the Director of Interior Design for The Interiors Studio LLC, a commercial interior design firm located in Atlanta, Georgia. A graduate of Auburn University, she started her career in interior design in 1983 as an intern designer at an Atlanta architecture firm. In 1984, she joined architect and husband Bill Foley in a new company, Christian Foley Architects, and later worked with Bill and two architectural partners to launch Foley Design Associates Architects, Inc. in 1991.
Sharon led the interiors department at Foley Design until 2017 when The Interiors Studio was formed. She and partner Yvonne Portwood lead a team of 4 designers from their office in the West Midtown area of Atlanta. Sharon is NCIDQ Qualified and is a Registered Interior Designer in the State of Georgia.
Childs Company
Childs Company is a boutique private wealth management practice. We leverage our 35+ years of business experience and financial expertise to provide comprehensive financial planning and investment strategies to business owners, executives, retirees, and young professionals.
Our clients share our values, appreciate our approach and rely on us to help them make the best financial decisions throughout their lives.
Andrew Henry, CPA, CFP®, Partner, Childs Company
Andrew joined Childs Company in 2014 after beginning his career at Ernst & Young, LLP, which is one of the four largest international professional services firms commonly known as the “Big Four.” Ultimately serving as a Senior Accountant in the Assurance practice, his experience includes working with the initial public offering (IPO) for a Fortune Global 100 Company, encompassing debt and equity offerings. Additionally, he gained experience performing analytical procedures and extensive financial analysis for client financial statements. Andrew is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.
He focuses on the firm’s strategic growth through business development and client satisfaction. Andrew is also responsible for leading the financial planning and business retirement plan advisory practice at Childs Company. Andrew is a Registered Representative with Kestra Investment Services, LLC and an Investment Advisor Representative with Kestra Advisory Services, LLC.
Andrew graduated from the University of Georgia with a Masters’s in Accountancy. Andrew actively volunteers and sits on the Board for Camp Horizon, a non-profit organization that serves foster care children in metro Atlanta. He lives in Atlanta with his wife and young son and enjoys golf, running, and spending time outside with his family.
About ProfitSense and Your Host, Bill McDermott
ProfitSense with Bill McDermott dives into the stories behind some of Atlanta’s successful businesses and business owners and the professionals that advise them. This show helps local business leaders get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, their community and their profession. The show is presented by McDermott Financial Solutions. McDermott Financial helps business owners improve cash flow and profitability, find financing, break through barriers to expansion and financially prepare to exit their business. The show archive can be found at profitsenseradio.com.
Bill McDermott is the Founder and CEO of McDermott Financial Solutions. When business owners want to increase their profitability, they don’t have the expertise to know where to start or what to do. Bill leverages his knowledge and relationships from 32 years as a banker to identify the hurdles getting in the way and create a plan to deliver profitability they never thought possible.
Bill currently serves as Treasurer for the Atlanta Executive Forum and has held previous positions as a board member for the Kennesaw State University Entrepreneurship Center and Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity and Treasurer for CEO NetWeavers. Bill is a graduate of Wake Forest University and he and his wife, Martha have called Atlanta home for over 40 years. Outside of work, Bill enjoys golf, traveling, and gardening.
Connect with Bill on LinkedIn and Twitter and follow McDermott Financial Solutions on LinkedIn.
