Rachel Stewart: Furniture, Fashion, and Fearless Change

What do solar policy, Thanksgiving parades, and custom ceramics have in common? In this episode you’ll meet Rachel Stewart, President and CEO of Gardner White, who’s shaking up the furniture world and having a blast doing it. From launching a bold new retail concept in downtown Detroit to teaming up with local art students from the College for Creative Studies, Rachel brings grit, grace, and serious style to everything she touches. She opens up about family business dynamics, her D.C. days, and why counting laps in a pool keeps her sane.:52- Bob Riney introduces Rachel Stewart, President and CEO of Gardner White, a family-owned furniture business in Michigan1:27- Rachel expresses her excitement about the new retail concept, GW Home, opening in downtown Detroit1:39- The new store will focus on urban living styles with a range of price points and feature local Detroit artists2:26- Rachel emphasizes the importance of incorporating local Detroit talent, including ceramicists and artists2:51- Bob mentions Gardner White's long-standing sponsorship of the America's Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit3:25- Rachel shares her pride in continuing this Detroit tradition4:12- Bob asks Rachel to reflect on her political experience in Washington, DC, and how it influenced her current role at Gardner White4:41- She discusses the importance of economic development and manufacturing in Michigan, drawing parallels to her work in clean energy and technology6:07- She shares data from the University of Michigan, showing that positive interactions with salespeople significantly impact customer perception6:47- Rachel emphasizes the importance of skilled and informed sales teams in providing a superior customer experience7:17- Rachel discusses the rarity of female CEOs in the furniture industry and the importance of having women in key buying positions8:00- Rachel shares her approach to integrating online shopping with in-store experiences to enhance the overall shopping experience8:52- Rachel reflects on the unique challenges of leading a family business and the importance of communication and shared vision9:30- Rachel mentions the support of a world-class leadership team and their commitment to Detroit9:40- Bob points out Rachel’s involvement in various influential boards in the Detroit area where she emphasizes the importance of engagement and impact in the city10:29- Rachel discusses her focus on economic development and education as key issues for the state11:00- She shares her perspective on social media and the importance of setting a positive example for her children11:14- Rachel shares her personal interests, including swimming and running, as ways to center herself amidst chaos11:42- She provides advice to her children, encouraging them to try new things and not be afraid to fail and emphasizes the importance of finding good mentors and the impact they can have on one's career12:35- Bob reflects on his conversation with Rachel and the traits that make her a great leader