Loeb Design Group grows in Libertyville
An interview with CEO Laurie Loeb and COO Jennifer Kraus of Loeb Design Group in Libertyville.
Q: What's new at your company?
A: Studio 140-48 is new. It is a design boutique and entertainment showroom with the Midwest's first fully functioning Jenn-Air demonstration suite.
Q: Do you plan to hire any additional staff or make any significant capital investments in your company in the next year?
A: Loeb Design Group is looking to expand our white glove concierge service in custom fitted kitchen furniture design to the greater Lake and Cook county areas, which would translate into bringing on clients relations coordinators and design specialists.
Also, we are our exploring a subsidiary company in custom painted furniture and wall art accessories, which will be known as Furniture by LauireA and Accessories by LauireA.
Q: What will your company's main challenges be in the next year?
A: The construction and scheduling of events for Studio 140-48 will be exciting and challenging addition to the performance routine of the LDG team.
Q: What's the hottest trend in your industry?
A: White Kitchens with enhanced lighting and functionality.
Q: If you had one tip to give to a rookie CEO, what would it be?
A: We would suggest to "work within your values."
Q: Do you have a business mantra?
A: Deliver "white glove concierge service."
Q: From a business outlook, who do you look up to?
A: Honestly, we look up to each other. We both recognize the gifts and talents that each other possess and realize that we need each other.
Q: What is one interesting fact about you or your company that most people may not know?
A: That is easy. Both of us are grounding in giving and have the dream to start an organization that will encourage women and young entrepreneurs to not only succeed in endeavors but also to give.
Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
A: We both are avid bikers, golfers, and time with family and friends.
Q: What book is on your nightstand at this time?
A: (Jen) "Art of the Start" by Guy Kawaski.
(Laurie) I read design books galore.
Q: What keeps you up at night?
A: Things that hold value to us - family and business
Q: What was your first paying job?
A: (Jen) Catering banquets.
(Laurie) Coat check.
Q: If you could put your company name on a sports venue, which one would you choose?
A: PGA Golf events
Q: What is one funny thing that has happened to you in your career?
A: I would have to say it would be driving down the road with Laurie in a vehicle filled to over capacity (almost to the point of driving with our heads out the window to see around what is piled on our laps) with staging and design items for a photo shoot.
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Loeb Design Group
Address: 14048 West Petronella Drive, Libertyville, Il 60048
Website: LoebDesignGroup.com
Industry: Cabinetry and Design
Annual sales: $500,000
Family: Jen and Laurie are cousins, their mothers are sisters. They are both lifetime Lake County residents.