Starting a New Business in a Down Economy: Meet Carol Procter!

After taking a 10-year break, local SF Bay Area resident, Carol Procter is entering the workforce again—this time as a business owner!  In her own words she shares the ups and downs of deciding to start a new small business in a down economy!

by Carol Procter
Floor Coverings International, San Mateo

From working for one of the largest stock markets in the world to competing in major horse shows, my interests and work experiences have been across the board. But after living a retired lifestyle for ten years, I felt as though it was time to step outside my comfort zone once again and take on my biggest challenge yet—opening the newest location of Floor Coverings International (FCI), a mobile, shop-at-home floor covering retailer, in Redwood City this July.

Time for a Change: The Next Chapter in My Life

After working for the NASDAQ stock market for five years, I decided to retire from financial services. Over the past 10 years, I’ve spent time competing in nationally-recognized horse shows and volunteering my time toward charity work. As president on the board to restore the historic Folger Stable in Wunderlich Park, I helped raise $3.5 million—with the help of my community of course.

Even though this was a volunteer position, engaging with area-residents and managing donation efforts on a daily basis prepared me for my role as owner of FCI. It felt great giving back to the community, but once the restoration project was completed this year I was looking to begin a new chapter of my life.

Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone and into the Flooring Business

I was eager to start a lucrative business where I could serve my community—but I didn’t want to reinvent the wheel. As a result, I enlisted the help of a franchise consultant who helped me create a plan that would fit my professional background and individual lifestyle. The consultant presented me with different types of businesses that she felt were best aligned with my goals and strengths. I’ve always been in sales in some capacity or another; FCI’s business model allows me to leverage my strengths and work in an industry I’m really passionate about.

Starting a business in a down economy was a risk—but a risk I was willing to take.

Borrowing money from my life insurance policy, I’m optimistic about my professional future. I want to emerge myself in the job and really learn the ins and outs in upcoming months. My goal is to get solid footing and build a rapport in the community and as the economy continues to pick up—I’ll be ready to take on the surge in business.

Learning a New Industry is both Challenging and Exciting

My FCI business was the fifth location to open in the Bay Area within the last year. Other locations that have opened include: Campbell, Pleasanton, Santa Clara and most recently Fremont. I’m grateful to have a pool of business owners in close proximity that can share similar challenges and accomplishments. At first, I was apprehensive about leaving my comfort zone and learning a whole new industry, but I feel prepared and ready to take on this challenge and am excited to contribute to the local economy and community.

My advice to others considering a similar career move is to do your research and take a calculated risk. Even though this has been the greatest monetary risk I’ve ever taken, it’s been well worth it.

Carol Procter opened Floor Coverings International located at 2003 E. Bayshore Road, Suite C in Redwood City in July 2010 and currently services San Mateo County. FCI is shop-at-home floor-covering retailer offering more than 3,000 flooring options from the top brands in flooring at competitive prices. FCI’s products include carpet, hardwood, laminates, luxury vinyl, ceramic tile, area rugs and a number of “green” flooring options.

You can reach Carol at (650)-368-3305 or send her an e-mail to set up an appointment! For more information, visit Carol’s web site at Flooing Coverings International.

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Tags: Career, Know Yourself, Leadership, Money, My Time, Small Biz, success stories

Category: Woman Owned Business