Jen Fickling, FLOOR360

IB’s Professional of the Week is the premier way to meet Dane County’s professionals. This week features Jen Fickling, director of residential sales, FLOOR360.

What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job and why?

I’m a people person, so I enjoy building and maintaining relationships with builder clients and homeowners. It’s important to have those good relationships since each project requires a collaborative approach. Our team, the builder, and homeowner are in frequent communication through all the steps in the process, including creating informational plans that detail design drawings, pre-inspections and post-inspections, and all the way through to the completed installation. Ultimately, a happy homeowner is the greatest reward for everyone involved.

We have a talented team at FLOOR360 in designing, scheduling, estimating, installation, delivery, service, and support. But even with carefully constructed processes and checklists, sometimes we can’t predict how projects will go. The unpredictable curve balls can be a challenge, but in the end I’m confident in our ability to troubleshoot any unforeseen challenges that may arise.

Who do you look up to or admire in business and why?

I have a great deal of respect for Hart DeNoble the owner of Hart DeNoble Custom Builders because he sets a professional example for everyone in the industry to follow. Their quality of work is admirable and their detailed processes together with their integrity and what they stand for strongly aligns with my own values and our shared company values at FLOOR360.

What has been the high point of your career so far?

One year after I assumed the role of department leader for the Residential Sales Team at FLOOR360, our written sales doubled. I attribute the growth to building a cohesive team with excellent interior design skills, creating processes and setting expectations which have delivered results. This achievement is also attributed to placing a priority and renewed focus on relationship building and networking that continues to reap rewards.

Thinking back on your career, what advice would you give your 21-year-old self?

I would coach my younger self to convey more confidence and to never be afraid to step out of her comfort zone. Along the way, I have realized that if I face the things that make me uncomfortable both personally and professionally, the experience and knowledge that I gained have helped me achieve my greatest accomplishments. But I wouldn’t change a thing, because I think it was a valuable lesson learned and led me to where I am today.

What would you say are the best things about living and working in Dane County?

It might seem big to some but it really is a small community where everyone knows each other. No matter where people are socioeconomically or politically, more often than not we all share the common goals of improving the lives of those around us. I have seen firsthand how much our community cares when individuals and businesses come together to provide an interior makeover to nonprofit facilities through FLOOR360’s sponsorship of Design for a Difference.

Do you have any secret talents or abilities that people would be surprised to discover?

Before I began a career in sales or was a mother, I was a teacher who taught alternative learning to kids in middle school who had learning challenges.

What are your guilty pleasures?

My guilty pleasure is going to the spa to indulge in a massage or a pedicure and a manicure. It helps me take some much needed time for myself. I have discovered that after a mini-break at the spa, I feel refreshed and recharged so I can meet the needs and responsibilities of work and family with a fresh perspective and positive frame of mind.

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