EP 335 | Interior Design Partnerships & Profitability with Mary Lou & Marc Fulson
Thinking about working with a business partner—or wondering how to strengthen your client relationships?
In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by husband-and-wife team Mary Lou and Marc Fulson to explore how collaboration, clear roles, and strategic thinking can elevate your interior design business.
From choosing the right clients to understanding how your business truly makes money, this conversation highlights what it takes to build a sustainable and profitable firm.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- How increasing service can increase your overall business value
- Why not every client is the right fit—and how to identify ideal clients
- The importance of understanding how your business generates profit
- The risks of taking on the wrong design projects
- How to communicate your value using business metrics (ROI, LTV, CAC, EBITDA)
- Why empathy matters in client relationships
- How to stay future-focused while running your business
- Why strong processes should never be dictated by clients
DESIGN INTERVENTION
Don’t DIY! You are either making money or paying to learn. Paying could be in time, money, loss of revenue, opportunity cost etc. This is advice is for us, as well as our clients. Hire the mentors and teammates you need; don’t get the cheap option. Just like our clients are paying for our knowledge, experience, network, and time; invest in the professionals that will help you create better businesses and reach your goals more expeditiously.
About Mary Lou & Marc Fulson
Fulson & Company is a boutique, family owned and operated, interior design company servicing the Colorado area and beyond. We love to create experiences through elegant style, quality materials and timeless design. Our partnership consists of Mary Lou, as the principal designer and Marc, as the business support. Together they raise their four boys, and they are starting this new endeavor together after Marc’s 20 year career in the Air Force.
Instagram | @Fulson.company @marcfulson
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Legal Disclosure | This podcast is for educational purposes only and provides general business advice for interior designers and design professionals. It is not intended as individual legal, accounting, or professional guidance. Kimberley Seldon and Business of Design® make no guarantees regarding accuracy and are not liable for how information is used. Strategies shared may not apply to every situation—listeners should seek qualified legal, financial, or professional advice before making business decisions. References and resources mentioned may change over time.
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