Ever wonder what to focus on in each stage of growing your business—and what pitfalls to avoid along the way?
In this episode, I talk with Grant Findlay Shirras, a serial entrepreneur and business strategist who’s mastered the art of scaling creative companies profitably and sustainably.
Grant is the co-owner of Dekora, a top staging and design company in Calgary and Kelowna, where he grew revenue by 50% and profit by $200K in just one year.
Before Dekora, he built Parkbench.com into a $37 million real estate marketing platform serving over 8,000 agents ,and helped expand Fitness on the Go into Canada’s largest mobile fitness franchise.
Known for simplifying the complex, Grant brings deep expertise in financial systems, pricing strategy, operations, and leadership—helping creative founders turn chaos into clarity and creativity into cash flow.
He is also a national tennis champion, award-winning speaker, and passionate advocate for building businesses that create both freedom and fulfillment.
Listen to the podcast below or subscribe on Apple, Spotify and most major podcast platforms.
In this episode you’ll learn:
What to focus on (and look out for) in the early phases of business growth
What masterminding with Silicon Valley entrepreneurs taught Grant about mindset shifts that defy logic
Why profit isn’t the first thing to chase—and what to prioritize instead
The daily habits that keep Grant on track and making smart, quick decisions
How to think through your first hire (and 3 questions to ask yourself before you make it)
The surprising insight Grant uncovered about outsourcing sales
Xo Marianne
Complimentary Discovery Session
Together we will clarify your goals, uncover challenges that are preventing you from reaching those goals and discuss coaching options to help you create a life and business that is on fire! 🔥🔥🔥
I would love your review! If you enjoy what I share in this episode, please leave a review and comment on iTunes. I would really appreciate it. Thanks!
Connect with Grant:
Website – www.dekora.com
Instagram- @grantfindlayshirras
@dekorastaging
Book- 10 x is Easeier than 2x– Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy
Connect with Marianne:
Set up a coaching discovery session to see if coaching is right for you.
Website: https://coachingbymarianne.com
Instagram: @homestagercoachmarianne
You Tube Channel-https://www.youtube.com/@homestagersanddesignersonfire
Join my FB Group: Fire Up Your Home Staging Business: https://www.facebook.com/groups/fireupyourhomestagingbusiness/
FB Group: Design for Today Collaborative- https://www.facebook.com/groups/DesignForTodayCollaborative
Visit my FB Coaching Page: https://www.facebook.com/CoachingByMarianneCherico/
Join my LinkedIn Group: Interior Redesign, Decorating and Real Estate Staging Professionals here.
Episode 11: Mindset Hacks For Selling Your Services – Part 1
In this episode Marianne Cherico discusses mindset hacks that help you “sell” your services without feeling salesy. You will learn how to do a deeper dive into what your clients really want, how to be clear about the benefits that you offer ,how to handle fear and so much more!
Episode 10: Video Strategies That Rock
In this episode Tori Toth discusses specifics about how to use different video platforms to grow your business. Whether your marketing and visibility strategy focuses on You Tube, Facebook, Instagram or Linked In, it is important to be intentional about how to use each of these platforms for optimal results. You will learn best practices for leveraging video in social media and so much more!
Episode 9: Reno Project Management
Join us as we discuss Debbe Daley’s approach to renovation, how she mitigates liability for contractors while overseeing projects, how packages help set up client expectations better, and so much more!
Episode 8: Secrets to Buying Wholesale
If you would like to start buying furniture and accessories for your home staging company, this is the episode for you.
You will learn what to ask yourself before you start investing, what you will need in order to open up accounts, what home stagers should invest in, what inventory and financial management systems Michelle recommends, how to price for rental furniture and so much more!
Episode 7: Write Cracklin’ Hot Copy
In this episode Nancy shares her best tips for creating great copy that magnetizes your ideal clients.
Learn how great copy inspires your clients to take action on their own behalf.
Episode 6: Creating a Thriving Team Culture
In this episode Anthea shares her secrets on growing an incredible team by creating a stellar company culture in order to find the best employees for her thriving business.
Learn what hiring mistakes Anthea has made along the way and what she has learned from them.
Episode 5: How To Monetize Celebrity Status
In this episode Rachel Moriarty talks about how she monetizes celebrity status to build her design empire.
Learn how Rachel built her business to attract high quality design clients, brand ambassadorship, licensing agreements and even an HGTV segment.
Episode 4: Design Files E Design
In this episode Sheilah MacSporan, co founder of DesignFiles, discusses how edesign can help you create more business, reach more clients, build better processes, streamline your design jobs and leverage your time better.
Episode 3: Strategic Social Media Strategies
In this session Darla Powell will discuss how she uses Strategic Social Media Strategies to build her Interior Design business as well as the businesses of other designers.
Join us as we discuss what is working today in the social media playground and how you, too can leverage these platforms.
Episode 2: Building An Awesome Design Biz In Rural Massachusetts
In this session Wendy Woloshchuk talks about how she built a successful Design Business in rural Massachusetts.
Learn how Wendy built her business by creating a posse of raving local fans.
Episode 1: Welcome to this Podcast and Mindset Hacks
Welcome to the first episode of Home Stagers and Designers in Fire. I am Marianne Cherico and I am delighted to be your host.
My goal is to bring you lots of valuable information that will help you grow your Home Staging and/or Design Business. This first session is a quick intro to how Mindset effects your success!
