Karen is the owner and managing partner of K&R Solutions Group. After over 15 years in the transportation and retail industry, she continues to develop new businesses for graphics production, installation, and project management services.
What does being a business owner mean to you, and what inspired you to create your business?
It means having an enormous responsibility to be successful not just for me but for an entire team. My inspiration came from my team. We all worked together at a previous company. We could do what we were doing on our own and impact the industry more, especially if we focused on sustainability and being woman-owned. As a result, K&R started in 2019 and continues to grow.
How did you motivate yourself to keep going when things were difficult?
I surround myself with positive people, which allows me to stay positive. I never let myself go down the “poor me” rabbit hole. I genuinely believe that when one door closes, another one will open. You must be willing to let the door close and focus on moving forward.
What is the greatest obstacle you have faced in achieving your desired success?
My biggest obstacle has been convincing companies to give K&R an opportunity as a partner. Companies have long-standing vendor partnerships that many want to stay in. The old saying ‘why fix what’s not broken.’ Even if something isn’t ‘broken,’ why not look for improvement and innovation? More sustainable and supporting a small, woman-owned business.
How do you overcome that obstacle?
It’s a daily challenge. But thankfully, I find LinkedIn to be an excellent tool for helping me overcome that obstacle. I connect with companies and people where I know K&R can add value. But of course, getting people to want to learn about K&R is something else altogether. Persistence is the name of the game.
How would you describe yourself as a leader?
I have a true sense of self. I know what I like and don’t like, and I am confident in my leadership abilities. I strive to meet the highest standards and expect the same from those around me. I also believe everyone has an opinion, and I am always open to other views and ideas.
How is K&R different than other companies in the industry?
K&R is unique because it is a small, woman-owned business. We are WBENC, ACDBE, and DBE certified. Our products are made from sustainable solutions, and our services are highly personalized. Our team is small but very experienced across several fields and industries. From start to finish, K&R can support your team.
What mistakes have you made along the way, and what did you learn from them?
I have made many mistakes, and I will continue to do so. Make mistakes, but it is essential to learn from them.
Since you are a mom, how do you balance your personal and professional life?
It’s challenging, but I am a mom first and a business owner second. Learning to prioritize and divide my time allows me to succeed in both roles. I have learned to be flexible enough to change my priorities.
What advice would you give to working moms?
Work hard, and don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do something. Figure out how to manage your time but also take time for yourself. A balance between work and family is key.
What advice would you give entrepreneurs that want to start their own company?
Know what you are getting into. Do your research, understand your market, and determine how you can make a difference, and then don’t look back
Stand out from your competition and invest in an unforgettable customer experience.
K&R is proud to be a one-stop shop for your retail design and installation needs. Let us help you bring your retail design visions to life. Contact us at http://krsolutionsgroup.com/contact
