User of the Month – Jenny Garda

Meet Jenny garda, interior designer at RCF group in cincinnati, oh

A COMPANY THAT LISTENS AND EVOLVES

RCF Group, a prominent player in the industry for 70 years, began as an installation company before evolving into a reputable furniture dealership. Jenny attributes the company's success to its unwavering commitment to service and establishing enduring relationships with clients. RCF Group's quest for innovation led them to Configura's CET and Spec, with Jenny confirming their involvement in the beta testing phase. 

"We don't do anything that isn't run through Spec in our office."

THE PERFECT MATCH

For Jenny, Spec is more than just a tool; it's a means to navigate the intricacies of dealer discounting, pricing nuances, and the broader business landscape. Drawing from her background in past interior design and architecture firms, and dealerships where pricing specs were separate, Jenny credits CET with Spec as a lifesaver. When used together, they "seamlessly marry the art of design with the science of pricing," she says, making her a more informed and confident designer. 

"CET and Spec are really the bread and butter of our pricing document: consolidating all essential information into a single, comprehensive page."

FROM "ORDER TAKERS" TO "ORDER MAKERS"

Jenny, who transitioned from an A&D position to a dealership role, observed that many dealers and designers often functioned as mere order-takers, responding to customer requests and placing straightforward orders. However, she says the integration of CET has empowered designers to evolve from "order-takers to order-makers." By utilizing CET's 3D design capabilities, including walls, windows, ceilings, textures, and finishes, designers can now display a holistic vision to customers, illustrating the possibilities beyond simple product specifications. This shift allows for a deeper understanding of how people interact with designed spaces, a perspective often missed in traditional A&D roles. 

TIPS AND TRICKS

Jenny Garda shared her favorite tip for using Spec, which is the F2 function, the specification button: "After you get a model number and hit F2 or go to specify it, this prompts the catalog options built in Spec, which is my favorite thing. It is very satisfying to have this box pop up and say, 'What color do you want it to be?'" 

 She also highlights the critical role of tagging in their day-to-day operations: "The tagging columns play a pivotal role in organizing orders, starting from specification in CET, extending to manufacturing, truck loading, and delivery." By diligently following this tagging process, she can ensure that when the truck arrives, unloading occurs in a specific order, enhancing the overall efficiency of their workflow. She emphasizes the interconnected use of tagging in both CET and Spec as a valuable tool that contributes to a well-organized process, benefiting their customers by ensuring accurate orders and smooth installations. 

AN INVITING APPROACH 

Beyond her professional achievements, Jenny's life revolves around her family: her husband, two kids, and three dogs. She actively supports her children's interests, whether it's Dungeons and Dragons or outer space. Her way of embracing their hobbies mirrors her approach to design – a blend of zeal, creativity, and adaptability. 

In conclusion, Jenny provides a glimpse into the transformative power of CET and Spec in reshaping interior design processes. Her journey, expertise, and passion for the industry underscore the importance of embracing innovative tools to elevate design and exceed client expectations. While acknowledging that designers are not always keen to work with numbers, when asked about recommending Spec to others, her advice echoes her own satisfaction – 'I would say, do it!'"