Design Franchise Illustrates Adage, 'Mother Knows Best'

BAKERSFIELD, CA - At DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen by Worldwide, based here, the firm's success follows the old adage: "Mother knows best".

In fact, general manager and co-owner Patty Gray - along with husband and co-owner Everett Gray - has not only given a new twist to the more traditional roles of yesteryear, but has turned the design-build construction firm into one of the most successful franchise locations in the DreamMaker system.

This is notable considering that prior to her current position, Gray had very little business - or industry - knowledge, aside from helping maintain the books for her husband's remodeling business. Instead, she had elected to stay home and raise the couple's three children.

All that changed in 2003 when the pair bought the DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen by Worldwide of Bakersfield, and Patty - quite literally - dreamt that she should head the business, and decided to put that dream into action.

Gray proved a quick study indeed, smoothly translating her experiences home-schooling her children, bookkeeping, and keeping her home neat, into training and encouraging employees, managing an efficient office and creating a positive company culture.

This reaped dual benefits for the company - her husband was freed up to manage jobs, while she had the opportunity to lead the business and delegate work.

"Our company is unique because each member of our team is very well-suited for his or her position," says Gray, who notes that her son, Christian, acts as the company's production manager, while sons Ashley and John serve as financial controller and designer, respectively. Rounding out the staff are a sales manager, three production team members, and one helper.

"Our staff consistently delivers what the rest of the company promises - quality, service and value," Gray boasts.

To that end, the firm focuses primarily on kitchen and bath remodeling projects of up to $160,000, while catering to a "baby boomer" clientele who need professional remodeling guidance.

"These are customers that are looking for full service, quality and value," she adds.

In addition to the company's remodeling capabilities, the firm offers a variety of products, including ADA-compliant shower stalls and grab bars, tub liners and wall systems, as well as cabinet refacing, Gray notes.

She summarizes: "Our goal is to give our clients everything they need to make their kitchen or bathroom function - and look the way they want it to within their budget."

Dream a Little Dream

From the remnants of her fateful dream to present day, the company has tripled its annual sales goals - a feat that earned Gray "Woman of the Year" honors at the recent DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen national convention

But she swiftly suggests that it's a combination of multiple factors, including the firm's code of values, an organizational structure that maximizes each staff member's strengths and a focus on client needs that has led to the firm's success.

"We also attribute our success to the franchise system, the support from the corporate office and the training opportunities that DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen [has provided us]," she says.

She also adds that each staff member is given a clearly defined role within the company and is thereby treated as an integral part of the DreamMaker team.

"We hold daily huddle sessions where we read our code of values and discuss the issues of the day," Gray offers. "During weekly management meetings, we discuss up-to-the-minute sales, production and financial reports, as well."

As a result of this approach, Gray adds that the firm is now able to make her clients' dreams come true, as well.

"Our business philosophy is to utilize and improve systems to create a consistent experience from the first phone call to the completion of the project," she says.

She concludes: "I don't have a grandiose statement to other woman about running a business. It has been just a matter of taking the gifts I've been given and allowing myself to be stretched."