Early Beginnings
Imagine the Room began with a bold vision led by Tanner Sherwood, who made his entry into the business world by winning the Scotiabank business pitch competition at Thompson Rivers University (TRU). Tanner pitched the concept of Imagine the Room as a franchise operation, focusing on expanding the "custom closet empire." This early win set the stage for Tanner's future endeavours and his journey with Kamloops Innovation.
Connecting with Kamloops Innovation
Driven by a vision to develop a custom software solution for his business, Tanner reached out to Kamloops Innovation. His goal was to create a software system that could communicate effectively with their CNC machinery, something that didn't exist at the time. This initial connection marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership between Imagine the Room and Kamloops Innovation’s Venture Acceleration Program (VAP) and entrepreneur-in-residence John Zubak. The VAP is funded through Innovate BC.
Business Expansion and Revenue Growth
Over the past five years, Imagine the Room has seen remarkable growth under the guidance of Kamloops Innovation and Zubak. The company has successfully doubled its size, both in terms of staff and operational capacity and achieved a two-and-a-half times increase in revenue. This impressive expansion is a testament to their commitment to innovation and strategic business development.
Imagine the Room has seen remarkable growth under the guidance of Kamloops Innovation
A significant part of Imagine the Room's growth story includes expanding to new locations and launching new product lines to diversify its offerings. Notable milestones include their recent venture into providing “Simply Suite Kitchens”, showcasing their ability to pivot and adapt to market demands. These achievements highlight the company's flexibility and its readiness to seize new opportunities.
Steady and Sustainable Growth
Rather than chasing quick wins or "overnight success, Imagine the Room has prioritized steady, sustainable growth. This approach has allowed them to build a solid foundation, ensuring resilience against market fluctuations and creating opportunities for future expansion. This philosophy has been central to their ongoing success, enabling them to navigate challenges while steadily moving forward.
“We always hear success stories about people having that magic thing that doubles or triples in size. But the majority of solid businesses grow steadily and they grow smart, and they grow in a way that they leave themselves opportunities if market conditions change. We need to talk more about healthy companies, that are solid, that are sustainable, and that are going to be around because that is what's built our country,” notes Zubak.
Combining human skills with the latest technology
Imagine the Room has embraced a unique approach by combining traditional business skills with modern technology. With guidance from Kamloops Innovation, they have integrated essential soft skills like effective communication and relationship-building with advanced tools such as AI and CRM software. For example, they have leveraged AI tools and CRM software to quickly handle client reviews and inquiries, saving valuable time and reducing stress. This practical application of AI has enabled the company to maintain high standards of customer service while managing the growing demands of the business.
Imagine the Room has embraced a unique approach by combining traditional business skills with modern technology
Imagine the Room focuses on understanding the needs of its clients and contractors, shifting from simply making sales to building authentic, long-term relationships. This customer-centric philosophy has been crucial in fostering trust and loyalty, driving sustainable growth for the company.
Continuing Partnership with Kamloops Innovation
The partnership with Kamloops Innovation remains a cornerstone of Imagine the Room's strategy. The ongoing mentorship helps Tanner navigate the challenges of running a business and explore new growth opportunities. He notes, “I feel like I'm always having to innovate to survive and thrive.” This collaboration provides invaluable guidance and support, enabling the company to stay ahead of the curve.
“When I first came to Kamloops Innovation, I was looking for a little bit of a magic bullet. I was not looking for more hard things to do,” says Sherwood, “But it's good because if you have a mentor to encourage you to do those hard things, you're forced to do hard things.”
Future-proofing the business
Doing the hard thing sometimes means pivoting your business towards other opportunities. With Kamloops Innovation’s guidance, this has taken the form of using their technology and manufacturing prowess to create Simply Suite Kitchens. Sherwood notes this strategy is a way of “future-proofing” the business. “That’s what I’m always looking for and why I continue the relationship with Kamloops Innovation,” says Sherwood.
Imagine the Room exemplifies how innovation, mentorship, and strategic partnerships can fuel growth. With a solid foundation and a commitment to continuous improvement, they are well on their way to achieving even greater success in the years to come.