Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Fersten.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Rachel. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I never would have thought that I would end up in the hospitality industry. Especially as it was a complete one hundred and eighty turn from where I had started professionally. After graduating college with a business degree, I took a position at a family business in the check cashing industry where I worked for the next 18 years. Though I was behind bullet proof glass while working, I had the opportunity to work with all types of people from different backgrounds and economic levels. This prepared me for my future in so many ways. I received constant encouragement and advice from customers and colleagues telling me that I should be in sales. I never exactly knew what that meant, except that I was a ‘people’ person and loved to meet and socialize with friends, as well as strangers. After various shifts in the industry and family business dynamics, I needed a change but didn’t know what I wanted to do. I had thought that financial services was where I was supposed to be, but through networking I met someone who made me rethink my whole career path.
I started in the hospitality industry at a time when I was looking for change, a spark, a chance to do something that I really felt good about. I had been in the health insurance arena for a few years, but I wasn’t enjoying it. A sales consultant friend of mine was doing some work with Windy City Linen and suggested that I try the world of hospitality. After getting over the shock of being in financial services for so long, I agreed. She described a job of fast paced sales and service, heavy networking and a whole lot of wining and dining. That sounded perfect to me, so I interviewed for the sales position at Windy City Linen and got the job.
When I started at Windy City, I only knew two people in the industry and basically started my new career from scratch with minimal experience. But, I loved what I was doing and the learning came fast. I needed to be authentic, follow through on my promises, and I learned that giving was more important than getting. Quickly, I discovered that the success of my sales was based on relationships. I had always had strong relationships with my family and friends, but now I needed to turn that into my career.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to my success at Windy City Linen hasn’t always been easy. At the same time that I was changing careers in my forties, I was also going through struggles in my personal life. My daughter was having some mental health challenges. Additionally, my mother-in-law, whom I was extremely close with, passed away suddenly as I was about to go through a divorce. Through these challenges I learned perseverance. I knew that I had my work cut out for me, so I planned on rolling up my sleeves and using my own unique skills to my benefit. I went to my network and asked for introductions to everyone and anyone in the hospitality world. Every month my sales grew and my contact list built. I was on a mission! I joined and went to various networking events weekly, sometimes daily, to make sure I knew everyone I needed to know and help.
As mentioned, I didn’t know very many people when I started. One of my colleagues and now good friends, Debra Jenkins, was a great mentor to me. She took me with her on sales calls and introduced me to some of the longtime industry people. Now, when I go to events, I seem to be one of the ‘old-timers.’
Please tell us about Windy City Linen, hospitality advocate.
Windy City Linen just celebrated 10 years in business and I have been part of the sales team for the last 4 years. Windy City provides specialty linen rental for venues, caterers, country clubs and anyone planning corporate or private events in the Midwest. I help clients to complete their vision of their event by brainstorming ideas with them, as well as helping them find other resources within my network. My focus on my client’s needs and willingness to see the job through sets me apart. I find it enjoyable and rewarding to bring people together for a common goal. In the simplest terms, I help my clients to complete their vision with an easy, affordable and beautiful solution. Yes, it may just seem like I sell linen rental. With all that I try to help my clients with, however, it is often so much more. Not only do I make sure they get what they need from Windy City Linen, but I am providing introductions and referrals for potential new business.
When I started in the hospitality world, I jumped in feet first with networking. My first event was a NACE (National Association for Catering and Events) and ILEA (International Live Events Association) joint luncheon, where I met many fabulous people and decided I would start by joining NACE. This industry is like no other as there can be an event every single day or night. However, the only way to truly get the most out of any group is to get involved and get your hands dirty. Over the past 4 years, I have been in NACE, MPI, ILEA and now WIPA. For all but WIPA (Wedding International Professionals Association), I joined membership and event-based committees, where I can be of help, while meeting people and having fun. WIPA is new to Chicago as of 2017 and I joined the board as the treasurer, in fact last month I went to Las Vegas for a nationwide retreat. The caliber of people that are involved with all of these organizations are amazing and I feel lucky to be a part of them and support my industry.
I am also proud to be on the board of Rebecca Lynn Cutler Legacy of Life Foundation. This fantastic nonprofit organization works to promote awareness and compassionate understanding of depression and bipolar disorder through workshops, support, and resources.
What are your future goals or plans?
My plans are to continue to grow my business at Windy City Linen and the network at WIPA. I have never traveled for work and I would love the opportunity to broaden my business to other cities and states. Different cities have different markets that come with their own challenges, but I would enjoy seeing how to overcome these obstacles and use them to help me grow. Through the years, the variety and size of my client base has changed, but the goal is to do more business and obtain bigger clients. Because many of the businesses were already clients of ours when I started, I continue to go after those new ones that might be starting out to help and watch them succeed. My client’s growth and success is just as important to me as my own.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.windycitylinen.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelthelinenlady/
Image Credit:
Rick Aguilar Photography
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