Today we’d like to introduce you to Thomas Hellberg.
Hi Thomas, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
In my previous career, I was a travelling Regional Sales Manager covering about 10 states on the West Coast. In 2020, like many others, I received a phone call to stop what I was doing and get on the next flight home. During those months home, I began to think about my past career decisions. I realized that I had spent the last 30-plus years in an industry which had supported me and my family for generations wasn’t for me. It was time for me to show my son that in life, you can do what makes you happy and to always go for his dreams, to never settle.
Named after my son, Palmer James began its journey. I had always been a “shoe guy” but couldn’t always find the right shoe for me and my style. Whether it was the wrong color, shade, size, fit, or feel I found it to be a struggle. No matching belt, bag to complete my look. After much research, I found a solution and decided to set a new standard for how people complete their personal look.
We officially launched in the middle of 2021, out of Scottsdale, AZ, and are a completely online service which allows individuals to be exactly that individual. We offer fashion-passionate individuals a way to design their own custom pair of shoes and accessories to fit their style.
Our first few years have been extremely exciting, and we are gathering traction across the U.S. Now based out of Dallas, TX, we have been able to gain more market share and expand our client base. Our journey continues, and we are extremely excited for what the future has in store for us.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When starting a new business, there are always a few struggles or, as I prefer to call them, learning experiences. As an online business, we always have to be on top of what tech opportunities bring to the market. Social media is a large part of what we do as well as marketing the quality and recognition of the brand. We make sure to learn every day to ensure our clients have the best online experience with Palmer James.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am now the Owner/Founder/CEO of Palmer James Designs. However, I began my career as a day and night shift warehouse employee for a manufacturing brand in the home improvement industry. I worked for this company for 10 years and was consistently promoted to different positions such as shipping manager, customer service, accounting, and inventory control specialist. My next step was to become an outside sales representative. The opportunity arose from a recommendation I received from a formal colleague. My outside sales career had begun. After managing many different regions and territories in manufacturing, distribution, and retail, I ended up as a Regional Sales Manager in the same home improvement industry.
My specialty has always been in sales and customer service. I am a firm believer in providing great products, great service with a no-nonsense approach. My background and understanding of every aspect to run a good business has led me to where I am today.
Creating Palmer James has been the most rewarding move I’ve ever made. Making a complete 180 and moving into the fashion world has been a whirlwind, and I couldn’t be happier. The excitement, the fear, and everything in between is what helps me grow and improve every day. Passion is something we all should have in our lives, and I’m glad to have found mine.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Mentoring has come in many forms during my career. You learn from different personalities, different experiences, and the responses the get from others. I have always taken something away from who I’ve been around. We learn what works, what doesn’t and try to become the best version of ourselves. I have been fortunate enough to be around some great people in my life. The good ones are always willing to help, honest and respectful, and I do my best to pass that knowledge and those values on to those willing to listen.
Pricing:
- Casual Shoes – $350 and Up
- Dress Shoes – $500 and Up
- Belts – $100
- Bags – $800 and Up
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.palmerjamesdesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/palmerjamesdesigns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/palmerjamesdesi
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/palmer-james-designs/?viewAsMember=true
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/palmerjamesdesi
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@palmerjamesdesigns/about
