How a 3rd Generation Family Business Stays Current, Motivated & Ready to Scale
Nearly fifty years ago, one ambitious Italian family set out to create a legacy; three generations later, that legacy - a well respected business - is still going strong. Meet Angel’s Distributing Inc., one of our WCAA industry partners and a stellar example of how to keep a business scaling upward with each decade.
Angel’s Distributing has been a family owned and operated full-service provider of fabric drapery linings since 1977. Their guiding principle is to serve their customers with the highest quality fabrics available, the best service they can possibly give, and the most competitive pricing in the market.
We sat down with third generation and future owner Taylor Angel. Our interview dove deep into the inner workings of her family’s business, as well as where she intends to take the business in the future.
Meet Taylor Angel
Taylor is on a mission to be the best version of herself personally while also working towards taking over her family company, a drapery lining distributor: Angel's Distributing Inc. Educated in business marketing, she has a unique approach to the company, taught to her by her parents, Karen and Ralph Angel. We get raw and real in this interview with Taylor as we talk about routines, mindset, and the discipline in business to keep leveling up as life gets busy.
Hi, Taylor! Tell us - how long has your family been in business? 45 years.
What is your geographic service area? We service professionals all over the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and more.
How many people are on your team? 14
What is your business's specialty? Quality drapery linings, interlinings, blackouts, sheer fabrics & workroom supplies.
How did you personally learn or get into this trade?
My parents and grandfather started Angel's Distributing in the basement of my parents' first home. I was a new born baby brought up with two parents working out of our home. My mom would care for me while running the business and my dad would be in the basement filling orders and outside unloading and loading trucks. My mom would sit me at the edge of her desk with my own "checkbook" and put me to work so she could get her work done. This is all I know and I truly put my heart and soul into what I do everyday. My goal is to not only extend what my family has created but to ensure I can continue this successful business and scale it to touch as many families as we can.
What roles do your family members fill in the business?
My Father, Ralph Angel: Owner & CEO
My Mother, Karen Angel: Owner & CFO
Myself, Taylor Angel: Vice President
My brother, Niko Angel: COO
What challenges have you faced when working together?
My family and I are a VERY close knit Italian family. We do everything together and we constantly talk to each other. It's all sunshine and rainbows, until its not all sunshine and rainbows. The biggest challenge we face is realizing when its family time and when its work time. Its difficult to remove the personal emotion out of our jobs when THIS company is personal to us. We take what we do very seriously and love supporting this industry, and many other industries, the best we can!
Which of your family members’ skill sets differ from yours?
My brother Niko's skill sets are the opposite of mine, which works out to be a positive thing. We don't step on each others toes; he has his job, and I have mine. At the same time, we are able to step in for each other if needed. Niko is great at making sure everything flows together and gets done. I'm great at working on the big vision of everything, scaling our business, and coming up with ideas.
How have your family members positively impacted the business?
We all ebb and flow together. When our customers call, they can talk to one of our family members. We make sure we provide the best linings at the best prices with the best service... and tootsie pops!
For you personally, what has been the best part of having your family join your business?
There is a comfort in having your mother and father be the people who trained you from the start. They really laid the groundwork for me to grow into this strong entrepreneur I have always been since a little girl, and having that freedom to just go after what I want has been great for me. The extra bonus is getting to see my mom and dad every day!
Do any of your family members plan to take ownership of the business?
I will be the one to take ownership of Angel's Distributing when my parents retire, with Niko.
Which types of subcontractors do you rely on the most?
Our employees here all play a very important part of our day to day and making sure we hold strong to our core values and principles. We rely on them and trust them to work in the business as we work on our business.
What hiring gaps does your business have?
We love adding company representatives to sell our products and be hands on with our sales.
What training / education has been the most vital to the success of your business?
Aside from training and learning the products and the business itself, personal growth has been HUGE for me specifically - networking, reading, listening. I am a huge fan of business books and podcasts. There is truly an endless amount of knowledge in the world and keeping up with everything is a vital piece of being successful. I'll learn something and it will turn into an idea I can use at work, or it will connect me with someone new. It's all very exciting; education never ends.
Where do you get the majority of your projects and clients?
Word of mouth, online, podcasts, trade shows, etc.
What business and project management tools do you use and recommend?
Microsoft Teams, Canva, Constant Contact, and Quickbooks.
How has this business improved the quality of life for your family / team?
Working for yourself and working with your heart consumes you. It's extremely rewarding. We don't have set vacation days; our family communicates with each other when we plan to have time off. Not having set amount of days to work brings a sense of peace. Also, knowing my parents just across the building to answer a question, help me with any issues, or just talk is the best perk of them all.
How has your business benefited from being part of the WCAA?
Angel's loves being apart of the WCAA. We love being apart of the community and knowing our name is there for everyone to see. We also love supporting each and every one of you, whether that be through partner discounts, samples, or donations.
Where can people find you?
Website: www.AngelsLinings.com
Instagram: @angelsdistributinginc
Facebook: Angel's Distributing INC.
LinkedIn: Angel's Distributing INC.