Meet Heather Nichols + MacKenzie Greckel + Casie Fischer | ACS Business Development Team

We had the good fortune of connecting with Heather Nichols + MacKenzie Greckel + Casie Fischer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Heather Nichols + MacKenzie Greckel +, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
H: Pursuing a creative career was a natural choice for me, as it allowed me to merge my hands-on love for creating and the opportunity for creative expression, which I’d developed a love for during my years spent dancing. This career path has allowed me to surround myself with people, spaces, and materials that inspire me daily.

M: I come from a long line of talented quilters on my mother’s side and visual artists on my father’s. I was born with an “art brain” and have always embraced it. When it came to my career post academia there was no question in pursuing something that engaged my creative approach. I prioritize creativity in every corner of my life.

C: Art and design have been a part of my life since I can remember. My mom is really creative and seeing her excel in her craft opened up a variety of possibilities for me. Being able to create beautiful things: whether it is producing events, designing spaces, or styling clothing brings me so much joy.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
H: I spent the first half of my career as an Interior Designer and later pursued sales and consulting roles, focused on both commercial flooring and on furniture. This blend of experiences has given me a uniquely empathetic perspective on the industry, on the work of interior designers, and on how to be the best possible partner and resource that I can be. I wouldn’t say that this journey has been as easy one, but it’s been enriched by the guidance of incredible mentors along the way. The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is the importance of relationships and of excellent communication and customer service. ACS Flooring Group and its founders are known for being humble, trustworthy, and for excellent execution. While that remains the backbone of our business, I’d want others to know that our team is uniquely positioned to guide Interior Designers through the maze of product choices and technical specifications available to them. Our company provides product and installation as well as flooring maintenance. We can provide insight to designers grounded in real world insight over thousands of projects. We help designers make informed decisions for their clients. Being trusted advisors is what we do best- and we love it!

M: My career in the flooring industry has combined every skillset I pride myself in. I am able to be creative whilst using my technical knowledge. I am actively social and able to meet incredible individuals daily. As I have adapted to this new role in the industry – the main “lesson” I have learned is to prioritize authenticity. Embracing by background and personality has done nothing but lead to new opportunities and successful endeavors

C: I’ve had the opportunity to work within the event, fashion, lifestyle, and oil and gas sectors for the last 20+ years continually honing my skills in the realms of project management, client services and event planning & styling. I pride myself on having developed a unique balance of creativity and business savvy consistently informed by a driving focus on customer service. I love being the lane that connects various elements.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One commonality on our team is our love for travel. We pride ourselves on being able to find the best of the best in every city. Here are some of our favorites in our favorite city, Houston.

Food: Cafe Brasil, Uchiko, Le Colonial, Hando, Squable

Drinks + Coffee: Better Luck Tomorrow for a Salty Cat, Kanpai Club, Refuge, Vibrant Montrose

Thrifting: Fallen Angel Thrift in Rice Village, Value Village on Gessner, MAAM on Blalock, Family Thrift on Long Point

Experiences: The Menil Collection, Anywhere the Waxaholics are DJing, Julia McLaurin’s studio at The Silos at Sawyer Yards

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
H: My grandmother and mother had impeccable taste and a true talent for styling spaces when I was growing up, which was where I was first exposed to the concept of interior design. Stanko Gakovic was my favorite professor at the Art Institute who always spent the time helping me discover my own abilities as a designer and challenged me in ways that helped me grow. Lastly, Louise Nicholson Carter hired me as an intern and later as a full-time interior designer. She not only hugely influenced the strong work ethic that I carry with me today, she also held me to high standards and practiced a great deal of patience with me as I found my place in the world of design.

M: Apart from the obvious: my family who gifted my talents. I have many credits to give! BLC (Brandie Lee Cooper) the professor/mentor that opened my eyes to a sustainable approach to life and art. The Branch Family – who introduced Texas to me as a home. Finally, my Team here at ACS- who fill each day with creative endeavors, teamwork and fun.

C: My family has always been so supportive of my endeavors, which allowed me to fully follow my heart. I owe a lot of thanks to my mentor and good friend Kimberly Wieberg, she hired me for my first full-time creative position at Nordstrom and that really set the course for my career. This year I embarked on a new career in a new industry. It was equally exciting and terrifying, and I can genuinely say that this team that I am on has been the best of my career. Not only did Heather recruit me for the role, but she has also been an amazing sounding board, leader, and the three of us have so much fun!

Website: www.acsflooring.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acsflooring/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acsflooring/ 

Image Credits
Andy Phan Photography