Agenda
Empower the Designer Retreat

Day 1: Welcome

Opening Key Note Session

Jake Arnold & Brigette Romanek

  • 2:00PM - 4:00PM Retreat Check In

  • 5:00PM - 6:00PM Cocktails at Henrietta’s

  • 6:00PM - 7:00PM Key Note

  • 7:00PM - 9:00PM Dinner at Henrietta’s at The Dewberry

Day 2:
Strategic Operations Foundations

  • 8:00–9:00AM: Breakfast & Connections

  • 9:00–10:15AM: Workshop Session I – Processes Building Clarity & Systems for Growth

    Workflow optimization & building SOPs

  • 10:30–11:45PM: Workshop Session II – System & technology - The Tools Behind Successful Design Firms

    Leveraging technology, core tools & tech stack

  • 12:00–1:00PM: Lunch Roundtables

    Peer discussion: Operations challenges & successful strategies

  • 1:00–2:15PM: Keynote Speaker – Mike Moser 

  • 2:30–3:45PM: Workshop Session III – People - Structuring Your Team for Autonomy & Success

    Culture, team structure, feedback

  • 4:00–5:00PM: Keynote Speaker – Keith Granet

  • 6:00PM - 7:00PM: Drinks & Dialogue

  • 7:00PM - 9:00PM: Dinner in the Walled Garden

Day 3:
Tax Strategy for Creative Firms

  • 8:00–9:00AM: Breakfast & Connections

  • 9:00–10:15AM: Operational Q&A - Keith Granet & Julia Nikishina

    Understanding the highs and lows of the interior design business!

  • 10:30–11:45PM: Workshop Session IV – Tax Basics

    Understanding entity selection, deductible expenses, and cash vs. accrual methods.

  • 12:00–1:00PM: Workshop Session V – Tax Deduction

    Deep dives into tax strategy and how to use the IRS code to your advantage

  • 1:00–2:00PM: Lunch Roundtables

    Tax Talk Peer discussion and farewells!

  • 2:30: Departure 

Solving what matters most…

Empowering designers to conquer the challenges of growth, turning challenges into opportunities.

Operational Pain Points:

Inefficient Systems & Processes

Many design firms struggle with time-consuming manual workflows, lack of standardized processes, and operational bottlenecks. Sessions will show how to implement technology and automation for efficiency.

Staffing & Team Retention

Recruiting and retaining skilled staff, training people consistently, and creating a positive workplace culture are persistent challenges in creative businesses. The agenda addresses successful hiring and retention strategies.

Workflow Management

Balancing creative work with project management, delegation, and client communication can be overwhelming without the right systems in place. Workshops will help attendees redesign workflows for better results.

Financial & Tax Pain Points

Complex Tax Compliance

Navigating entity selection, deductible expenses, multi-state sales tax, and economic nexus laws are increasingly complicated and risky. 

Lack of Tax Planning

Many small firms miss opportunities for strategic tax savings or fall into costly mistakes. The retreat's deep dive into tax optimization helps business owners make smarter, lower-risk financial decisions.

Growth & Strategic Challenges

Scaling Beyond the Principal

Firm owners often struggle to delegate, automate, and build a team-driven business rather than a founder-centric model. The operations strategy sessions focus on methods to grow sustainably.

Lack of Peer Support & Networking

Running a design firm can be isolating. The retreat provides access to micro-networks, collaborative peer groups, and mentoring, reducing stress while sparking fresh ideas.

At Empower the Designer, attendees will walk away with actionable solutions—enhanced systems, clear tax and operational strategies, and a robust support network—empowering them to grow their businesses with clarity and confidence.