Brian, how did Balsam Mountain Consulting Come About?

Well, in 2004, I took a lot of time off work to volunteer for the John Edwards campaign.  I was so fed up with George W Bush– I had been watching a lot of “Democracy Now” on TV– that I would have done jus about anything to help defeat him that November.  Living in North Carolina and being a populist, for me, Edwards was the  best bet.

So, I banged on doors in minus seventeen degree weather, made incessant phone calls, crashed in the floor of the downtown Des Moines YMCA and woke up to ice cold showers, in order to help the guy out.

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September 26, 2012

Q: Can you tell me about your background and how you got into this industry?

A: When I graduated from the University of Florida, I took a job with American Express. My job was to call on businesses that did not accept American Express and sit down with the owners of places and try to close them. I’ve been around the restaurant industry my whole entire career, but I knew that owning one was very risky and failure rate is very high. But, to answer your question, one of the main owners asked me to get involved and I originally said no. He pretty much twisted my arm and I finally agreed to be a part of the partnership.

Q: So do you like the decision you made?

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Trina Owen is a transplant to Western North Carolina by way of Southern California.  She is an artistic, creative soul who brings a passionate touch to her gallery and framing store located in Brevard, NC.  The name of Trina’s store is 32 Broad Gallery and Framing and she makes it her personal mission to ensure that each client feels as though they are getting every dollars worth of her knowledge and expertise. Along with creating beautiful pieces, providing superior customer service is a top priority. She has a bubbly personality that is infectious and her creative ability is mesmerizing.  It was a true pleasure interviewing her. 

 

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