Get to Know: Bridgett Hartshorn

Work Experience

Nationwide Marketing Group 2018-Present
Owner of Mattress Marshals West Coast-Bedding Home inspections 2016-2019
Owner of Americas Mattress-2015-2016 (sold with Affordable Furniture)
Owner of Affordable Furniture and Blinds 2003-2016
Owner of Blinds by Bridgett-1997-2003
Manager Edgewood Custom Interiors-Weed Ca.1992-1999
Arnolds Interiors-Sales-San Marcos Ca 1988-1992
Manager North County Sleep Center-San Marcos Ca.1984-1988

Awards/Certifications

Department of Justice Level 3 Reserve Police Officer 1997
Law Enforcement Chaplain-Sierra Law Enforcement Chaplaincy Certificate 2018

Professional Organizations

Placerville Drive Business Association-Vice President
Servant Leadership Team-Bayside Church of Placerville

Total years of experience with the Independent channel/retail

36 years in retail

What motivates you to get up and go to work for the Independent retailer every day?

I am still excited to see the changes in the industry. It has never been a slow industry.

Tell us about your role at NMG.

My primary role is to save owners money and make them money.

Why did you want to come work at NMG?

I was a member of both Mega and Nationwide over the 13 years when I owned Affordable Furniture. I loved the way both organizations helped me to navigate business decisions. I could count on their information and advice to make those decision. I did not have to start from scratch when I was looking for a new vendor or service. I could look to the group for those referrals. It saved me a lot of time. I found it very helpful and felt I could relate to other business owners and do the same for them.

Why do you think NMG is the best buying group for Independent retailers in today’s climate?

I chose NMG over the competition when I was an owner. I know that it made sense then and it makes sense now because NMG is on the cutting edge of every advancement out there for business. We are always calling and emailing the latest and greatest data, products and services to help business owners survive and thrive. NMG is a very proactive company.

What is the most important project you are working on right now, and why?

Given the current state of business, we have been working to get all of our members on better websites. This is important because the shift to online happened so quickly because of COVID-19 that a lot of Members’ websites were not adequate.

What is your favorite memory from your time at NMG?

Experiencing PrimeTime with other NMG staff and business members. We work remotely most of the time so it is nice to see people in person and make more personal connections.

What do you like most about your job?

Engaging with members and really helping them grow their business. Those times when you suggest something to your member that they did not know, and they have that ‘Aha!’ moment. It creates a connection with the member that is priceless, and your relationship with them is taken to another level.

What else do you want people to know about you and NMG?

Retail business owners wear many hats. I believe that every retailer needs a buying group to help them navigate the many aspects of their business. Saving them time and money and reducing their stress. I am always excited to present amazing products and winning companies that will keep them on the cutting edge of their industry and allow them to enjoy their business.