Alaska Small Business Person of the Year.

• Author: PARMELEE, CATHERINE
• Position: Barbara Cash of Interior Space Design - Brief Article

Barbara Cash of Interior Space Design Triumphs

The U.S. Small Business Administration named Anchorage's Barbara Cash, owner of Interior Space Design, the 2000 Alaska Small Business Person of the Year.

"Barbara Cash has demonstrated the initiative, perseverance and management ability to grow her firm into a very successful business," said Frank Cox, SBA's Alaska director.

Interior Space Design started in 1978 when Cash, an interior designer, found herself unemployed due to a company downsize and move. Clients urged her to begin her own business. Cash took the plunge, becoming an entrepreneur at age 26.

Many Alaska firms suffered setbacks during the 1980s real estate crash, including Interior Space Design. After rapid growth in its first seven years, the firm was faced with clients who couldn't pay. As the recession continued, the firm's work force dropped from nine to three, and revenues plummeted. At the same time, Cash was pregnant with her second child, and her husband, Larry, facing economic challenges, decided to open his own business: Cash Barner Architects.

The young family cashed in some small IRAs, sold all they could, and made it through the difficult period, according to Cash, by the grace of God.

"God's provided me with the guidance and courage to continue when times were tough," Cash said. "I believe God's at work in my life and business, which is a way to serve others by improving working, living and healing environments."

The firm expanded into new markets, including government contracting with help from the Small Business Development Center's Procurement and Technical Assistance Center. Interior Space Design took the lead in technology, introducing computer-aided design to its services. As a result of efficiencies and attention to detail, the firm began a steady growth.

"We've worked hard to develop a broad-based market niche," Cash said. "More importantly, we maintain the highest level of service possible, and service is what we sell."

Service involves stepping into clients' shoes. Interior Space...