Chelsie James

About Chelsie James

I savor the moment I walk with a customer into their space the first time they see their new flooring, holding my breath, hoping they love it as much as I expect. It invariably takes me back to my 14 years of professional ballet, walking on stage with just one opportunity – after weeks of blood, sweat and tears – to prove my worth. I loved the challenge of going from not being able to perform a single move in the first rehearsal to knowing I nailed it in that performance. I transitioned from ballet to interior design, which led me to my opportunity today, as I sought an outlet for creativity – and a chance to thrill an audience.I was fortunate to have the chance to bring my design experience to flooring sales. Three times (in Los Angeles, London and then San Francisco) I doubled sales in a territory I managed. I worked with designers to create custom flooring solutions, strategized budgets and long term goals with national accounts. I loved growing with start-up companies and huge global enterprises alike – setting the criteria for environmental design. I planned events and networked with the best of my industry partners. After 11 years in S.F. it was time for the next challenge.I am fueled by my passion – developed in my 22 years of interior design – for challenging projects and problems. As a marketing director at Patcraft, I love sharing my insights with new account representatives and seasoned professionals alike. In my less than two years with this performance brand, the workplace segment has grown 16 percent – an increase of $26 million in sales and connection to our A&D community has grown. At Patcraft we are inspired by our customers’ needs and ambitions. I relish the opportunity to travel with account representatives to meet our customers – and to coach those reps, supporting them to build their confidence and expertise. Together we gather insights from markets across North America that shape Patcraft’s products. I am thrilled to be at a company focused on delighting our customers!

Experience

1. Vice President of Strategic Accounts for Multifamily, Shaw Contract & Patcraft, Ne & Nc

   Shaw Industries

   Apr 2025 — Present · US

   As Vice President of Strategic Accounts for Shaw Contract and Patcraft, I lead sales strategy and growth initiatives across the Northeast and North Central regions within the Multifamily segment. Based near Shaw Industries’ headquarters in the Atlanta area, I serve as a vital link between key stakeholders—including developers, architects and designers (A&D), end users, and flooring contractors—while aligning efforts with our commercial divisions to drive national success.With over 25 years in the flooring industry, I bring deep expertise in customer engagement, operational execution, and strategic innovation. My focus is on delivering measurable growth, building trust-based relationships, and fostering collaboration across the value chain. I am passionate about contributing to Shaw’s ongoing success in a competitive and evolving marketplace.

Education

• University of Utah

  Bachelor's Degree, Organizational Communication & Dance

• ATD - Association for Talent Development

  Coaching Certificate

  2016

• University of California, Berkeley

  Berkeley Leadership Accelerator

  2016 — 2016

• DISD - Design Institute of San Diego

  BA, Interior Design