Kristi Maxwell Prince is the chief financial officer for Maxwell Hardwood Flooring, and co-owner of its sister company, Townsend Flooring, as well as BioWood LLC. Her career in the wood flooring industry began during her high school years, when she worked in her family’s business and gained experience across multiple operational roles. After earning her Bachelor’s degree from Ouachita Baptist University and her Master’s in Business Administration from Louisiana State University, she advanced her professional training in the Dallas/Fort Worth area as an internal auditor with Lockheed Martin Corp. and later as a lead internal auditor with RadioShack Corp.
Prince returned to Arkansas in 2001 and rejoined Maxwell Hardwood Flooring. In her current role, she oversees the company’s financial strategy, cost analysis, inventory controls, and compliance functions. She is an active civic and industry leader, serving on the Arkansas Forestry Association Board and the NWFA Education and Research Foundation Board, among others. Here, she provides five pieces of advice to help others in the industry.
1. Customer service isn’t just about customers. You also are taking care of your vendors and your employees. When all three feel supported, everything runs smoother.
2. You’ve got to understand your numbers. Your financial health affects every part of your business, and knowing your production numbers helps you spot problems early. Efficiency really does make or break you.
3. Be ready to adjust when things change. Trends shift, materials change, and the market moves fast. Staying flexible keeps you from falling behind.
4. You can’t do it all by yourself. Success takes teamwork. Having good people around you makes the hard days easier and the big goals possible.
5. Working with family means setting boundaries. When the workday ends, leave business at the door. Keeping home and work separate protects your relationships and your sanity.
