Fri Dec 06 09:14:55 UTC 2024: ## Shy Introvert Builds $1.2 Billion Home Services Empire
**Indianapolis, IN** – Angela Hicks, co-founder and Chief Customer Officer of Angi (formerly Angie’s List), has defied expectations to build a billion-dollar business, despite a lifelong battle with introversion. Hicks, 51, recently shared her incredible journey with CNBC, revealing that overcoming her fear of strangers was key to Angi’s success.
Launched in 1995, Angi initially involved Hicks going door-to-door to recruit customers – a daunting task for someone who describes socializing with strangers as her “worst nightmare.” This personal struggle, however, fueled her determination. Forgoing a lucrative job offer of $40,000, Hicks opted to join her former boss at half the salary to pursue her entrepreneurial dream.
Today, Angi is a leading player in the $90 billion US home services market, connecting millions of homeowners with trusted professionals for repairs, cleaning, and renovations. In 2023 alone, Angi processed nearly 23 million service requests, generating over $1.3 billion in revenue, and boasting a company valuation of $1.2 billion.
Hicks attributes her success to strategic goal setting and self-improvement. She developed coping mechanisms for her introversion, such as rehearsing presentations and celebrating even small victories, like securing a single membership sale. Her advice to others? Tackle the most challenging tasks first, saving easier ones for later to maintain motivation. Hicks’ story serves as an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance and overcoming personal limitations to achieve extraordinary success.
First Piper 