# Meet Our New Bakersfield Regional Manager: Alison Hickman
We're excited to introduce Alison Hickman as the newest member of the Tangram family. As Regional Manager for our Bakersfield office, Alison brings seven years of entrepreneurial experience running her own interior, event, and floral design business—all while raising five sons. Her unique blend of design expertise and business acumen makes her perfectly positioned to expand Tangram's impact in the Central Valley.
## From Business Owner to Regional Leader
Alison's journey to Tangram reflects the kind of entrepreneurial spirit we value. For the past seven years, she's successfully operated her own design business in Bakersfield, giving her deep insights into both the creative and operational sides of interior design. This experience provides her with a unique perspective on client needs and market dynamics that will benefit our commercial design projects.
"I'm so excited to work towards bringing all of the great things Tangram is doing in other markets to Bakersfield," Alison shares. "In my previous role, it was always rewarding to see how a well-designed space functions and affects people."
## Getting to Know Alison: Ten Questions
**What's your hometown?** Bakersfield, CA—making her a true local who understands the community's needs.
**Previous experience?** Owner of an Interior, Event, and Floral Design business for seven years, giving her comprehensive design and client management experience.
**Recent accomplishments?** While she doesn't keep a formal bucket list, Alison takes pride in building a successful business and now transitioning to her new role at Tangram.
**Favorite food?** "I love gourmet children's foods, like fancy grilled cheese or sandwiches. My absolute favorite is a family recipe for candied bacon—it's everything salty, sweet, and 'bacony' you can imagine."
**Dream lunch companion?** Brad Pitt. "I should probably say someone smart or historical, but he's just a good-looking guy!"
**What excites you most about joining Tangram?** "I'm looking forward to learning all that Tangram has to offer and can offer to the Bakersfield community. There's so much potential to make an impact."
**Bravest thing you've done?** "I have five children, all boys! That requires daily bravery. Really, I just do what needs to be done in most situations."
**Donut capacity?** Despite having celiac disease and type 1 diabetes, she occasionally indulges in a blueberry cake donut—"and all the sugar and gluten that goes with it!"
**What will you bring to Tangram?** "Dedication to success through creativity and hard work. I'm excited to lead the Bakersfield team and discover new possibilities in that market."
## Expanding Tangram's Central Valley Presence
Alison's appointment represents Tangram's continued growth and commitment to serving California's diverse commercial design markets. Her local knowledge, combined with proven business leadership and design expertise, positions our Bakersfield office to better serve clients throughout the Central Valley.
With her entrepreneurial background and deep community roots, Alison brings exactly the kind of leadership needed to grow our presence in this important market. We're confident her creativity, work ethic, and client-focused approach will create new opportunities for exceptional commercial design in Bakersfield and beyond.
Welcome to the team, Alison—we're thrilled to have you aboard!
