In this episode of the Furniture Success Podcast, host Ahmet Yavuz from Furniture Marketing Pros sits down with Matt Packard, founder of Packrat Things Co., a custom furniture and maker business based in Tucson, Arizona, to explore why custom furniture makers could be the next great partnership opportunity for retailers. Matt breaks down how he prices and times custom projects, what standard sized retail furniture misses that custom pieces solve, and where he sees real room for makers and retailers to work together. If you run a furniture store and want to know how to add a custom offering without building it yourself, this conversation is for you.

GUEST

📩 Matt Packard – Packrat Things Co.
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-packard-56177935/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/packratthings

HOST

📩 Ahmet Yavuz – Furniture Marketing Pros
🌐 Website: https://furnituremarketingpros.com
📞 Call: 973-832-0923
📧 Email: [email protected]
📘 Facebook: / furnituremarketingpros
📸 Instagram: / furnituremarketingpros
💼 LinkedIn: / furniture-marketing-pros

👉 Apply for your FREE 1:1 Furniture Store Acceleration Session: https://go.furnituremarketingpros.com/schedule
📥 Download your FREE Marketing Checklist: https://go.furnituremarketingpros.com/checklist

💬 What's your biggest takeaway from Matt's story? Leave a review and subscribe for more real conversations with furniture industry pros!

#FurnitureSuccessPodcast #CustomFurniture #FurnitureMaker #PackratThingsCo #FurnitureMarketing #SmallBusiness #Woodworking #FurnitureIndustry

In this episode of the Furniture Success Podcast, host Ahmet Yavuz from Furniture Marketing Pros sits down with Nathan Voelz, founder of Fresh Furniture, an in home furniture repair and refinishing business based in the Milwaukee area. Nathan shares his unconventional path from a painting and drawing degree to furniture sanding, cabinet making, spray finishing, and eventually running his own mobile repair operation. From working extended warranty jobs to building a loyal local customer base, Nathan opens up about the real challenges of going solo, why he nearly lost customers with an AI answering service, and what every furniture owner should know before calling a repair tech.

GUEST

📩 Nathan Voelz – Fresh Furniture
🌐 Website: https://freshfurnituremke.com
📞 Phone: (414) 534-1213
📍 West Allis, WI — Serving Greater Southeastern WI Area
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fresh-furniture-02954b45/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshfurnituremke
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshfurnituremke/

HOST

📩 Ahmet Yavuz – Furniture Marketing Pros
🌐 Website: https://furnituremarketingpros.com
📞 Call: 973-832-0923
📧 Email: [email protected]
📘 Facebook: / furnituremarketingpros
📸 Instagram: / furnituremarketingpros
💼 LinkedIn: / furniture-marketing-pros

👉 Apply for your FREE 1:1 Furniture Store Acceleration Session: https://go.furnituremarketingpros.com/schedule
📥 Download your FREE Marketing Checklist: https://go.furnituremarketingpros.com/checklist

🎧 Listen to the Furniture Success Podcast:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5X7jzaB...
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
YouTube: / @furniture_marketing_pros

⏱️ Timestamps (Highlights):

00:00 Welcome and Nathan's background in furniture
01:41 From Sears to cabinet making: the early career path
07:31 Why repairs stuck: independence over the shop floor
09:30 Starting Fresh Furniture as a business owner
12:25 Supporting local suppliers and building relationships
13:44 Most common repairs: electronics, motors and discontinued parts
14:52 What can be fixed vs. what should be replaced
18:16 What furniture is built to last (mid tier pricing guide)
22:36 How Nathan works with furniture stores and retailers
24:26 How retailers handle delivery damage and warranty repairs
27:08 Partnering with online furniture sellers: the opportunity
31:42 Competing with national repair chains as a local one man shop
33:43 How Nathan prices and estimates jobs
35:59 Are more people choosing repair over replace?
37:17 Local SEO, Google reviews and getting found by AI search
38:22 One thing every furniture owner should know (zippers!)
43:32 Nathan's AI answering service experiment and what went wrong
47:23 AI, voice cloning and the future of customer service
48:26 Work life balance, curling and Midwest culture
51:35 Advice for anyone starting a furniture repair business

💬 What's your biggest takeaway from Nathan's story? Drop a comment and subscribe for more real conversations with furniture industry pros!

#FurnitureSuccessPodcast #FurnitureRepair #FurnitureBusiness #FreshFurniture #FurnitureMarketing #SmallBusiness #MilwaukeeSmallBusiness #FurnitureIndustry

Furniture Success Podcast — Brad Voosen (Happy Hour Hero)

In this episode, Ahmet Yavuz chats with Brad Voosen, inventor of Happy Hour Hero — the innovative adjustable armrest organizer transforming outdoor comfort. Brad shares how a simple backyard idea became a patented product now catching the attention of major furniture brands. From 3D printing and manufacturing to e-commerce and marketing, his story offers real-world lessons for inventors and entrepreneurs alike.

🔗 Guest Links

• 🌐 hhhero.com
• 💼 LinkedIn
• 📧 [email protected]
• 🛒 Also on thegrommet.com

🚀 Work With Furniture Marketing Pros

• 🎯 Free 1:1 Acceleration Session
• 📥 Free Marketing Checklist

🎧 Listen to the Podcast

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• YouTube

📺 More Episodes

• Podcast Playlist
• Webinars

📞 Contact Ahmet Yavuz

• 📞 973-832-0923
• 📧 [email protected]
• 📅 Book a Strategy Call
• 🎙️ Podcast Booking

⏱️ Highlights

• 00:00 – Brad’s story & first invention
• 03:30 – How Happy Hour Hero was born
• 09:48 – From prototype to manufacturing
• 14:45 – Design & engineering challenges
• 18:08 – Why Shopify won for e-commerce
• 21:12 – Advice for aspiring inventors
• 27:14 – Growth plans & investments
• 32:32 – Partnering with furniture brands
• 38:13 – Overcoming criticism & staying creative
• 42:30 – Where to buy Happy Hour Hero

💬 Have questions or ideas? Reach out to Brad or connect with Ahmet for marketing strategies and podcast collaborations.

#FurnitureSuccessPodcast #HappyHourHero #FurnitureInnovation #ProductDesign #Entrepreneurship #StartupJourney #OutdoorFurniture #FurnitureMarketing #InventorLife

In this episode of the Furniture Success Podcast, host Ahmet Yavuz sits down with Sherry Alfaro, the creative mind and business owner behind Ralph’s Interiors, a well-known interior design shop based in Los Angeles.

Sherry shares how she took over her father’s business and grew it into a trusted name in LA’s design scene — all through referrals, personalized service, and a deep focus on client-first values. She dives into the importance of listening, showing up with empathy, and why doing business the right way still works today.

If you're an interior designer, small business owner, or looking to grow your home decor brand through relationship-based marketing, this episode will inspire you.

🔗 Guest Links

• 📸 Instagram: ralphsinteriors
• 🖼 Pinterest: interiorsralphs
• 📘 Facebook: Ralph’s Interiors
• 🌐 Website: ralphsinteriors.net
• 💼 LinkedIn: Sherry Alfaro

🚀 Resources

• 👉 Free 1:1 Furniture Store Acceleration Session
• 📥 Download Free Marketing Checklist

🎧 Listen

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• YouTube

📺 More Episodes & Webinars

• Podcast Playlist
• Marketing Webinars

📞 Contact Ahmet Yavuz

• 📞 Call: 973-832-0923
• 📧 Email: [email protected]
• 📅 Strategy Call
• 🎙️ Podcast Booking

⏱️ Timestamps

• 00:00 – Sherry’s journey from daughter to business owner
• 03:15 – Early days of Ralph’s Interiors & first big changes
• 06:45 – Transitioning into full-service interior design
• 10:40 – Finding her voice & vision in a competitive market
• 13:20 – Challenges of being woman-led in a male-dominated space
• 16:50 – Why she refuses to cut corners for profit
• 19:35 – Building long-term client relationships through trust
• 23:10 – Staying inspired & following design trends
• 27:05 – Expanding beyond window coverings
• 31:00 – Why her mission is bigger than design
• 34:20 – Advice for young designers & entrepreneurs
• 38:00 – Vision for the next chapter of Ralph’s Interiors

#FurnitureSuccessPodcast #RalphsInteriors #InteriorDesignBusiness #WomenInBusiness #DesignEntrepreneur #FurnitureMarketing #FurnitureStoreSuccess #CustomInteriors #SouthTexasDesign #AhmetYavuz

In this episode of the Furniture Success Podcast, host Ahmet Yavuz of Furniture Marketing Pros sits down with Nicholas Ostrem, founder of STRE Designs, to share his journey from model maker at Herman Miller to launching his own design and machining company. Nicholas reveals how he started STRE Designs from a two-car garage with a single CNC machine, lessons from corporate design, and what it took to launch during COVID-19. Packed with insights on craftsmanship, resilience, and running a niche business, this episode is a must-listen for designers, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs.

📩 Connect with Nicholas Ostrem

• 🌐 stredesigns.com
• 📧 [email protected]
• 🔗 LinkedIn

📩 Contact Furniture Marketing Pros | Host Ahmet Yavuz

• 🌐 furnituremarketingpros.com
• 📞 973-832-0923
• 📘 Facebook
• 📸 Instagram
• 💼 LinkedIn

Free Resources

• 👉 Free 1:1 Acceleration Session
• 📥 Download Checklist

🎧 Listen

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• YouTube

📺 More Episodes & Webinars

• Podcast Playlist
• Marketing Webinars

⏱️ Highlights

• 00:00 – Journey from Minneapolis to Herman Miller
• 03:00 – Starting STRE Designs in a garage with one CNC
• 06:30 – Getting laid off during COVID & going all-in
• 09:10 – Why STRE focuses on prototyping & machining
• 12:30 – Challenges of running a small shop
• 18:00 – Lessons from Herman Miller’s design process
• 23:00 – Collaborating with designers for feasibility
• 27:00 – Navigating seasonality & slowdowns
• 33:00 – Quality assurance & client communication
• 41:00 – Innovation, AI & the future of design

💬 What’s your biggest takeaway from Nicholas’s story? Subscribe for more insights from leaders shaping the furniture world.

#FurnitureSuccessPodcast #FurnitureDesign #STREDesigns #FurnitureBusiness #FurnitureMarketing

In this episode of the Furniture Success Podcast, host Ahmet Yavuz from Furniture Marketing Pros sits down with Brian Hurvitz, a seasoned designer with nearly two decades of experience in custom furniture and product design.

Brian shares how he transitioned from automotive design to furniture, the importance of bespoke craftsmanship, and what he’s learned from balancing corporate roles with running his own high-end custom shop. From failures that became turning points to the value of mentorship and timeless design, this conversation is packed with insights for both furniture makers and entrepreneurs.

• 📧 Email: [email protected]
• 🔗 LinkedIn: Brian Hurvitz

• 🌐 Website: furnituremarketingpros.com
• 📞 Call: 973-832-0923
• 📧 Email: [email protected]
• 📘 Facebook: Furniture Marketing Pros on Facebook
• 📸 Instagram: @furnituremarketingpros
• 💼 LinkedIn: Furniture Marketing Pros

• 👉 Apply for a FREE 1:1 Furniture Store Acceleration Session: Schedule here
• 📥 Download your FREE Marketing Checklist: Get the checklist

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• YouTube

• 00:00 – Brian’s journey from engineering to furniture design
• 02:30 – Discovering passion for furniture at CCS in Detroit
• 06:30 – Why bespoke furniture beats mass production
• 10:20 – The $3,000 reception desk challenge and recovery
• 15:45 – Hard lessons learned without a website or social media
• 18:30 – Why mentorship matters in design and business
• 21:50 – Tech & design: 3D printing, AI, and future possibilities
• 23:50 – The all-in-one DJ desk project with built-in audio & power
• 27:40 – How Brian handles failures and tough clients
• 31:20 – The future of custom furniture and industry challenges

💬 What’s your favorite insight from Brian? Drop a comment below and subscribe for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of furniture and design.

#FurnitureSuccessPodcast #FurnitureDesign #CustomFurniture #FurnitureBusiness #FurnitureMarketing #DesignLeadership

In this episode Michael Imperatore, founder of Décor Design Labs, shares how building strong relationships, leveraging collaborations, and maintaining an active industry presence helped grow his brand. From connecting with the right partners to creating opportunities through networking, Michael offers insights every furniture & décor entrepreneur should hear.

• 🌐 Website: decordesignlabs.com
• 📧 Email: [email protected]
• 📸 Instagram: @decor_design_lab
• 📘 Facebook: Décor Design Labs on Facebook
• 💼 LinkedIn: Décor Design Labs
• 📞 Call: 917-623-8258

• 🌐 Website: furnituremarketingpros.com
• 📞 Call: 973-832-0923
• 📧 Email: [email protected]
• 📘 Facebook: Furniture Marketing Pros on Facebook
• 📸 Instagram: @furnituremarketingpros
• 💼 LinkedIn: Furniture Marketing Pros

• 👉 Apply for a FREE 1:1 Furniture Store Acceleration Session: Schedule here
• 📥 Download your FREE Marketing Checklist: Get the checklist

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• YouTube

• 00:00 – Introduction to Michael Imperatore & Décor Design Labs
• 02:00 – Why networking matters more than technical skills in this industry
• 06:10 – How Michael built early connections that opened doors
• 11:00 – Leveraging partnerships to grow a business faster
• 15:20 – Attending events and being visible in the right circles
• 20:35 – Finding collaborators who share your vision
• 27:15 – Turning casual conversations into business opportunities
• 34:00 – How to nurture professional relationships over time
• 40:45 – Social media as a networking and credibility tool
• 46:50 – Stories of deals made through personal connections
• 52:30 – Michael’s advice for newcomers focusing on relationships

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments — what's your #1 takeaway from Michael’s networking strategy?

#FurnitureMarketing #FurnitureSuccess #FurnitureBusiness #NetworkingForBusiness #FurnitureIndustry

In this episode of the Furniture Success Podcast, host Ahmet Yavuz sits down with Kwadwo Som-Pimpong, the founder of Crafted Glory — a custom furniture brand known for its craftsmanship, premium materials, and timeless design.

Kwadwo shares how his early passion for working with his hands evolved into a thriving business, building tables and furniture pieces for high-end clients and designers. From the balance of artistic freedom and customer service to the lessons learned through tough client experiences, this episode is packed with gems for furniture makers, creatives, and entrepreneurs alike.

• Kwadwo’s journey from ministry work to full-time furniture making
• Why he focuses on heirloom-quality dining tables
• Behind the scenes of his pricing strategy and client process
• Lessons from challenging client experiences
• The power of storytelling and craftsmanship in branding

• 🌐 Website
• 📸 Instagram
• 💼 LinkedIn
• 📘 Facebook

• 👉 Apply for your FREE 1:1 Furniture Store Acceleration Session
• 📥 Download your FREE marketing checklist

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• YouTube

• Podcast Playlist
• Monthly Webinars/Workshops

• 📞 Call: 973-832-0923
• 📅 Book a Strategy Call

• 00:00 – Meet Kwadwo Som-Pimpong and the story of Crafted Glory
• 02:30 – From ministry to full-time furniture making
• 04:40 – Early days building with reclaimed wood
• 07:50 – Why dining tables became the signature product
• 11:30 – Pricing, process, and attracting premium clients
• 14:55 – Navigating client expectations and tough experiences
• 20:45 – Learning the balance between business and creativity
• 26:00 – How storytelling plays a role in furniture branding
• 30:30 – His experience hiring and building a support team
• 35:15 – Kwadwo’s advice for new furniture makers
• 40:00 – The future vision for Crafted Glory

🔖 Tags: #FurnitureSuccessPodcast #FurnitureMarketing #FurnitureMarketingPros #MattressMarketingTips #FurnitureMarketingTips

In this episode of the Furniture Success Podcast by Furniture Marketing Pros, host Ahmet Yavuz sits down with John Artemis, founder of Best Mobile Furniture Repair, to talk about his 30+ years in the furniture repair industry.

From humble beginnings with a DIY vinyl repair kit to building a successful nationwide service, John shares valuable insights on high-quality craftsmanship, customer service, and growing a niche business.

Whether you're a furniture business owner or just curious about the world of furniture repair, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiring lessons.

• His journey from vinyl repair to mastering wood, leather, and more
• The role of customer communication in repair success
• How Best Mobile Furniture Repair grew into a national brand
• Why he emphasizes quality and technician training
• Balancing national operations with a local-service feel

• 🌐 Website: bestmobilefurniturerepair.com
• 📧 Email: [email protected]
• 📸 Facebook: Best Mobile Furniture Repair

• 👉 Apply for a FREE 1:1 Acceleration Session
• 📥 Download the FREE Marketing Checklist

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• YouTube

• Podcast Playlist
• Webinars

• 📞 Call: +1 (973) 832-0923
• 🗓️ Schedule a Strategy Call

Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

• 00:00 – John’s journey: From vinyl repair to starting Best Mobile Furniture Repair
• 04:00 – Learning repair from a DIY kit
• 08:00 – Why customer communication is key
• 12:00 – Ensuring quality and satisfaction
• 16:00 – Managing nationwide operations
• 19:00 – Technician training and onboarding
• 23:00 – Using CRM and live chat to boost service
• 27:00 – Evolving with recliner & furniture repair trends
• 32:00 – Maintaining high service standards
• 38:00 – Advice for new repair business owners

💬 Enjoyed the episode? Drop a comment and don’t forget to subscribe for more insights from leaders in furniture, repair, and design.

#FurnitureSuccessPodcast #FurnitureRepair #MobileFurnitureRepair #FurnitureBusiness #CustomerService #FurnitureIndustry

In this episode, host Ahmet Yavuz sits down with Geoff McKonly to discuss his journey from boat building to founding a successful custom furniture business. Geoff shares valuable insights on craftsmanship, running a solo operation, and building meaningful customer relationships.

💼 In This Episode, Geoff McKonly Shares:

• His unique journey from boat building to custom furniture
• The importance of trust in both customer and supplier relationships
• Why he prefers working solo and keeping things small
• How he navigates the challenges of running a solo business
• His approach to sourcing materials and maintaining high-quality standards
• What sets Geoff McKonly Furniture apart from larger manufacturers

📩 Contact Geoff McKonly:

• 🌐 Website: geoffmckonlyfurniture.com
• 📸 Instagram: @geoffmckonlyfurniture
• 🔗 LinkedIn: Geoff McKonly

👉 Free Resources

• 📞 Apply for your FREE 1:1 Furniture Store Acceleration Session
• 📥 Download your FREE marketing checklist

🎧 Listen to the Furniture Success Podcast:

• Spotify: Listen on Spotify
• Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple
• YouTube: Watch on YouTube

📺 More Episodes & Webinars

• Podcast Playlist
• Webinars

📞 Contact Ahmet Yavuz:

• Call: 973-832-0923
• Strategy Call: Book a Call

Follow Furniture Marketing Pros:

• Facebook: Furniture Marketing Pros
• Instagram: @furnituremarketingpros
• LinkedIn: Company Page

⏱️ Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Geoff McKonly’s journey: From boat building to custom furniture maker
• 04:00 – The initial spark: How Geoff decided to start his own business
• 08:00 – Why Geoff enjoys the design and craftsmanship process
• 12:30 – The challenges of running a one-person furniture business
• 15:00 – What sets Geoff’s business apart from big brands
• 18:30 – Sourcing materials and working with local suppliers
• 21:00 – Balancing creativity with business operations
• 25:30 – Building customer relationships via social media
• 30:00 – Trends in the furniture industry
• 42:00 – Marketing advice for new furniture makers

#FurnitureSuccessPodcast #CustomFurniture #Woodworking #FurnitureDesign #HandcraftedFurniture #FurnitureBusiness