Explore Home - A Podcast from Universal Furniture
Neil MacKenzie
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Welcome to the Explore Home podcast brought to you by Universal Furniture. Hosted by Universal’s Marketing Director Neil MacKenzie, Explore Home navigates all of the latest happenings within the furniture industry, from design trends to changing marketing strategies. Featuring a new guest every episode, Neil delves into their unique skillset and knowledge as it relates to furniture in a warm, casual, conversational tone. Expect to hear from a range of top authorities, including furniture business professionals, interior designers, design bloggers and influencers.
Available episodes
Newest first
Oldest first
Aug 11, 2023
Explore Home with Yvonne Christensen and Nichole Speirs, owners of Utah-based House West Design
Welcome to the Explore Home Podcast. This week, we invite you to explore home with Yvonne Christensen and Nichole Speirs, owners of Utah-based House West Design. Listen as Yvonne and Nichole discuss how “meeting” on Instagram led to joining forces and opening House West Design. They discuss the challenges of merging two companies together, from day-to-day processes to delegation and hiring the right team. Over the course of the last 3 years, they have assembled a tight-knit, well-rounded group of designers. Next, Yvonne and Nichole talk about how Universal’s collections, quality, and depth and breadth of in-stock items allows them to streamline ordering furniture for their projects.
House West Design is also part of our first partner in Designer Made. Designer Made is
a captivating new series that invites you to step into the world of interior design and witness the seamless fusion of creativity and craftsmanship. In this compelling new series, we’ll join forces with renowned interior designers as they artfully combine their passion for design with our carefully curated collections.
Designer Made is an ode to designers and the work they do to transform spaces into living, breathing works of art. The furniture's on us, but the vision is all them.
For more on House West Design, you can follow @housewestdesign on Instagram.
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Jul 20, 2023
Explore Home with Rydhima Brar, Founder and Principal of RTerior Studio
Welcome to the Explore Home Podcast! This week, we invite you to Explore Home with Rydhima Brar, founder and principal of R/Terior Studio based in Los Angeles, California. Listen as Rydhima discusses opening her interior design business at the very start of COVID and how her previous corporate role helped her pivot her business strategy. Then, Rydhima shares with Neil more about her childhood growing up in Kuwait and how her upbringing played an integral part in her unique aesthetic. After, they discuss Rydhima’s first visit to High Point Market and the value she found in making the cross country trip. They then wrap up discussing Rydhima’s partnership with Universal during the recent Pasadena Showcase House.
For more on Rydhima and R/Terior Studio, you can follow @rteriorstudio on Instagram now.
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Apr 20, 2023
Explore Home with Carmin Black, Founder of Half United
Welcome to the Explore Home Podcast. This week, we invite you to explore home with Carmin Black, Founder of Half United. Half United is a for-profit philanthropic company that puts helping others above profit. Selling “socially good goods,” Half United works with artisans in developing countries to produce one-of-a-kind items. This leads to gainful employment in places that are in desperate need of opportunities.
Neil and Carmin talk about how she and her brother started Half United when they were 24 and 19 years old, with $200 and a dream. They began working with Tom’s, who took them to Haiti for a photoshoot. Carmin and her brother traveled the island visiting and speaking with locals. It was then that their plan was solidified to help impoverished communities take their local products to market. They began with one handbag, expecting to sell 50. They received 1,000 orders! Each bag took 2 days to make which led to the employment of up to 300 Haitians. As a result, the town flourished with homes being built, food on the table and children going to school.
Now, Half United works in 8 different countries producing a variety of items. Carmin is constantly on the look-out on how to adapt trends that are in high demand that can be made in developing countries, instead of large manufacturing facilities. Carmin will be at the Universal showroom during Spring High Point Market selling corn and shell jewelry, candles and candle boxes, glassware and straw bags. Please stop by to learn more about her passion to help others.
Learn more about Half United at https://www.halfunited.com/
Become a wholesaler at https://www.halfunited.com/pages/wholesale-program
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Apr 6, 2023
Explore Home with John McClain, CEO and Creative Director of John McClain Design
Welcome to the Explore Home Podcast. This week, we invite you to explore home with John McClain, CEO and Creative Director of John McClain Design. Home design is in John’s blood, his family built homes and he tagged along as a kid. This led to the discovery that he loved every aspect of home design, from the foundation to the roof.
Neil and John talk about how he began by decorating friends’ homes for a free lunch. On a whim, he auditioned for an HGTV special that focused on designers. He made the cut, and the exposure made him an in-demand designer. Following this momentum and a fortuitous meeting on a cruise, John moved to LA and began designing full-time.
John discusses how he has perfected identifying the best clients for his business. It took a lot of years, and a lot of mistakes, to discover what type of projects and people he worked best with. John believes that systems and processes are the foundation of any organization. So much so, that he wrote a book detailing his business best practices in the hopes that others can learn from his experiences.
John will be speaking in the Learning Center at the Universal Showroom during Spring High Point Market about attracting the ideal client. Reserve your seat at universalfurniture.com/marketevents.
Discover John's Book - https://thedesignerwithin.showit.site/book
Discover John's Coaching Series - https://johnmcclaindesign.com/
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Mar 23, 2023
Explore Home with Tammy Nagem, President and CEO of the High Point Market Authority
Welcome to the Explore Home Podcast. This week, we invite you to explore home with Tammy Nagem, President and CEO of High Point Market Authority. As the newly appointed HPMA President, Tammy describes her transition into the role and the anticipation of the upcoming Spring High Point Market.
Tammy and Neil discuss how anyone who is serious about the home furnishings business needs to attend HPMKT. It is the epicenter of the furnishings industry, you will see more product, more categories, and more inspiration than at any other show. Tammy details how she and her team work diligently to make High Point Market an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. Some of these efforts include market advisors, Insiders Tours and even a webinar to help first-time attendees plan their trip. With over 13 blocks of showrooms, there is a lot to see and do!
Tammy and Neil end by discussing the importance of feedback from attendees. Their input helps evolve and shape the HPMKT experience. Tammy spends countless hours meeting and talking to attendees to discover how to better serve them. An exercise that can help any business to improve. To learn more about Spring High Point Market, visit highpointmarket.org.
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Sep 23, 2022
Explore Home with Erika Ward, CEO and Founder of Erika Ward Interiors
Welcome to the Explore Home Podcast. This week, we invite you to Explore Home with Erika Ward, owner of Erika Ward Interiors in Atlanta. Listen as Erika describes her journey from majoring in finance at the University of Georgia to working at her family-owned flooring business. There, she put her business acumen to the test with budgeting and estimating construction projects.
Erika used this experience to be hired as the project accountant on the Georgia Aquarium. She was In her 20’s and terrified, but the experience proved to be invaluable in learning how to manage large-scale projects. During this time, she dabbled in interior design, slowly building a stable of clients. Erika left her corporate job in 2009 to open Erika Ward Interiors.
Neil and Erika discuss the importance of being visible online with blogs, social media and websites. Consumers want to know who you are and how you work before reaching out. Erika also gives tips on walking clients through their initial sticker shock by thoroughly reviewing all that is involved clearly and concisely.
Erika and Neil close by discussing why she loves attending High Point Market. Erika loves to visit her top vendors to see what’s new, as well as take the time to go off the beaten path. This Market she is looking forward to attending several educational events to broaden her horizons and network with like-minded professionals.
Learn more about Erika at erikaward.com and on Instagram at @mrserikaward
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Jun 16, 2022
Explore Home with Amy Bartlam, Interior Photographer
Welcome to the Explore Home Podcast! This week, we invite you to Explore Home with Amy Bartlam, owner of Los Angeles based Amy Bartlam Photography. Listen as Amy describes her road to becoming an interior design photographer. As a child in England, both her parents were deeply involved in the arts, and encouraged their children to be so as well. Amy's father let her use his cameras for school projects and a lifelong love affair with photography was born.
Amy’s first “real” job was assisting a wedding photographer. Her favorite part of photographing weddings was focusing on the spaces and details. This led Amy to pursue photographing interiors. Neil and Amy discuss the artistry and skill it takes to plan and execute a beautiful interior. When photographing for interior design projects, Amy always asks “what story are you trying to tell.” There is a misconception that photography is reality, but what it is really doing is telling a story, evoking a feeling. When building a brand it is important to tell the story that you want clients to see.
Neil and Amy talk about how Instagram and Pinterest have changed the way she approaches photographing an interior, it is imperative to plan what and how you are going to photograph an environment to maximize its impact on social media. Finally, Amy discusses some of her most recent projects with RUE Magazine, Southern Home Magazine and Universal. To see Amy’s work, visit https://www.instagram.com/amybartlam/
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Apr 26, 2022
Explore Home with Will Brinson of CBS Sports
Welcome to the Explore Home Podcast! This week, we invite you to Explore Home with Will Brinson, CBS Sports Senior Writer. Listen as Will details how he went from an English major at NC State to a sports writer for CBS. Will began his career writing on sports message boards on his lunch breaks, he caught the eye of a sports blogger and from there, worked his way up the ranks. He has been hanging on tight to his dream job ever since.
Will and Neil discuss the similarities between a well-run NFL organization and a well-run company. Both have faith in the people hired to manage day to day tasks. Both know how to delegate and let people do what they do best. Both know when to step in and when to step away. Will has seen the benefits firsthand of organizations that recognize their resources and manage them well. They then review how the NFL has managed to capture the attention of fans year-round, from the draft to the Super Bowl, the NFL has discovered the secret of making a Sunday game become a year-round entertainment machine.
You can read Will’s articles at cbssports.com or listen to his Pick Six NFL Podcast.
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Mar 29, 2022
Explore Home with Erinn Valencich or Erinn V, interior designer, real estate developer, entrepreneur and our partner on Erinn V. X Universal
Welcome to the Explore Home Podcast! This week, we invite you to Explore Home with Erinn Valencich, interior designer, real estate developer, and entrepreneur. Listen as Erinn details how she first made her way into the design industry, starting with some special childhood roots. Neil and Erinn then touch on Erinn’s progression into the custom design industry. They then discuss Erinn’s exciting new furniture collaboration with Universal, as well as take a closer look at what inspires Erinn and how she uses that inspiration to execute timeless pieces. After a chat on what Erinn is most excited about as she releases her Universal line during market, they then touch on her connection with StyleRow, which will be featured in Universal’s Designer's Lounge.
For more on Erinn, you can visit erinnvdesigngroup.com or follow her on Instagram at @erinnvstyle. Erinn will also be hosting several events during High Point Market at the Universal Showroom. You can visit universalfurniture.com/marketevents for more information.
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Mar 22, 2022
Explore Home with Shannon Lookabill, Director of Product Development at Universal Furniture
Welcome to the Explore Home Podcast! This week, we invite you to Explore Home with our very own Director of Product Development at Universal Furniture, Shannon Lookabill! Listen as Neil and Shannon first start by discussing Shannon’s journey into furniture design, beginning with influence from his family as a child. They then touch on Shannon’s start at Universal and later delve into the detailed process of creating furniture products, starting with defining a need. They then chat about the many ways COVID has affected the furniture industry as well as its specific impact on design and production. And then, after discussing what Shannon thinks makes for a great design, the two end their conversation discussing Universal’s upcoming Erinn V. collection and why they are especially excited for this launch.
To stay up-to-date on the upcoming Erinn V. launch as well as other new Universal Furniture additions, follow @universalfurn on Instagram for more.
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Feb 3, 2022
Explore Home with Jonathan Vehar, Partner at Pilgrimage Professional Development Group, LLC
Welcome to the Explore Home Podcast! This week, we invite you to Explore Home with Jonathan Vehar, Partner at Pilgrimage Professional Development Group. At Pilgrimage, Jonathan partners with organizations to help them more effectively and efficiently achieve their goals through a focus on teamwork and communication. Listen as Neil and Jonathan discuss the art of setting goals at the top of every new year. Jonathan elaborates on his advice regarding how to set specific goals while keeping in mind the steps it will take to achieve them. They then touch on COVID and how Pilgrimage has specified applicable communication methods to move forward in new ways. Next, they discuss how exactly to measure success in business from both a numerical and behavioral standpoint. And lastly, Neil and Jonathan end their conversation by discussing motivation and how to avoid falling into a “work rut” as the year progresses.
For more on Jonathan and Pilgrimage, you can visit pilgrimpro.com now and to…
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Dec 8, 2021
Explore Home with Kelli Lamb, Editorial Director and Co-Principal at RUE
Welcome to the Explore Home Podcast! This week, we invite you to Explore Home with Kelli Lamb, Editorial Director and Co-Principal of RUE Magazine. Neil and Kelli kick their chat off by discussing more about Kelli’s professional start in blogging and how she eventually made her way to Rue Magazine. They discuss the many ways RUE has grown and changed since Kelli first joined the team as an assistant. Neil and Kelli then discuss a new market opportunity called ‘5 Minutes With’ which is hosted in the Universal Showroom. Here, designers are able to meet with Kelli and the RUE team for quick meet and greets as a way to foster connections and get the most out of market visits. They then touch on RUE’s latest endeavor: publishing a book! Kelli expands on the book publishing process and what she is looking most forward once it is released. They then close their discussion on what ‘home’ personally means to Kelli.
For more on Kelli and RUE Magazine, you can find them at Instagram…
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Nov 23, 2021
Explore Home with Mister + Mrs. Sharp
Welcome to the Explore Home podcast! This week we invite you to Explore Home with Patrick and Meghan Sharp of design studio Mister + Mrs Sharp. They first detail how they met — within the visual merchandising department of Banana Republic — and how their time spent in retail naturally propelled them into the furniture and design industry. They then discuss their perspective on working alongside your significant other, and why they are especially thankful for the opportunity to do so. They then touch on the unique community of Serenbe, located outside of Atlanta, and how their design influence can be found within the community (they also live there!). They then discuss some of their Universal Furniture favorites that they have used in recent design projects. And later, they reflect on COVID-19 and the effects it has had on their business over the last 2 years. For more on Mister + Mrs Sharp, you can follow the pair on Instagram at @misterandmrssharp.
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Nov 19, 2021
Explore Home with Tiffany Cassidy, principal designer of Lagnappe Custom Interiors
Welcome to the Explore Home Podcast! This week we invite you to Explore Home with Tiffany Cassidy, principal designer of Lagnappe Custom Interiors located in St. Thomas, VI. Listen as Tiffany discusses her journey to living and working in the Caribbean, starting with earning a degree in chemistry and eventually finding her way to upholstery, fabrics, and now, interior design. Tiffany then shares a bit more about island life, detailing what she loves most about the laid-back lifestyle. Neil and Tiffany then discuss the opportunities and areas for growth when it comes to working with your spouse, as Tiffany does. To wrap up, Tiffany touches on why she loves specifying products from Universal Furniture, especially from our Coastal Living collaborations, and chats about which pieces she loves the most. For more on Tiffany and Lagnappe Custom Interiors, you can visit https://www.lagnappe.com now or follow them on Instagram @lagnappe.interiors.
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Sep 8, 2021
Explore Home with Ginna Christensen, founder of GC Collaborative, a boutique consulting and coaching firm
Welcome to the Explore Home Podcast! This week we invite you to Explore Home with Ginna Christensen, interior design leadership expert, business coach and consultant. First, Ginna details the start of her career at Giorgio Armani and how the lessons learned there helped shape her professional foundation as she moved from fashion to interiors. Then, Ginna and Neil delve into the topics that Ginna typically focuses on with her clients, including the importance of building a brand story and consistent messaging. Neil and Ginna then touch on the significance of locating outside resources and how to effectively and efficiently collaborate with them. They end their conversation with a discussion about High Point Market and why Ginna feels it is imperative to take advantage of the many educational seminars that are offered during the bi-annual event. To learn more about Ginna and her business, you can visit https://ginnachristensen.com to schedule a remote consultation and be sure to follow h…
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Aug 26, 2021
Explore Home with Amy Lynn Schwartzbard and Patti Carpenter, Co-Founders of the Kaleidoscope Project
Welcome to the Explore Home Podcast! This week we invite you to Explore Home with designers Patti Carpenter and AmyLynn Schwartzbard as they join Neil to discuss the Kaleidoscope Project. This exciting design initiative took place at the Cornell Inn in Lennox, MA as a group of 23 diverse, under-represented interior professionals renovated and redesigned 21 unique rooms within the space. Patti and AmyLynn detail the entire evolution of the project, from how it first came to be, to the process of selecting the featured designers, and finally what makes them the most proud of the remarkable final product. Patti and AmyLynn also touch on what their next set of goals are as they move forward with this venture. This is one episode you don’t want to miss! To learn more about the Kaleidoscope Project and its featured designers, you can visit https://www.thekaleidoscopeproject.com.
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Jul 30, 2021
Explore Home with Ericka Saurit of Saurit Creative
Welcome to the Explore Home Podcast! This week we invite you to Explore Home with Ericka Saurit of Saurit Creative, a digital marketing firm for the home industry. Listen as Neil and Ericka start with a brief history of Ericka’s professional career, including her years spent living and working in China. They then touch on Ericka’s involvement with Airbnb to build their Airbnb Plus division along with Universal Furniture. She then elaborates more on opening her own business and details how she helps her clients with one of their biggest requests: social storytelling. Neil and Ericka then wrap up by talking about their favorite aspects of market opening back up as well as sharing more on how to use social outlets like Instagram to benefit your business.
For more on Ericka and Saurit Creative, you can visit her
website at sauritcreative.com or follow them on Instagram at @sauritcreative.
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Jul 26, 2021
Explore Home with Don Ricardo Massenburg of Design Incredible and Sharon Savage of Lancaster as we discuss HPXD
Welcome to the Explore Home Podcast! This week we invite you to Explore Home with Sharon Savage of Lancaster Custom Crafted Upholstery and Don Massenburg of Design Inkredible. Listen as they begin by discussing the various challenges and opportunities that COVID-19 has presented within the design industry in the last year. Then, Neil, Sharon and Don discuss HPxD (High Point by Design) — what it is, what its mission is and how it is a prime and exciting new resource for interior designers all year round. With HPxD, designers now have access to view product and meet with brands outside of the traditional High Point market times. The three then share their favorite parts of this new initiative and how they have already experienced a positive impact from HPxD.
For more on Sharon Savage, please visit https://www.lancasterccu.com. For more on Don Massenburg, please visit http://www.designinkredible.com. For more on HPxD and to sign up please visit https://hpxd.org.
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May 18, 2021
Explore Home with Danny Seo, Publisher and Co-Principal of RUE Magazine
Welcome to Explore Home Podcast! This week we explore home with Danny Seo,
Publisher and Co-Principal of RUE Magazine.
Danny is the epitome of a modern-day Renaissance man, he is the author of 14 books, has run a non-profit organization, worked with Oprah Winfrey and Reese Witherspoon, and produced and starred on an Emmy award winning lifestyle show.
Neil and Danny discuss his unusual and inspiring childhood. On his 12th birthday, which happens to be Earth Day, Danny decided he wanted to start an environmental organization. It became the largest non-profit organization for teenagers for environmental advocacy in the US.
Danny then focuses on his desire to combine his passions: the environment, eating well, entertaining, and traveling. This led to writing books on home renovation, entertaining, charities, and philanthropy. 7 years ago, Danny launched the Naturally Danny Seo brand. His magazine, Naturally Danny Seo, hit the shelves and immediately flew off of them. This success launc…
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May 5, 2021
Explore Home with Kyla Herbes, Creator of House of Hipsters
Welcome to Explore Home Podcast! This week we explore home with Kyla Herbes, creator of the House of Hipsters blog.
Neil and Kyla begin by talking about the birth of House of Hipster, which started as a hobby after her second child was born. Kyla knew it was special and was willing to put in the time and effort to turn it into one of the top blogs in the country. Today, House of Hipsters is a consistent award-winning blog and launched Kyla into the limelight.
Kyla details how when she featured Pinterest on her blog, the SEO would go through the roof, so she started creating tons of Pinterest content. One day, the call came from Pinterest themselves, asking Kyla to join their “Pin Factory.” Kyla notes that the Pinterest community likes more of an “I can do it look.” She had a knack for following brand standards while knowing how to create an eye-catching graphic.
Kyla and Neil finish by noting her favorite Universal pieces and how her perception of a “home” has changed ov…
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Apr 19, 2021
Explore Home with Sara Serarle, Account Director at Promoboxx
Welcome to Explore Home Podcast! This week we explore home with Sara Serarle with Promoboxx.
Neil and Sara discuss her time spent on the account management team at Snapchat.
While there, Sara took note of how the platform fostered conversations between friends using Snapchat integrated content, allowing people to interact with brands in a personal way. Out of this experience grew a passion for advertising and social media.
Sara then describes the challenges her multi-generational small family business faced when trying to implement social media into their marketing strategy. The time it takes to develop a cohesive social media strategy and the education needed to learn how to implement it, is often not feasible for a small business. This is what drew her to Promoboxx.
Promoboxx is a platform that connects brands to retailers and their consumers through organic and paid social media, e-mail marketing and downloadable content. Brands go into the Promoboxx platform and invite their re…
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Apr 13, 2021
Explore Home with Benno Duenkelsbuehler, (re)ALIGN CEO and Chief Growth Sherpa
Welcome to the Explore Home Podcast! This week explore home with Benno Duenkelsbuehler, (re)ALIGN CEO and Chief Growth Sherpa.
Neil and Benno discuss his background as a buyer and a seller. First, a buyer for Ikea and Pottery Barn for over a decade. He then changed careers to sell to exhibitors in High Point and Atlanta. This background inspired him to start his own company to help others start and grow their brands. His company, (re)ALIGN, lives at the intersection of growth and execution. Benno can help new brands grow and take their products to market. He guides his clients on how to create an experience that makes people fall in love with, and purchase, their products.
Benno details how “disruptive” brands like rh (Restoration Hardware) and Apple have changed how people think about shopping. They make consumers fall in love with their products and remain loyal to their brand. This is the goal he hopes to achieve when working with a client.
Benno and Neil talk about how furni…
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Feb 9, 2021
Explore Home with Scott O'Neil, VP of Global Sales for Cylindo
Welcome to the Explore Home Podcast! This week explore home with Scott O’Neil, VP of Global Sales for Cylindo.
Neil and Scott discuss how Cylindo’s focus on 3D product visualization platforms allow manufacturers and retailers the ability to provide customers the power to visualize products while shopping from home. You can preview the work that Universal and Cylindo have worked on here.
Scott comments on how 3D technology is now front and center. With more people shopping online before stepping foot in a retail store, it is important that consumers “experience” the product online. Scott talks about how manufacturers and retailers have had to rethink how they present their products, the buyer journey has changed forever. Buyers now insist on narrowing down their product choices before going to the store or purchasing online.
Scott details how Cylindo can help, it can be a challenge to show product online when it comes with options and customization. Consumers must be able to…
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Jan 28, 2021
Explore Home with Lori Paranjape, A full service luxury designer from Nashville, TN who also stars under the handle @mrsparanjape on Instagram
Welcome to Explore Home Podcast! Today we explore home with Lori Paranjape, owner of her own design firm based in Nashville, TN which focuses on luxury homes and new construction. Lori's work has been featured in publications like Domino, Architectural Digest, House Beautiful and Traditional Home. Discover how an English Literature major and former TV reporter turned her beloved hobby into a powerhouse interior design firm.
Lori discusses how the tempo and style of interior design has changed over the last year with the arrival of Covid-19. From directing installations via Zoom calls to finding your groove when apart from your team. We also discuss how Lori uses Instagram, the impact it has on her business and some tips that could help you.
To learn more about Lori and her firm we encourage you to visit redohomeanddesign.com and follow her on Instagram at @mrsparanjape.
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Dec 21, 2020
Explore Home with Melissa Galt, Interior Design Business Coach
Welcome to the Explore Home Podcast! This week, we invite you to Explore Home with Melissa Galt, a premier interior design business coach. First, Melissa shares a brief history of her professional journey with Neil, detailing what influenced her transformation from being an interior designer into an interior design coach. They then touch on the advantages of digital technology and the rise of e-design and remote working, especially in the age of COVID-19. Next, they discuss how to not only define but attract your ideal client for your business. Plus, they go on to chat about how your own online presence can help get you far in the eyes of potential clients. They conclude with Melissa’s recent move to Scottsdale, Arizona, and a fun childhood story that involves her great grandfather, Frank Lloyd Wright! For more on Melissa, you can visit melissagalt.com or follow her on Instagram @melissagalt and discover her new book you can visit melissagalt.com/books.
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Dec 4, 2020
Explore Home with Michele Wiebe, President, Founder and Principal Designer of Studio M
Welcome to the Explore Home Podcast! After a bit of a hiatus, we are back and excited to start the series back up with Michelle Wiebe, President, Founder, and Principal Designer of Studio M based in Clearwater, FL.
First, Neil and Michelle start from the beginning, detailing Michelle’s initial launch into the design industry. They then chat about the unique evolution of her business throughout the years, as well as how Michelle and husband Tom have found balance working together at Studio M. Then, they go on to discuss the impact COVID-19 has had on her firm this year, as well as how technology has played an integral role in her day-to-day business operations. They conclude with Michelle detailing some of her favorite Universal pieces as well as the work and dedication that went into planning the Seasonal Living Virtual Show Home Project, which debuts December 3rd.
For more on Michelle and Studio M, you can visit interiorsbystudiom.com or follow her on Instagram @interiorsbystudiom…
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Sep 22, 2020
Explore Home with Stephanie Cohen of Stephanie Cohen Home
This week we invite you to Explore Home with Stephanie Cohen of Stephanie Cohen Home.
Listen as Stephanie begins with her professional journey to interior design, one that includes switching from a law student to a full-time design student. After detailing this transition, Stephanie shares more about her business which is comprised of an interior design firm as well as a brick and mortar storefront. After delving into both the challenges and opportunities associated with owning a retail storefront, Stephanie then shares with Neil the unique impact COVID-19 has had on her business. They then discuss what changes have been made to adjust to 2020’s world, as well as certain design trends that have come about as a result of the pandemic, including an increased need for outdoor living spaces.
For more on Stephanie and her business, you can visit stephaniecohenhome.com or follow her on Instagram @stephaniecohenhome.
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Sep 2, 2020
Explore Home with John Hillman, Real Estate Developer at Crane Island (A Coastal Living Community)
This week we invite you to Explore Home with John Hillman, Vice President, and Broker at Crane Island Real Estate, an exclusive Coastal Living community. Crane Island was also the location of Universal’s second Coastal Living photoshoot featuring the Getaway collection.
First, John touches on his background in the design industry and what led him to the custom home business. He then touches on the holistic community aspect of his developments and why his clients gravitate towards this kind of living. John also explains why he loves Crane Island and what makes it such a unique place to live and work. Then, Neil and John delve into the effects that COVID-19 has had on not only the developmental side of his business but also in the building and designing of a home remotely. They then touch on the advantages of spec homes and how that can be a beneficial tool for not only selling homes but for promoting furniture, lifestyle aesthetics and general inspiration. They end their conversation…
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Aug 19, 2020
Explore Home with the co-founders of Regina Andrew, Carla Regina and James Andrew
This week we invite you to Explore Home with Carla Regina and James Andrew of Regina Andrew, maker of luxury interior products with an emphasis on lighting.
Listen as Carla and James take us through a brief summary of their individual professional backgrounds and detail the beginning stages of Regina Andrew. They also touch on the pros and cons of running a business with your significant other as well as some lessons learned along the way. The team then discusses their home base of Detroit and how that particular location affects there unique perspective on design. Then, Neil delves into Regina Andrew’s new lighting venture with Coastal Living and how that project perfectly complements Universal Furniture’s lines with the same brand. Carla and James then speak on how COVID-19 has affected their approach to running a business and some adjustments they have made to remain flexible for all of their employees.
For more on Regina Andrew, you can visit reginaandrew.com or follow them o…
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Jul 28, 2020
Explore Home with Rachel Shingleton of Pencil Shavings Studio
This week we invite you to Explore Home with Rachel Shingleton of Pencil Shavings Studio.
Rachel is a self-described color obsessed interior designer with a background in graphic design. We were able to chat with Rachel about a recent collaboration that we worked on together along with Crypton Home in Oklahoma. This collaboration featured items from the Coastal Living collection, proving that this laid back, relaxed style can work just about anywhere — not just at the coast. Listen as Rachel shares how both her blog and her travels have positively affected her design approach, opening up new perspectives and ideas. Neil ties up the conversation by asking Rachel how the meaning of home as changed for her as we have all weathered COVID-19.
For more on Rachel and Pencil Shavings Studio, you can follow her on Instagram @pencilshavings.
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Jul 9, 2020
Explore Home with Kaitlin Petersen, Editor and Chief of Business of Home
This week we invite you to Explore Home with Kaitlin Petersen, Editor-in-Chief of Business of Home magazine.
Listen as Kaitlin shares her start to journalism and what eventually led her to Business of Home. She then discusses what’s involved in putting together an issue of the magazine, from longer lead times to incorporating meaningful themes that designers will not only enjoy but benefit from, and more. They then discuss how COVID-19 has affected the design industry and Kaitlin’s personal observations on where things are headed for the future. Before finishing up, Neil and Kaitlin touch on BOH’s Future of Home conference and their plans to pivot to a virtual experience.
For more on Business of Home magazine, you can follow them on Instagram at @businessofhome now and get connected with the Future of Home conference by visiting businessofhome.com/futureofhome.
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Jun 16, 2020
Explore Home with Sean O'Connor of Universal Furniture
This week we invite you to Explore Home with Sean O’Connor, Universal Furniture’s Senior Vice President of Sales and chief merchant for our upholstery program.
Listen as Sean shares with Neil more about his personal and professional background within the furniture industry as well as how he eventually found his way to Universal Furniture. They then touch on the beginnings of Universal’s upholstery offering and how that has grown the last several years, including the launch into special order upholstery. Sean then elaborates on what the special order program consists of, including approximately 425 fabrics, 50 leathers, nailhead options as well as various leg options and more. Lastly, Sean then shares what he is most excited about with the launch and how he believes it will put Universal Furniture on the map in completely new ways.
For more on our new special order upholstery program, you can visit universalfurniture.com. We are now accepting orders
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Jun 4, 2020
Explore Home with Sita Montgomery from Sita Montgomery Interiors
This week, we invite you to Explore Home with Sita Montgomery, interior designer and owner of Sita Montgomery Interiors based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Sita shares with Neil a bit more about her professional history and what eventually led her into the interior design industry while raising her children. They then chat about how COVID-19 has affected the business. They also discuss social media marketing and how Sita approaches Instagram and imagery as well as maintaining authenticity.
For more on Sita and her work, you can visit sitamontgomeryinteriors.com or follow her on Instagram @sitamontgomeryinteriors.
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May 19, 2020
Explore Home with Jane Dagmi of Designers Today
This week we invite you to Explore Home with Jane Dagmi, Editor-in-Chief of Designers Today. Listen as Neil and Jane discuss Jane's vast background in publishing as well as her love and appreciation for design. Jane also shares more on her unique professional journey that ultimately led her to her current role at Designers Today.
Later, Neil and Jane delve into not only the challenges but also the opportunities that designers are facing today as we social distance during quarantine. They also touch more on working from home and how it has impacted designers as they digitally connect with coworkers and clients.
To learn more about Jane, Designers Today and their Virtual Design Experience, you can visit https://designerexperience.pbmconferences.com now or follow them on Instagram @designerstoday.
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May 12, 2020
Explore Home with our friends Jack Eger and Elise Gabrielson from Crypton
This week we invite you to Explore Home with Jack Eger and Elise Gabrielson from Crypton, a leading manufacturer of performance fabric.
Listen as Jack and Elise each detail their unique career journeys that ultimately led them both to Crypton. Then, they delve into the importance of performance fabric especially within the furniture industry and how Crypton presents a premium solution, focusing on wear-ability and cleanability. They then discuss the evolution of performance fabrics and all of the many strides and improvements it has made in the last several years. After touching on the importance of brand partnerships, Neil, Jack, and Elise chat on how Crypton plans to grow with the changing state of our world.
For more on Crypton, you can visit crypton.com or @cryptonfabric on Instagram.
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Apr 29, 2020
Explore Home with Sackett Wood, President and CEO of Moore & Giles
This week we invite you to Explore Home with Sackett Wood, president, and CEO of Moore and Giles located in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Listen as Sackett shares with Neil more on his professional journey in the industry, starting in the banking business and eventually merging into the world of leather goods. Then, Sackett chats more on the growth of Moore and Giles through the years, elaborating on the company’s forward-thinking tactics to grow into what they are today, especially in regards to the upholstery industry. They then discuss leather as a livable material and its interesting fusion requiring both technique and aesthetic.
Neil and Sackett then touch on the exciting ways that Moore and Giles has been able to partner with Universal Furniture to provide leather upholstery options as Universal enters into the special order business. After touching on Sackett’s opinion on how leather trends have changed over time, they finish up with a discussion on ‘home’ and what it means to…
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Apr 14, 2020
Explore Home with Jessica Thuston of Coastal Living Magazine
This week we invite you to Explore Home with Jessica Thuston, special projects editor for Coastal Living Magazine.
Listen as Jessica shares with Neil about her professional journey in the magazine industry, from being a founding editor of Cottage Living to serving as Southern Living’s executive editor for over 10 years. Then, Jessica discusses how the magazine industry has changed in order to suit our increasingly technology-based world, including how Coastal Living has shifted to a quarterly-based subscription and newsstand offering. After a recap of current coastal color and texture trends, Neil and Jessica wrap up with a chat on Getaway, the newest collaboration from Universal Furniture and Coastal Living premiering during Universal’s Virtual Market.
To learn more about Coastal Living Magazine, you can visit coastalliving.com. To learn more about the Getaway home collection, please visit universalfurniture.com/virtualmarket now.
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Mar 30, 2020
Explore Home with Franziska Neumann better know as FZK
This week we invite you to Explore Home with Franziska Neuman, founder and creative director of FZK Franziska, a creative agency that helps design-oriented clients grow and steward their online presence.
Listen as Franziska Neumann shares with Neil more on her background, what lead her to start pursuing the interiors industry, and the “a-ha” Oprah moment that eventually became the turning point of her professional career. Then, Franziska elaborates on how she helps her designer clients navigate their online presence, from what content to post, how often to post, and even what social platforms to mainly focus on. With all of the appropriate tools and information, Franziska shares with Neil tips on how clients can measure their own success and reach.
Franziska will also be taking part in Universal Furniture’s Virtual Market launch. Sign up today.
To learn more about Franziska Neumann and FZK Franziska, you can visit https://byfzk.com or follow her @fzk_franziska on Instagram. Yo…
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Mar 12, 2020
Explore Home with with Anne Sage and Laiza Cors of Embello
This week we invite you to Explore Home with Anne Sage and Laiza Cors of Embello, a dedicated online space for social influencers to connect with home and design brands. Embello was co-founded by Laiza, who also serves as their CEO, while Anne is Embello's talent relations strategist. Anne also has a unique background in design, media and the influencer space allows perspective on how to leverage influencer relationships for both brands and influencers.
Listen as Laiza and Anne elaborate on their individual journeys in the influencer marketing space through the years and how it has evolved since its inception. They then touch on influencer marketing as it specifically relates to the home design and interior design market, elaborating on the power it has to drive a consumer's purchasing decisions. Then, Neil, Laiza, and Anne discuss the benefits of a paid collaboration, highlighting the many ways it can boost engagement and produce desirable results for a home brand. They close the con…
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Feb 17, 2020
Explore Home with Janine Wagers - Director of Visual Merchandising for Universal Furniture
This week we invite you to Explore Home with our very own Janine Wagers, director of visual merchandising for Universal Furniture. Have you ever wondered how Universal’s showroom gets set and ready for High Point Market twice a year? Listen as Janine reveals the magic behind making the showroom, detailing how she leads the charge to design, merchandise, and space-plan to perfection every market.
Neil and Janine discuss her career within the furniture industry and how she got started. Janine, who began as a pre-med major, talks about her shift into art school, pursuing product design, and eventually working her way up to director of visual merchandising for Universal. Then, Neil and Janine touch on her unique perspective on the current retail environment and the many ways to build an effective display across industries. They end with a closer look at Janine’s creative process, as well as where her very favorite spot is in the showroom.
To experience Janine’s expertise and vision…
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Jan 31, 2020
Explore Home with Laura Thurman - Founder and Principal Designer at Laura Thurman Design
We are excited to have Laura Thurman join us on the Explore Home Podcast. Laura, (Founder and Principal Designer at Laura Thurman Design in Nashville, TN) is well known for a global aesthetic filtered through a modern lens. She uses her upbringing in the diverse city of Los Angeles and her world travels for inspiration as she collaborates with her clients to create beautiful spaces that reflect their style, values and personality.
Neil and Laura discuss the challenges and opportunities of launching and running an interior design business, networking, vendor relationships and navigating High Point Market.
Laura's inspiring designs have been featured in national and regional publications, including HGTV Magazine, Business of Home, and The Cottage Journal. Additionally, she was named best in Houzz four consecutive years. You can learn more about Laura by visiting her at thurmandesignstudio.com or by following her on Instagram at thurmandesign.
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Jan 9, 2020
Explore Home with Gail Doby, Co-Founder and CEO of Gail Doby Coaching and Consulting. We will discuss the challenges of running a growing design firm as well as how to set goals and better measure results.
Happy New Year from the team at Universal Furniture! To start the year off with a clear mind and fresh perspective, we invite you to Explore Home with Gail Doby. Gail is the co-founder and CEO of Gail Doby Coaching and Consulting, a firm that works with interior designers earning a revenue of $250,000 or higher. With Gail’s expert help, her clients aim to take their business to the next level by implementing tasks such as taking control of their business operations and prioritizing their daily responsibilities.
Listen as Gail breaks down what the job of a design coach entails, as well as some of the intricacies of this unique business. Then, Neil and Gail touch on not only the importance of setting goals but also how to measure them – insight that helps to make this process seem much less daunting. Their conversation ends with a discussion on small business and suggestions on how to approach social media strategies and general marketing ideas.
Universal has had the opportunity to…
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Dec 9, 2019
Explore Home with Adam Japko, CEO of Esteem Media and founder of the Design Influencers Conference.
This week we invite you to Explore Home with Adam Japko, CEO of Esteem Media and founder of the Design Influencers Conference. Home to leading national and local media brands in the luxury home design, gardening, and fine wine communities, Esteem Media is focused on connecting professionals to consumers through commonalities in both business and personal passions.
Listen as Neil chats with Adam about his wine blogger background and his active role as a “Dead Head,” plus his thoughts on how social media and influencers have impacted the way brands approach their marketing strategies. Neil and Adam also touch on the very important role of authenticity and how it can directly affect social engagement and influencer partnerships.
To wrap up, Neil and Adam discuss the next upcoming Design Influencers Conference that is scheduled to take place in March 2020. Adam elaborates on the finalized agenda and then shares the exciting news that Miranda Kerr, an international supermodel, and Uni…
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Nov 22, 2019
Explore Home with Peyton Jenkins, Co-Founder of Alton Lane, A premier mens clothing destination for a true custom fit. We discuss retail, fashion and start-ups.
This week, we invite you to Explore Home with Peyton Jenkins, co-founder of custom men’s suit company Alton Lane, a retail shop with locations in 12 major metros across the United States.
Listen as Neil talks fashion and furniture with Peyton, touching on his perspective on the current state of retail, omnichannel retailing, and what it is like to quit your day job to focus on launching a start-up company. The two also discuss the unique customer experience that Alton Lane strives to achieve for their shoppers, as well as some key takeaways that could apply to your own store or business’s footprint.
Universal Furniture had the opportunity to host Peyton and the Alton Lane Airstream in 2016 to assist the gentlemen of our sales force with upping their ‘suit no-tie game.’ Today, Universal is proud to continue partnering with Alton Lane as we focus on helping to remerchandise select retail stores to create a more cohesive shopping experience.
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Nov 13, 2019
Explore Home with Dudley Moore, Award Winning Furniture Designer and President and CEO of Otto and Moore
This week we invite you to Explore Home with Dudley Moore, furniture designer and President and CEO of Otto and Moore located in High Point, North Carolina.
Listen as Neil chats with Dudley about growing up in the furniture industry, running a small family business, and how the design process has grown and evolved throughout his career. Dudley, who also serves as Chairman of the Board for the High Point Market Authority, also shares with Neil his unique perspective on the High Point Market experience, and the exclusive challenges and opportunities it presents for the city of High Point.
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Nov 5, 2019
Explore Home with Nina Magon, founder and CEO of Contour Interior Design and award winning designer, as we discuss the business of interior design, the Nina Magon design collaboration for Universal and the challenges of running your own business.
This week we invite you to Explore Home with Nina Magon, founder and CEO of Contour Interior Design headquartered in Houston, Texas. With an extensive background in the design industry, Nina has and continues to make a strong impression in the field with extensive award-winning designs and multiple TV appearances — just to name a few. Nina defines her signature interior style as a bold, modern aesthetic with a luxurious, refined twist.
Listen as Neil chats with Nina about how she got her start in the design world, what is currently on her plate, and the unique challenges that she faces every day running a successful growing business in addition to being the mom of two young children. Plus, Neil and Nina also touch on her latest collaboration with Universal Furniture - Nina Magon for Universal - and break down the design process from initial sketch to finished product.
To learn more about Nina Magon and Contour Interior Design, visit https://contourinteriordesign.com. To shop Nina's…
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Oct 10, 2019
Explore Home with Tom Conley, President and CEO of the High Point Market Authority as we discuss the upcoming fall 2019 market.
This week, we invite you to Explore Home with Tom Conley, President and CEO of the High Point Market Authority. Listen as we discuss Tom's professional journey and the events that ultimately contributed to his longstanding career within the furniture industry. We will begin with a discussion on the intriguing evolution of the market experience and how it has changed and improved through the years. Then, we will touch on ways to best plan for your own High Point Market visit, as well as some of Tom's top tips in navigating the largest furniture trade show in the country to ensure you maximize your time. https://www.universalfurniture.com/podcast
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Sep 29, 2019
Explore Home with Miranda Kerr - Global style icon, Australian-born international supermodel, business women and mother as we discuss the launch of Miranda Kerr Home with Universal
This week, we invite you to Explore Home with Miranda Kerr, Australian-born international supermodel, global style icon, business woman, wife and mother as we discuss the launch of her Miranda Kerr Home collection with Universal Furniture. Listen as we start at the beginning with Miranda’s upbringing, her extensive career journey that began in the modeling industry, her current entrepreneurial role with her organic skincare line, Kora Organics, and now as a lifestyle authority and new furniture brand. An avid traveler with an impressive social media following, Miranda also speaks on finding inspiration from your own personal journey and leveraging that into an influencing, worldwide voice. Miranda ends with a discussion on her ability to wear many hats, juggling a growing family, her busy traveling schedule, and the art of finding daily balance between work and family.
Miranda’s very first venture into the home furnishings industry, Miranda Kerr Home, launches exclusively at fall…
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Sep 29, 2019
Explore Home with Jeff Scheffer, President and CEO of Universal Furniture
This week, we invite you to Explore Home with Jeff Scheffer, President and CEO of Universal Furniture, located in High Point, North Carolina. Listen and learn more about Jeff’s professional journey in the home furnishings industry and what ultimately led Jeff to Universal Furniture. Jeff offers some insightful viewpoints on what makes a furniture company tick, including his outlook on product, quality, customer service, and the best ways he has learned to not only attract but retain customers. Neil and Jeff also touch upon the upcoming High Point Market, sharing aspects that they are both looking forward to, including the highly-anticipated release of Australian model and businesswoman Miranda Kerr’s very first home furnishings collection.
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