We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Robert Allred. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Robert below.

Robert, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I was fortunate my junior year at Wofford College, in Spartanburg, South Carolina to meet Bob Fogarty, the President of Kindel Furniture Company who graduated from Wofford in 1958. His daughter Paula Fogarty and I studied art history and became friends. He was hosting the Mayfair lecture the spring of 1985 with Thomas Hoving, the Director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. That evening, after meeting Mr. Fogarty, I realized I wanted to be build a career in the furniture industry.
In 1989 I went to work for Kindel and since, have worked in various sales and management roles for leading heritage brands in the industry such as JPG Baker Fabrics in London, and Kneedler | Fauchère in Los Angeles.
In 2015 I was exploring what path I would take and I realized my favorite parts of my career were importing products from Europe and furniture manufacturing. I could see the outdoor furniture business was at the bottom of the totem pole for furniture showrooms and often ignored.
I flew to Paris for one of the best trade shows in the world, Maison Object, and closed the deal to begin selling EGO Paris, one of the top luxury outdoor luxury brands in the world.
It was surreal and very emotional walking the Seine by Notre Dame for my first day of training for my new venture. Over the last 8 years, with the help of a fantastic team, I have built a national brand with currently 32 sales representatives selling to leading hotels, restaurants, multifamily apartments, corporate campuses and offices and luxury residential properties. I travel to Europe, Turkey, and Brazil, searching for well known companies in their own countries who want to enter the North American market. We introduce these artists to the market and share with our clients what makes each unique.
It is rare to find a company that imports, markets, and sells such diverse product ranges from custom kitchen and bath cabinetry, tile, office and residential furniture and where it all began, outdoor. That is because it is extremely difficult to become an expert in all the design disciplines. My drive comes from a desire to learn and share this knowledge with others.
Every day there are new challenges to solve and I love that change in all aspects of business will always evolve. (That sentence needs help.)

Discovering Passion in the Heart of Tradition
As I sat down with Robert Allred, the founder of a growing enterprise in luxury furniture, the story of his journey unfolded like a carefully crafted narrative, steeped in passion, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From chance encounters to decisive moments, his tale offers a glimpse into the world of high-end design and the relentless pursuit of a vision.
Setting the Stage:
It all began in the hallowed halls of Wofford College, where fate introduced Robert to Bob Fogarty, the President of Kindel Furniture Company, and a Wofford alumni himself. Amidst the academic rigors, a friendship developed with Bob’s daughter, Paula Fogarty, as they delved into the realms of art history. However, it was a serendipitous encounter during the Mayfair lecture of 1985 that ignited the spark of inspiration within Robert. With Thomas Hoving, the esteemed director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, being the guest lecturer for the occasion, the seeds of a lifelong passion for the furniture industry were sown.
From Dream to Reality:
Following his graduation, [Your Name] embarked on a journey that would take him through the corridors of some of the most esteemed heritage brands in the industry. From Kindel Furniture Company to JPG Baker Fabrics in London and Kneedler | Fauchère in Los Angeles, each step honed his expertise and deepened his love for the craft. Yet, it was in 2015 that the vision crystallized.
Reflecting on his career, Robert realized that his true calling lay in the convergence of his favorite pursuits – importing products from Europe and furniture manufacturing. Recognizing a glaring gap in the market, particularly in the realm of outdoor furniture, he seized the opportunity with unwavering resolve.
Turning the Tide:
The pivotal moment arrived during a visit to Maison Object, one of the premier trade shows in Paris. Here, amidst the backdrop of artistic splendor, Robert struck a deal that would alter the course of his career. The partnership with EGO Paris, a leading luxury outdoor furniture brand, heralded the dawn of a new era.
Walking the cobblestone streets of Paris, with the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral standing sentinel, Robert felt a surge of emotion and determination. Armed with a vision and a mission, he embarked on a journey to elevate outdoor furniture to its rightful place in the pantheon of design.
Crafting a Legacy:
Over the past eight years, Robert has transformed his vision into reality, with a dedicated team by his side. Together, they have built a national brand, with 32 sales representatives catering to a discerning clientele. From leading hotels and restaurants to multifamily apartments and luxury residential properties, their creations adorn spaces of distinction.
But Robert’s ambitions extend beyond borders, as he traverses the globe in search of artistic brilliance. From Europe to Turkey and Brazil, he seeks out renowned craftsmen, eager to introduce their masterpieces to the North American market. It’s a journey fueled by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Embracing the Future:
In a world where change is the only constant, Robert finds solace in the ever-evolving landscape of business. Each day presents new challenges to conquer, and he embraces them with unwavering resolve. For him, the essence of success lies in the ability to adapt, innovate, and share the gift of design with the world.
As our conversation draws to a close, I am struck by Robert’s unwavering passion and indomitable spirit. His journey is a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and the pursuit of one’s true calling. As he continues to chart new territories in the world of luxury furniture, one thing remains abundantly clear – the legacy he is building transcends mere craftsmanship; it’s a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to dream, create, and inspire.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Today Allred Collaborative has grown beyond outdoor furniture and we now are the exclusive North American representative for many European, Turkish, and Brazilian brands. I look for exceptional quality with strong business infrastructure so they are ready to enter the largest furniture market in the world. I am especially attracted to brands that can cross from residential design to hospitality and commercial. With the office and multifamily environments evolving, our clients want environments that attract their employees back to the office and makes it worth the commute. Offices are feeling more like a hotel lobby with more space to convene for meetings that are nurturing and comfortable. Multifamily apartments must have the amenities to attract new tenants with beautiful office spaces to work and outdoor areas to entertain and unwind. We have recently launched a second website allredcontract.com that highlights the work we have done and provides the designer the tools to easily keep their projects moving forward. I am very proud of the brands we have brought together, each with a unique story and design perspective while working effortlessly together. Our goal is be a go-to resource in the design industry and constantly find ways to provide better service through technology while never wavering from human interaction during all stages of the customer journey.

Introducing Allred Collaborative:

For those unfamiliar with Allred Collaborative, let me paint a picture of our journey thus far. At its core, Allred Collaborative is a testament to my lifelong passion for design and craftsmanship. Founded on the principles of excellence, innovation, and collaboration, our brand has emerged as a beacon of creativity in the realm of luxury furniture and design.

Origins and Evolution:

My foray into the industry traces back to a serendipitous encounter during my college years, where the seeds of inspiration were sown by luminaries in the field. Over the years, I honed my skills and expertise through various roles in esteemed heritage brands. However, it was in 2015 that I embarked on a transformative journey, propelled by a vision to redefine the landscape of luxury outdoor furniture.

Yet, our ambitions transcended boundaries, as we ventured into uncharted territories, representing a diverse portfolio of European, Turkish, and Brazilian brands. At Allred Collaborative, we curate products of exceptional quality, with a keen eye for innovation and a robust business infrastructure.

Crafting Solutions for the Modern Era:

At the heart of our mission lies a commitment to solving the evolving needs of our clients. In an era where the lines between residential, hospitality, and commercial design blur, our offerings bridge the gap seamlessly. Whether it’s creating inviting office spaces that foster collaboration and creativity or designing multifamily apartments with amenities that redefine urban living, we strive to exceed expectations at every turn.

With the launch of our second website, allredcontract.com, we aim to streamline the design process, providing designers with the tools they need to bring their visions to life. It’s a testament to our commitment to innovation and customer-centricity, ensuring a seamless experience from concept to completion.

Pride in Collaboration:

What sets Allred Collaborative apart is not just the quality of our products, but the relationships we forge along the way. Each brand in our portfolio brings a unique story and design perspective, yet they harmonize effortlessly under the Allred Collaborative umbrella. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision, as we strive to elevate the industry to new heights.

Looking to the Future:

As we chart the course ahead, our goal is simple yet ambitious – to be the go-to resource in the design industry, constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation. Whether it’s through harnessing the power of technology or fostering meaningful human interactions, we remain steadfast in our commitment to excellence.

To our potential clients, followers, and fans, I invite you to embark on this journey with us. Together, let us redefine the possibilities of design and create spaces that inspire, delight, and endure. Allred Collaborative is more than just a brand; it’s a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and the enduring power of collaboration.

Do you have any stories of times when you almost missed payroll or any other near death experiences for your business?

I do not want to paint a picture of this being an easy path I have chosen. It has been extremely difficult and at times the greatest challenge I have faced in life. 2023 was a very difficult year. We faced logistical issues with ocean freight, and a downturn in business as interest rates increased costing projects to extend well over their budgets, which all greatly impacted our business. Orders extended well beyond the lead times we provided causing some of our clients to miss their installations. I understand the difficult position we put our customers in with their clients and that is what was the most unsettling. We did everything we could to provide solutions such as providing temporary furniture, discounts, and expedited domestic shipping once their orders arrived in the United States. Sleepless nights became the norm as the specter of failure loomed large because I would be letting down customers and vendors so I woke up each morning with a determination to continue the fight and we are now seeing 2024 stronger and business returning.

While the journey of Allred Collaborative has been marked by triumphs and successes, it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the challenges and close calls that have tested our resolve along the way. The year 2023 stands out as a testament to the resilience and unwavering determination that define our brand.

In the face of logistical hurdles with ocean freight and a downturn in business triggered by increasing interest rates, Allred Collaborative found itself navigating treacherous waters. Projects stretched beyond their allocated budgets, causing delays and disruptions that reverberated across our business. As orders piled up, extending well beyond the promised lead times, the ripple effect was felt by our clients, who found themselves in a precarious position with their own customers.

The weight of responsibility bore heavily on my shoulders as I grappled with the realization that our shortcomings were impacting not just our bottom line, but the livelihoods and reputations of those we served. Sleepless nights became the norm as the specter of failure loomed large.

Yet, in the darkest moments, it was the unwavering commitment to our customers and vendors that served as a guiding light. We refused to succumb to despair, instead choosing to confront adversity head-on with a steely resolve. Solutions were sought, temporary measures implemented, and every effort made to mitigate the fallout of our challenges.

With each dawn, a renewed determination to persevere fueled our efforts. While the road ahead remained fraught with uncertainty, we refused to be defined by our setbacks. Instead, we emerged from the crucible of adversity stronger, more resilient, and more determined than ever before.

As we stand on the precipice of a new year, the lessons learned from the trials of 2023 serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration. While the scars of our near-death moments may still linger, they serve as a reminder of the indomitable spirit that defines Allred Collaborative. With optimism in our hearts and determination in our souls, we forge ahead, confident in our ability to weather any storm that may come our way.

Any advice for managing a team?

Everyone that works with me, not for me, knows there is no tasks I would ask of them I would not do myself. I am often found cleaning the floors in the showroom or reorganizing the stock room. I enjoy it because I can turn my mind off and reconnect with the core of the business which makes me recall roles I had when I first started working which made me fall in love with this industry during college. We do not have a hierarchy in our company so we listen to each other and together, we determine the best outcome. I am the first to admit when I am wrong because I want to foster an environment where you can admit you made a mistake, instead of hiding it, and we can come together and resolve it. Sometimes these are subtle gestures but I think the reverberate volumes. An example is I would never introduce someone at a trade show or event as this person works for me. I would say, Brad and I work together. Believe me, the team picks up on the nuance.
*Fostering Unity and Empowerment: Insights into Team Management*

Managing a team and cultivating a culture of high morale is not merely about overseeing tasks and deadlines; it’s about building relationships, fostering trust, and empowering individuals to thrive. At Allred Collaborative, our approach to team management is rooted in inclusivity, mutual respect, and a shared sense of purpose. Here are some insights into how we maintain high morale and cohesion within our team:

**1. Leading by Example:** I firmly believe in leading from the front, and that means getting my hands dirty alongside my team. Whether it’s cleaning the floors in the showroom or organizing the stock room, I actively participate in tasks at all levels of the organization. This not only fosters a sense of camaraderie but also reinforces the notion that no task is beneath anyone.

**2. Flattening the Hierarchy:** In our company, there is no rigid hierarchy. Instead, we operate as a cohesive unit where everyone’s voice is valued. By removing barriers and encouraging open communication, we foster an environment where ideas can flow freely, and decisions are made collaboratively.

**3. Embracing Accountability:** I firmly believe in owning up to mistakes and shortcomings. By setting an example of accountability, I create a culture where team members feel safe admitting their own missteps. Rather than assigning blame, we focus on finding solutions and learning from our experiences.

**4. Nurturing Partnerships:** Language matters, and I make a conscious effort to emphasize the importance of partnership within our team. Whether it’s at trade shows or in day-to-day interactions, I ensure that each team member feels valued and respected as a collaborator rather than merely an employee.

**5. Recognizing Nuances:** Small gestures can have a significant impact on morale. By acknowledging the nuances of language and interactions, such as refraining from using hierarchical language when introducing team members, we foster a sense of equality and mutual respect.

At the heart of our team management philosophy lies a commitment to unity, empowerment, and mutual support. By prioritizing these values, we not only ensure high morale but also create an environment where each individual can thrive and contribute to the collective success of Allred Collaborative.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.allredcocollaborative.com www.allredcontract.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allredcollaborative/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allredcollaborative
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allredrobert/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/allred-collaborative/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@allredcollaborative1470

Image Credits
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