Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to David Navarro Collins. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

David, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

At DTANK PLUS, every project we take on is inherently meaningful because our clients come to us seeking branded, custom solutions that simply aren’t achievable with off-the-shelf furniture. Our existence is rooted in the idea that furniture design should be as unique as the spaces it inhabits.

Our Think Tank—comprised of furniture designers, engineers, and our dedicated sales team—collaborates to deliver exactly what each client envisions while meeting deadlines and staying within budget. Our ability to work with any material, size, or shape sets us apart, giving us complete creative freedom to address every client’s needs.

One key factor often overlooked in commercial furniture design is how the end user will interact with the furniture. Clients and designers sometimes focus solely on aesthetics, but at DTANK PLUS, we make it a priority to understand the end user’s experience. Since we offer a full turnkey solution, we often receive valuable feedback from the people who use our furniture daily, and we incorporate that insight into our design conversations with future clients.

This approach not only ensures we create one-of-a-kind pieces tailored to our client’s needs but also builds trust and a deep connection with them. It’s this process—rooted in creativity, collaboration, and user-centered design—that makes every project we take on truly meaningful.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

At DTANK PLUS, we are a custom furniture design firm specializing in creating one-of-a-kind pieces for commercial spaces. Our journey into this industry began with a passion for problem-solving and a deep appreciation for design. I recognized early on that many clients were frustrated by the limitations of off-the-shelf furniture—it didn’t reflect their brand identity, meet their specific functional needs, or make the best use of their space. That’s where we come in.

We work hand-in-hand with architects, interior designers, and furniture dealers to deliver bespoke furniture and millwork solutions tailored to our clients’ exact needs. Our services go beyond aesthetics; we’re problem solvers at heart. Whether it’s optimizing a small space, creating a visually impactful statement piece, or designing for unique functional requirements, our team thrives on tackling complex challenges.

Our Think Tank—a team of furniture designers, engineers, and sales experts—collaborates with clients from concept to completion. We work with an unlimited range of materials and have no constraints on size or shape, which means we can design and fabricate truly custom pieces that perfectly align with the client’s vision. What also sets us apart is our commitment to understanding the end user. In commercial spaces, furniture isn’t just about how it looks—it’s about how it’s used. By integrating feedback from actual users, we ensure our designs are not only beautiful but also functional and durable.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the trust and long-term relationships we’ve built with our clients. Every project we take on is meaningful because it represents a partnership—a chance to bring a unique vision to life and create spaces that are both inspiring and practical.

For potential clients, the main thing I want them to know about DTANK PLUS is that we are more than just a furniture provider. We’re a full turnkey solution. From the initial concept to the final installation, we’re with you every step of the way, ensuring your space reflects your brand and meets your needs in ways you never thought possible.

Have you ever had to pivot?

In 2017, I joined dTank Inc. as an Account Manager. From the moment I walked into the office for my first interview, I was in awe. The space was vibrant, with creative energy radiating from the team working around a sleek, white, curved lacquered table. I knew instantly this was where I wanted to be.

My background was rooted in the family furniture business, which we ran for 12 years in Houston, Texas, and San Francisco. During that time, I gained invaluable experience in entrepreneurship—handling everything from sales to marketing to HR. Little did I know, those years were preparing me for what would become an incredible journey with dTank.

As my role at dTank evolved, so did the responsibilities and challenges. Then, in 2020, the pandemic hit, and the commercial furniture industry was one of the hardest impacted. Offices closed, and demand for furniture dwindled. It was a critical moment that demanded a pivot. We had to reimagine what was possible for the business, but despite our best efforts, the owner of dTank decided to close its doors in 2021.

For me, it was bittersweet. I didn’t want the spirit of dTank to fade, so I made a bold decision: to take everything I had learned and create something new. That’s when DTANK+ was born.

Starting DTANK+ during the pandemic was no small feat. It meant adapting quickly, expanding our services, and building a team that believed in the vision. Despite the uncertainty of the time, my team stuck by me, and we worked together to redefine what we could offer the industry.

Today, DTANK+ is thriving with a talented team of nine and two offices—one in Los Angeles and one in Houston, Texas. This journey has been about more than just business; it’s been about resilience, creativity, and never giving up on a vision. The challenges we’ve faced have shaped who we are, and they remind me daily why I’m passionate about what we do.

Any advice for managing a team?

I’ve had experience managing various types of teams, but leading my own team at DTANK+ has been a unique and rewarding challenge. When your team looks to you for guidance, expertise, and a sense of comfort during uncertain times, it’s a responsibility that carries immense weight—especially during the inevitable highs and lows of running a business.

One of the most challenging aspects of leadership is maintaining team morale during those low moments. It’s not just about reassuring them that things will get better; it’s about genuinely believing it yourself. To lead effectively, I realized I needed to prioritize my own mental well-being and confidence.

During a particularly tough period, I sought ways to self-motivate and stay resilient. I adopted a new routine centered around positive affirmations and began working with a therapist. These practices became essential tools for me. They helped me quiet the self-doubt, focus on my strengths, and approach challenges with clarity and confidence.

This personal growth not only strengthened me but also allowed me to better support my team. It reminded me that leading with positivity and self-assurance can inspire those around you to keep going, even when things feel uncertain. Knowing I can create an environment where my team feels motivated and valued, even in tough times, is one of the most rewarding parts of my journey as a leader.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dtank-plus.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dtankplus/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dtankplusfurniture
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dtankplus/?viewAsMember=true
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@dtank4353

Image Credits

DTANK PLUS INC Owner