We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Joey Kohan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Joey thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you as a business owner?

At the dental office, everything ran on systems. Every tool had a place, every patient had a file, every appointment was scheduled precisely, and even the smallest details were tracked. At the time, it seemed excessive. I remember thinking, “It’s just a small thing, why does it matter so much where this goes?” But I later realized those “small things” were what allowed the entire practice to run smoothly, avoid mistakes, and build trust with patients. Nothing was left to memory or chance.

At the same time, I was selling random items online, whatever I could source, from small products to home goods. In the beginning, I had no real system. It wasn’t because I didn’t care—it was because I didn’t yet understand the importance of structure. I quickly saw that the more disorganized I was, the more problems I created for myself. Small oversights would turn into bigger issueslate shipments, confused customers, and lost opportunities.

That contrast taught me one of the most important lessons I carry with me today: the little things become the big things.

Organization isn’t just about being neat,it’s about building systems that remove chaos and allow you to scale. When you have a system for inventory, listings, customer communication, and operations, your business becomes predictable, reliable, and efficient. Without it, you’re constantly reacting instead of growing.

Today, running Affordable Home Fabrics, that lesson influences how I approach every part of the business. From tracking thousands of fabrics and managing inventory to fulfilling orders and communicating with customers, I’ve learned that staying organized is what allows everything to run smoothly. Especially as the business grew, I realized that without clear systems in place, even small oversights could quickly turn into bigger problems. Having structure allows me to stay consistent, dependable, and focused on serving our customers properly.

What I learned early on is that success isn’t built on one big moment, it’s built on the small things you do every day. Being organized, paying attention to details, and creating reliable systems are what allow a business to grow and sustain itself. Those habits have been one of the biggest factors in helping me build and continue growing the company.

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 Affordable Home Fabrics, we provide upholstery, drapery, and performance fabrics for residential, commercial, and creative applications. Our customers include homeowners reupholstering furniture, interior designers, upholsterers, and also professionals in set design for movies, television shows, and production studios who need reliable fabrics to bring their creative vision to life. We carry a wide range of indoor, outdoor, and specialty textiles suitable for everything from everyday furniture to high-demand production environments.

One of the main problems we solve is making the process of buying fabric easier and more dependable. Fabric is not a one-size-fits-all product, customers need the right durability, color accuracy, and material for their specific use, whether it’s for a home, commercial project, or a film or television set. We focus on providing accurate information, consistent inventory, and reliable fulfillment so our clients can move forward with confidence and stay on schedule. We also work closely with professionals in set design, film production, television studios, and theater productions, providing fabrics used for set decoration, scenic design, backdrops, and production environments.

What sets us apart is our hands-on approach and attention to detail. We understand that every order plays a role in a larger project, whether it’s restoring furniture, designing a space, or supporting a movie or television production. Our goal has always been to be a dependable source that customers and creative professionals can trust and return to whenever they need quality fabric.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

One of the most important things I’ve learned about managing a team is that there truly is no “I” in team. A business can only grow when everyone is working toward the same goal, and that requires leaving ego at the door. No role is more important than another—every task, no matter how small it may seem, contributes to the bigger picture.

I believe it’s important to lead with respect, consistency, and accountability. When people feel valued and understand how their work contributes to the success of the company, they take pride in what they do. Maintaining high morale comes from creating an environment where the focus isn’t on individual recognition, but on collective progress. When the team succeeds, everyone succeeds, and that mindset builds trust, motivation, and long-term stability.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

I met Frank through a mutual associate who recognized that we both had an interest in business and the home décor fabric industry. As we got to know each other, it became clear that our strengths and weaknesses complemented one another well. We shared the same appreciation for fabric—not just as a product, but as something that plays a meaningful role in people’s homes and spaces.

What started as conversations about opportunities and ideas naturally evolved into a partnership. We both had a strong work ethic and a shared vision for building something reliable and long-term. That mutual respect and alignment in values became the foundation of our business partnership and continues to guide how we operate today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.Affordablehomefabrics.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordablehomefabrics
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/affordablehomefabrics/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@affordablehomefabrics/videos
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/affordable-home-fabrics-los-angeles?osq=affordable+home+fabrics

Image Credits

Our own photos