We recently connected with Sebastian Saavedra and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sebastian, thanks for joining us today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?

What my parents did right was teach me that character matters just as much as ambition. From a young age, they instilled in me the belief that anything is achievable through hard work, commitment, good intentions, and the power of manifestation. They encouraged me to dream big, but they also emphasized that meaningful success is built through discipline, integrity, and perseverance.

I was fortunate to grow up with parents who led by example. They demonstrated what it means to work tirelessly toward a vision while remaining humble, compassionate, and grounded in strong values. Having role models I admired gave me a clear understanding of the kind of person I wanted to become, both personally and professionally.

One of the most valuable lessons they taught me was that kindness and empathy are essential qualities, but there are moments in life and business when you must also be firm, confident, and decisive. Early in my career, I struggled to express and defend my ideas because I was too focused on pleasing others and avoiding conflict. I often doubted myself, even when I believed deeply in my vision and intentions.

I remember a time when I hesitated to stand behind an important design decision because I feared disappointing those around me. My mother reminded me that leadership is not about always being agreeable; it is about having the courage to stand by your convictions while continuing to treat people with respect and empathy. She told me, “People will trust you more when they see that you trust yourself.” That advice transformed the way I approached both business and life.

Over time, I came to understand that success requires balancing compassion with confidence. My parents taught me that being kind does not mean avoiding difficult conversations, and that being decisive does not mean sacrificing empathy. The ability to hold both qualities simultaneously has become one of the guiding principles in my leadership style.

Perhaps most importantly, my parents gave me confidence in my own potential. They didn’t simply encourage me to pursue my goals; they helped me believe that I was capable of achieving them. They taught me to remain grounded in integrity and purpose, regardless of the opportunities or challenges that came my way.

Looking back, what my parents did right was not just preparing me for a career. They prepared me for life by teaching me to work hard, lead with empathy, trust my instincts, and have the courage to pursue the things that matter most.

Sebastian, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Growing up between Toronto and Ecuador exposed me to two influences that would ultimately shape my career: entrepreneurship and design.

Coming from a family involved in both industries, I witnessed from an early age how ideas evolved from concepts into beautifully finished spaces. At the same time, I developed a strong interest in the business side of creating and growing companies. I was fascinated by how successful brands maintain their identity while expanding into new markets and connecting with new audiences.

While studying Business Management and Entrepreneurship at Toronto Metropolitan University, I became increasingly interested in the intersection of business, design, and innovation.

My professional journey began at Art Boulle, a company founded by my parents in 2004 that specializes in the design and production of luxury metalwork and woodworking. There, I led marketing initiatives that eventually opened the door to the luxury design industry, giving me the opportunity to collaborate closely with designers, manufacturers, architects, and clients.

A few years later, I embraced a new challenge by leading the distribution and expansion of Madeval in Toronto, Canada. Joining Madeval felt like a natural progression, as it brought together many of the interests that had shaped my professional path. Proudly Ecuadorian, I immediately connected with the vision of introducing a South American brand to the Canadian market, one that represents the craftsmanship, artistry, materials, and cultural richness of my heritage.

Being able to bring a unique cross-cultural perspective to the luxury design industry by helping bridge Latin American craftsmanship and materials with North American architecture, development, and interior design has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.

Madeval specializes in the design and fabrication of innovative, forward-thinking kitchen, closet, and bathroom cabinetry. At Madeval, we believe that every space tells a unique story. That is why we create environments that reflect each client’s personality and lifestyle. Drawing inspiration from leading international trends, we deliver spaces that are modern, functional, and sophisticated.

We take pride in showcasing the latest advancements in technology and evolving design trends through our work. Every client who partners with us collaborates directly with one of our experienced designers, ensuring they receive expert guidance and personalized support throughout the entire process.

As a company with South American roots and an international outlook, we bring a fresh design sensibility that bridges Latin American artistry with North American architecture, development, and interior design. This perspective allows us to create spaces that feel both globally inspired and deeply personal, offering clients solutions that go beyond conventional cabinetry.

Another defining characteristic of Madeval is our access to an extraordinary range of materials that are rarely available in the Canadian market. South America is home to some of the world’s most unique and sought-after resources, including exotic wood veneers, innovative laminates, and specialty finishes that showcase remarkable textures, patterns, and natural beauty. Through our established relationships and exclusive distribution agreements, Madeval is able to offer many of these materials exclusively in Canada.

This exclusivity provides our clients with a level of customization and distinction that is difficult to replicate. While many competitors work from similar material palettes and standardized offerings, Madeval gives architects, designers, developers, and homeowners access to products that are truly unique. The result is the ability to design spaces with a stronger sense of identity, sophistication, and individuality.

Beyond aesthetics, Madeval is committed to innovation and staying at the forefront of the industry. We continuously incorporate emerging technologies, modern manufacturing techniques, and evolving international design trends into our work. This forward-thinking approach enables us to deliver cabinetry solutions that are not only visually striking but also highly functional and tailored to the way people live today.

Our process is equally important to what sets us apart. Every client works directly with an experienced designer who provides expert guidance from the initial concept through to the final execution. This collaborative approach ensures that each project is thoughtfully developed to reflect the client’s vision, lifestyle, and practical needs.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

If I could offer one piece of advice about managing a team and maintaining high morale, it would be this: recognize that your employees are not simply resources within a business—they are the very people who drive its growth and success.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that when you invest in the development of your team, your business grows alongside them. Employees who feel valued, supported, and empowered are more engaged in their work, more committed to the organization’s vision, and more willing to go above and beyond. In contrast, when people feel overlooked or stagnant, motivation and morale inevitably suffer.

This philosophy is often associated with Henry Ford, who understood that a company’s success is deeply connected to the well-being and development of its workforce. Ford recognized that creating opportunities for employees, providing fair compensation, and fostering a sense of purpose within the organization ultimately benefited both the individual and the business. While businesses often focus heavily on customers and financial performance, it is the people behind the scenes who make those outcomes possible.

For that reason, I believe leaders should actively seek ways to help their employees grow within the organization. Growth can take many forms: providing mentorship, encouraging new responsibilities, investing in professional development, recognizing achievements, or simply creating an environment where employees feel their ideas and contributions matter. When people can envision a future for themselves within the company, they develop a stronger sense of ownership and pride in the work they do.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

Designing a home is an incredibly personal experience. We are not simply selecting materials or creating layouts; we are helping shape the spaces where people gather with their families, celebrate milestones, and build their everyday lives.

Because of this, I believe that fostering brand loyalty begins with genuine care for the people we serve. Taking the time to truly understand our clients’ lifestyles, family dynamics, goals, routines, and personal preferences allows us to design spaces that are tailored specifically to them. The more we understand how they live and what matters most to them, the better equipped we are to create environments that are both beautiful and functional.

This approach naturally strengthens the relationships we build throughout the design process. Clients recognize when they are being listened to and when their needs are being prioritized. Rather than treating each project as a transaction, we strive to create an experience built on trust, transparency, and collaboration. We want our clients to feel supported and confident from the initial consultation through to the final installation and beyond.

Maintaining those relationships also means staying connected after the project is complete. Whether it is checking in to ensure everything is functioning as expected, celebrating future milestones with them, or simply remaining available whenever they need guidance, we aim to demonstrate that our commitment extends beyond the completion of a project.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.madeval.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeval_canada
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HefC75TtZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeval/