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

Shaun, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How do you feel about asking friends and family to support your business? What’s appropriate, what’s not? Where do you draw the line?

Honestly, I think it’s completely fair to ask friends and family to support your business, as long as it’s done with respect and without pressure. Most people want to see you win, especially when they know how hard you’re working!

Support doesn’t always mean spending money. A share, a review, a referral, or even just showing up to a launch event can make a huge difference. I’ve had friends who never bought anything from me, but they tagged me in posts or sent a client my way—and that’s just as valuable to me.

That said, I’ve learned not to take it personally if friends or family don’t support the way I hoped. Everyone’s got their own life, priorities, and sometimes people just aren’t your target customer.

I try to lead with appreciation, not expectation. A simple message like, “Hey, if you know anyone looking for custom furniture, I’d love a referral,” goes a long way. Keep it positive, and people are more likely to show up for you.

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?

We’re a family-run custom furniture company based in Phoenix, Arizona, proudly carrying on a legacy that began over 30 years ago. My brother-in-law and I took over the business from his grandmother, who built a strong reputation in the Valley for her craftsmanship, honesty, and deep care for her customers. She ran this business with her hands, her heart, and a love for helping people make their homes feel complete.

When we stepped in, we didn’t just want to continue what she started; we wanted to build on it. We’ve modernized the designs, expanded the range of styles, and made the process more flexible and accessible, while still keeping the same commitment to quality, service, and family values that she was known for.

We specialize in custom sofas, sectionals and one-of-a-kind statement pieces; each one handcrafted to fit your space, lifestyle, and taste. Whether you have a unique room layout, a specific vision, or just want something better than what’s in big box stores, we can build it. No two families are the same, and your furniture shouldn’t be either.

What sets us apart is our personal approach. We work directly with every customer; from design to delivery, making sure every piece is built to last and made exactly the way you want it. We believe furniture should be beautiful, functional, and personal. You won’t get “cookie cutter” from us. Just custom work that fits your life.

We’re most proud of the trust our customers place in us, especially when they refer us to friends and family. It tells us we’re doing something right and we don’t take that lightly.

At the end of the day, we’re just two guys who love building furniture that means something to people. We’re here to help you turn your house into a home; with custom pieces made by real hands, for real life

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective way we’ve built clientele is through trust, word-of-mouth, and consistency. We started by leaning on our network, friends, family, and referrals. Then we backed it up with quality work, strong photos, and great customer service. Posting regularly on social media and in local groups has helped keep us visible, while happy customers continue to send new clients our way. It’s all about showing up, doing solid work, and building real relationships

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

My business partner is actually my brother-in-law, and our story goes way beyond business; it’s rooted in family. We’ve known each other for years, long before either of us ever thought about running a company. What started as family cookouts and holidays together eventually turned into late-night conversations about work, ambition, and what we both wanted out of life.

The turning point came when his grandmother, who had been running a successful custom furniture business in Phoenix for over 30 years, was ready to step away. She had built something special; a loyal customer base, a strong local reputation, and a craft that people truly respected. We both saw the potential not only to keep her legacy alive but to grow it into something even bigger.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.BSFURNITUREDELIVERYAZ.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bsfurnituredeliveryaz?igsh=dXd6OGZxNWtodGlk&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/bsfurnituredeliveryaz-811719360
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/O7DL7GgfVT