Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Le.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Linda. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was working for my sister back in the mid 90’s that just started a furniture mfg business while in school majoring in design and marketing. After graduation, my mom wanted me to come help my sister and that is how it got started. My sister and I started building a company from bottom up. We did whatever it takes to get the job done with the amount of help from our employees. I recall we would work till 10 and 11 pm to get the job completed. Business was on and off and in 1988 with a reputable rep in Dallas, we shipped our first shipment to a national retailer. Our parson’s chairs sold out in a few days. Shipment goes out more consistent and sales continue exceeded projections. One bright day, I got a call from a buyer at corporate wanting to order chairs for the chain. From ’89 on, it has been ongoing success and of course, there are hick-ups along the way but I feel with dedication, hardwork and staying positive everything can be overcome. Who would have thought just selling a simple parsons chair will hit the millions in a year?
Has it been a smooth road?
Business decline with a price war when China was in the picture. A lot of domestic companies left US and went oversees for better pricing. We transitioned to do custom furniture only to stay afloat. Staff is at bare minimum only so that I can at least give them the hours they need to support their family. The state of CA is not a friendly state to do business as there are so many rules and regulations to abide by.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We are a furniture mfg and specialize in upholstered parsons chairs. We stand behind our quality and our chairs are very well priced in the market. We are most proud of our broad selections of styles and finished and key is that we build them to order. Every chair shipped is a custom piece as it is made to order only. We are known in the industry for our outstanding workmanship in our frames and upholstery. and providing a very broad range of dining chairs in a very fair price.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
El Monte is a good area to start a mfg business because of its willingness to support small business. The city also is known for reasonable rent for industrial buildings.
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