Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristofer Solberg.
Hi Kristofer, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Like many of life’s mysteries, serendipity played a big part in how I landed in the luxury furniture business. I was in a professional transition when I first brushed up against the design world, having left one career behind, I was living in that uncertain space before leaping into the next thing without a net.
At the time, I was supporting myself through work in special events. I was an independent contractor, working with a rotating cast of installation crews for as many as ten different companies across L.A. I probably spent more hours loading and unloading props from rented U-Haul trucks than most people do in a lifetime.
That time provided me with a study in humanity. Working with so many different personalities was, frankly, wild; a novelist’s chemistry lab of characters. As I got to know the teams I worked with, I was asked to take on more creative tasks such as dressing sets, arranging florals, and helping bring visual ideas to life. Something clicked. I began to see how a theme or emotion could be made tangible through flowers, lighting, layout, and texture. One day it was an Oscar party, the next a bar mitzvah. It was unpredictable, hands-on, and oddly satisfying. Saying yes to all of it gradually helped me develop an eye and an early appreciation for design.
At one point, I was working full-time at a flower studio next to Waldo Designs. A small vendor that supplied Waldo, specializing in vintage and antique Southeast Asian baskets, bowls, and ethnographic sculpture, was looking for someone to manage their Culver City “to the trade” showroom. Designers and retail businesses were their main customers.
Someone from Waldo, who often purchased from that vendor, referred me for the position. What she saw in me that made her think I’d be a good fit, I’m not entirely sure, but I’m grateful she did. After interviewing with the showroom’s owners, I managed to talk my way into the job.
Though I held the title of manager, the job was really a mosaic of responsibilities, many of which I had no prior experience. That role became the place where I truly began to learn my current trade. It’s where I started building relationships with the designers I still work with today.
From there, I moved into two consecutive roles on the wholesale side of the luxury furniture industry, both blending sales and management. The first focused heavily on helping designers source products such as antiques, bespoke pieces, and custom work. The second leaned more toward direct sales and operations, with interior designers as my primary clientele.
At every step along the way, much like a sommelier developing their palate, I’ve been refining my eye and learning how best to help designers find the ideal piece within the scope of the product line I represent. That principle is alive and well in my current role, in a new market for me: outdoor furniture.
In nearly twenty years in this business, I’ve had the privilege of working with world-class, incredibly talented designers. Throughout it all, I’ve done everything I could to make the designer look good in front of their client. That’s how trust is built between salesperson and designer. No matter what product I’m representing, my goal is always for the designer to know I’m in their corner.
Sales can get a bad rap. We’ve all had experiences with salespeople who treat customers like walking dollar signs. But to me, sales isn’t about pushing someone into a purchase; it’s about helping guide them toward a solution that truly serves their project.
And if they end up going in another direction, that’s okay. I know they’ll come back when the right project and the right product align.
My sincerest hope is that when they do return, it’s not just because of the product I represent, but because they know I care. I want them to succeed—for their sake, for mine, and simply as one human being supporting another in doing our best work and being the best people we can be for one another.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the fundamental challenges is rooted in working in Los Angeles, which reflects the often trendy and chimeric nature of the design business: whether rooted in entertainment, fashion, luxury furniture, or interior design. All of those markets feed off each other’s energy to create an echo chamber of distraction, and if a person in sales doesn’t stay grounded in the core principles of genuinely loving what they sell and remaining committed to the idea of how to best serve their clientele, it’s easy to begin questioning and doubting the company they represent.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Gloster Furniture?
One of the first companies to commit to the idea that outdoor furniture doesn’t have to play second fiddle to interior furniture, we built our identity around elevating the outdoor experience. Our collections are rooted in Bauhaus clarity and paired with Scandinavian warmth, less about ornament and more about calm, livable comfort. Think natural materials, muted tones, and a quiet simplicity that feels intentional rather than spare. Over time, our furniture has evolved into transitional designs that complement a wide range of styles, from Tribeca to West Hollywood, all softened for real life: clean lines, subtle details, and materials that age gracefully (Grade A teak, no younger than 40 years old). We’re one of the few true “seed to seat” producers, growing our own teak, milling it, and crafting each piece under one roof. That means tighter quality control, a clear intentionality of mission, and genuine sustainability. We also collaborate with independent European designers who bring timeless restraint and thoughtful engineering to every piece, ensuring each design balances timeless design with a human touch.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love connecting with people and learning about the spaces they’re creating, the projects that reflect their passions and, many times, their most authentic selves. There’s something deeply rewarding about helping designers bring their vision to life, whether through a single piece of furniture or an entire curated environment. I also value the sense of community within the design field, where each of us has a role in elevating the craft and supporting one another’s work.
At the same time, one of the greatest challenges I face is the perception of my role as a salesperson. Sometimes designers see me as a bother or as someone simply trying to sell a product for profit. While making a living is part of the job, one of my built-in priorities is to bring real value to the designer: high-quality products, a trusted personal brand, and solutions that save time and effort in sourcing. My goal is to support their creative process, not interrupt it, and to be a reliable partner rather than just a vendor peddling products.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gloster.com/en-us/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glosterfurniture/
