Today we’d like to introduce you to David Navarro.
Hi David, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Growing up with two lesbian mothers at the age of 13 marked a pivotal turning point in my life, providing me with a profound sense of direction and purpose. This unique experience offered me the opportunity to better myself and make a real difference. Witnessing the care and concern these two women had for my life fueled my determination to make them proud and ensure they never regretted taking me in. Like any teenager, I faced my share of challenges and learning experiences, but ultimately, I can proudly say I did well for myself.
Fast-forwarding to the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey, I used to accompany Debbie to the Futon store she managed, where, at the age of 14, my tasks included sweeping, taking out the trash, and filing. The tragic plane crash from Houston to Chicago, which claimed the lives of all passengers, including the store owner, became the catalyst for Debbie to open Houston Futon. Despite starting in an old abandoned floral shop in a less-than-ideal neighborhood in Houston, we learned to set up displays, assemble furniture, hone customer service skills, and manage various aspects of the business. The fast-paced world of entrepreneurship kept me laser-focused on ensuring our business’s success, eventually expanding to three stores in total—two in Houston and one in San Francisco.
The closure of the stores marked a new chapter in my life, prompting me to ask, “What Am I Going To Do Now?” Having been immersed in the world of futons and residential furniture, I decided to take a well-deserved vacation to California, particularly Los Angeles, where I felt free to embrace my identity as a gay man without judgment. Falling in love with LA during this trip, I packed my bags and, with the support of Mary, Debbie, and my grandparents, moved to the city two weeks later.
Despite the initial challenges of moving to LA without a job, friends, or a place to live, my risk-taking nature led me to various odd jobs before landing a position at the Los Angeles Business Journal, where I worked for four years. Over the years, I moved back and forth between Houston, Miami and finally settled in LA at the age of 34. It was then that dTank, a commercial furniture design firm and fabricator, discovered my resume, leading me to become their new sales representative within a month of being in LA.
Transitioning from residential to commercial furniture, I had to dust off my design skills and carry my weight creatively. As time passed, I had the opportunity to showcase my skills and grow within the firm under the mentorship of Reto. Unbeknownst to me, until June of 2021, Reto had been guiding me in the custom commercial furniture industry. However, the challenges posed by COVID-19 took a toll on dTank, and with Reto deciding it was time to bow out, he gave his blessings for me to continue.
On June 15, 2021, I took a leap of faith and opened DTANK PLUS INC. This venture, driven by passion and the sacrifices of the past five years at dTank, has brought its share of struggles. Yet, with an exceptional team by my side, I navigate these challenges daily. Transitioning from a team member to a leader has been a transformative experience. DTANK PLUS has become a recognized brand in the A&D community, and with an office in Houston, I aim to infuse the creative spirit of LA into the local scene.
This chapter of my life has also sparked other interests, culminating in the launch of my podcast, “The Come Up Chronicles.” With this platform, I aspire to be a beacon of inspiration for those contemplating significant life moves, starting businesses, or overcoming everyday obstacles. My story has already inspired many, and I hope to reach even more through this new endeavor.
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?
It has not been easy at all, but I guess that what makes my story interesting. The struggle of moving to LA and being jumped by 6 six guys because they thought I was someone else, or having your car broken into the same month and having everything taken. Or moving to LA for the third time and had been hired by a yoga studio to help franchise the company with an agreed salary to starting my first day to have the positioned changed to a front desk position part-time making 10:50 an hour.
We’ve been impressed with DTANK PLUS, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
From inception to completion, we deliver a comprehensive turnkey experience for our clients, blending a potent mix of creativity, extensive expertise, and technical know-how into every project. Pioneering furniture customization through cutting-edge 3D digital technology has been our hallmark since our establishment.
In the contemporary landscape, we persistently redefine the industry by crafting refined spaces that seamlessly integrate the latest ergonomic features and technological solutions. Our commitment to excellence extends to the manufacturing process, with all our products crafted in the United States using state-of-the-art materials and fabrication techniques.
Every project is approached with meticulous attention, from its inception to the post-completion phase, ensuring a seamless and satisfying experience for our clients. Our dedication to quality is reflected in our promise of a 10-year warranty, underlining our commitment to enduring craftsmanship and customer satisfaction.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
In addition to my diverse background, I have a history as a dancer, a passion that led me to establish a dance group during my high school years. This early venture eventually propelled me into the world of professional dance when I became a member of Dance Force Productions, a reputable dance company based in Houston.
Our dance troupe had the privilege of showcasing our talent at numerous private events and participating in Houston’s Dance Houston program. This experience not only honed my skills but also provided me with exposure to different audiences and performance settings.
Upon my relocation to Los Angeles, my enthusiasm for dance led me to the renowned Millennium Dance Studio. Walking into the studio with a certain confidence, I took a class expecting to be among the best, only to find myself humbled, quite literally, as I ended up in the back of the class midway through. It was a moment of realization that there was always room for growth and learning in the world of dance, a lesson that fueled my ongoing passion for the art form.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dtank-plus.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dtankplus/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dtankplusfurniture
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dtankplus/?viewAsMember=true
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dtank4353/videos
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@dtankplus
Image Credits
DTANK PLUS
