Jul 9, 2019
This week Aaron and Tracy chat with Patrick Cain of
Patrick Cain Designs about his interesting path to becoming a
furniture designer, and the business side of being a
maker.
LET’S CHAT!
You can always call and leave
your questions and comments on our voicemail!
978-709-1040
NOTABLE MOMENTS :
- Patrick attributes his success to having a
curiosity and learning.
- He
started mid-century modern and moved into minimalist
design.
- He’s
currently working on a brutalist vibe with a little touch of
Memphis.
- Patrick’s company employs people from every
continent.
- The
shop’s process is super collaborative. Patrick has everyone in the
shop give input.
- In
addition to his main site, Patrick sells his second hand concrete
pieces on Etsy, and also at the Rose Bowl Flea
Market.
- “Do
what you like, save what you love as a hobby”.
- Patrick looks at selling at the flea market as
free A/B testing. He can tell if he’s doing the right thing by who
approaches him to hear more.
- “I
believe in open cabinetry because you can’t hide
things!”
- The
dogs in Patrick’s photos are from Angel City Pitbulls.
- If
you’re thinking of starting a business, focus on a product that’s
safe and then expand.
THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING FURNITURE:
- If
it’s MDF or particle board it’s not going to hold up.
- The
heavier the better.
- Look
for furniture that is environmentally friendly. Things that are
made from new materials are better if they’re going to last 10
years.
ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS:
- Patrick uses recycled styrofoam in his concrete
pieces.
- Their
team looks for fallen trees and materials that can be
reclaimed.
SOME CHALLENGES OF RUNNING A BUSINESS/MOST
REWARDING:
- One
of the biggest challenges is, Los Angeles doesn’t make it easy to
run a business.
- Being
able to pay yourself is tough- it goes to employees and getting
reinvested.
- Having steady work.
- Finding employees! Finding reliable people is
so difficult.
- Having a happy customer is really
rewarding.
FIND PATRICK:
Website |
patrickcaindesigns.com
The Gram | @patrickcaindesigns
Facebook |
facebook.com/PatrickCainDesigns
Pinterest |
pinterest.com/PCD_Furniture
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