Business of Home Podcast

With a 19th century inventor, a countess, and a tragic car crash, the story of Italian fabric brand Fortuny feels like an epic novel. Here, Mickey and Maury Riad—the brothers behind the company’s modern incarnation—share the tale of Fortuny’s first century, as well as their strategy for the next 100 years.They also tell host Dennis Scully what they learned from the shutdown of their startup Fuigo, how they’re thinking about a potential downturn, and why they believe—with the right technology—the design industry could do so much better. This episode is sponsored by Loloi Rugs and Modern Matter. LINKSFortunyDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

This week on the Business of Home Podcast, host Dennis Scully is joined by Julia Hunter, the CEO of the lifestyle brand Jenni Kayne. Founded in 2002 by Kayne herself, the company built its name in fashion, selling elevated basics in neutral tones. In 2017, Julia led the brand to explore textiles and eventually furniture—home is now a 20 million dollar business for Jenni Kayne. On the show, Hunter speaks about why influencer marketing has so much untapped potential in home, the reason she and her team bought and renovated a house, and why sticking to beige has worked so well for Jenni Kayne. This episode is sponsored by Loloi Rugs and Modern Matter. LINKSJenni KayneDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Founded in 2012 as a lighting studio by then-partners Gabriel Hendifar and Jeremy Anderson, Apparatus has quickly become one the industry’s most talked-about brands. Dividing its collections into “acts” and staging elaborate events to celebrate their release, the company brings the spirit of immersive theater to the business of selling high-end lighting and furniture.  In this episode of the podcast, Hendifar, artistic director of Apparatus, speaks with host Dennis Scully about what it means to put narrative first in design, why Apparatus’s parties are as important as their products, and why emerging from a split with his original partner has given him the confidence to dream even bigger.This episode is sponsored by Loloi Rugs and Modern Matter. LINKSApparatusDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

A midwestern native trained in commercial design, Suzanne Kasler made two big pivots in the mid-1990s: she moved to Atlanta, and began working exclusively on residential projects. Both changes turned out to be prescient: She quickly became one of the south’s biggest names, and is now a nationally recognized designer, regularly earning a spot on the AD100 and Elle Decor’s A-List—not to mention a robust portfolio of product licenses with everyone from Hickory Chair to Visual Comfort to Ballard Design.On this episode of the podcast, she speaks with host Dennis Scully about why business is about more than just productivity, why she focuses on pricing transparency with clients, and how the logistical challenges of the pandemic have changed her firm forever.This episode is sponsored by CryptonLINKSSuzanne KaslerDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

From creating a line of tableware to design projects that landed him on the AD100, Billy Cotton’s career has seen him apply his talents to a wide range of pursuits. Recently, after a short stint as Ralph Lauren Home’s creative director, he’s returned to the role that keeps calling him back —interior designer. On this episode of the show, he speaks with host Dennis Scully about why he likes to hire former waiters for his firm, how perception doesn’t always match reality in the design industry, and why he’s always counted on hard work to get him through difficult times.This episode is sponsored by CryptonLINKSBilly CottonDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

Founded in 2010 by Connie Matisse, her husband Alex, and their friend John Vigeland, East Fork began as a small pottery studio. The company has since evolved into a thriving direct-to-consumer brand, with a bustling manufacturing operation in North Carolina. On this episode of podcast, host Dennis Scully speaks with Matisse about her complicated relationship with social media, the leadership lessons she’s learned at the helm of a fast-growing company, and why it’s so hard to find a balance between idealism and business.   This episode is sponsored by CryptonTo register for the Future of Home conference, click here.LINKSEast ForkDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

John Edelman and John McPhee met by chance while working for Edelman’s brother, Sam in the footwear business—their partnership would ultimately reshape the design industry as we know it. Together, they exponentially grew the Edelman family leather business, which they ultimately sold to Knoll for $67 million. They then went on to pull off a dramatic rescue job on then-struggling retailer Design Within Reach, selling that business to Herman Miller for $154 million. Now, the pair have their own ventures: McPhee is the new CEO of chilewich, and Edelman has acquired cult favorite design brand Heller. But they continue to work together and share insights on a fast-changing market. On this episode of the show, they talk about how difficult times lead to the most growth, and why betting on great design always makes for good business.  This episode is sponsored by Crypton.  Click here to register for the Future of Home conference. LINKSHellerChilewichDennis ScullyBusiness of Home 

With stints at Domino, House and Garden, and Martha Stewart Living, Stephen Orr is a publishing veteran who has seen most sides of the shelter media industry. In his current role as editor in chief of Better Homes & Gardens, he’s working on a new challenge: to steer a 100-year-old publication that reaches not just the affluent and design-obsessed, but all Americans, across the country, from all walks of life. In this episode of the podcast, he speaks with host Dennis Scully about what “fancy creep” is and why wants to avoid it, why he put Harry Styles on his cover, and why, for a contemporary magazine, the print issue is only part of the equation. This episode is sponsored by Modern Matter & High Point MarketRegister for the Future of Home here.LINKSBetter Homes & GardensDennis ScullyBusiness of Home

A decade ago, Zak Profera started his company—Zak & Fox—a decade ago as a small line of printed linens. Through great design, determination and a relentless obsession with details, he’s grown it into a thriving independent brand, beloved by designers and represented by the industry’s best showrooms. On this episode of the podcast, he speaks with host Dennis Scully about the pros and cons of design centers, why he stopped selling to consumers, and why, despite the rapid pace of technological disruption, he thinks the design industry won’t change as much as some might think. This episode is sponsored by Modern Matter & High Point MarketRegister for the Future of Home here.LINKSZak+FoxDennis ScullyBusiness of Home 

After years in the textile industry, Brian Erden had a series of innovations: One was to weave metals like bronze and brass deeply into the background of rugs. The other was to establish his own operations overseas, rather than relying on a dubious network of middlemen. In six short years, Erden product has become a hit in the industry, represented by top showrooms and used by star designers. On this episode of the podcast, he speaks with host Dennis Scully about why some rugs cost $1,000 and others $10,000, why he’s a believer in multiline showrooms, and why the textile industry isn’t as innovative as it needs to be.This episode is sponsored by Modern Matter and High Point Market.To register for the Future of Home conference, click here. Erden RugsDennis ScullyBusiness of Home