ABOUT THIS EPISODE
What does it take for a family business to survive — and thrive — for more than a century?
On this episode of Commercial Construction Coffee Talk, David Corson sits down with Michael Grossman, fourth-generation owner of Kensington Furniture in Northfield, New Jersey, for a conversation about family business, furniture retail, technology, AI and adapting to an industry that never stops changing.
Founded in 1912 by Michael’s great-grandfather, Meyer Max Grossman, Kensington Furniture has experienced more than 100 years of changes in manufacturing, retail, consumer behavior and technology. Michael shares lessons from nearly 50 years in the furniture business and explains why independent retailers still have opportunities to compete with much larger companies.
David and Michael discuss the evolution of furniture manufacturing from traditional craftsmanship to robotics and automation, how artificial intelligence is changing sales training and content creation and why AI-powered search is transforming the way consumers discover businesses and make purchasing decisions.
They also examine today’s furniture retail market, the effects of interest rates and slower home sales and why aggressive, adaptable businesses can find opportunities even during challenging economic conditions.
The conversation goes deeper than business. As two people with deep family roots in the furniture industry, David and Michael share stories about craftsmanship, customer service, lifelong relationships, family legacy and the importance of making the most of your time.
Topics include:
• The 114-year history of Kensington Furniture
• Building and protecting a fourth-generation family business
• How furniture retail has changed over the past 50 years
• Robotics and automation in furniture manufacturing
• How AI is changing retail, marketing and sales training
• Changing consumer search and buying behavior
• Competing as an independent retailer
• Interest rates, housing and the furniture market
• Customer service and relationship building
• Family, legacy and lifelong learning
Hosted by David Corson, Commercial Construction Coffee Talk brings together entrepreneurs, executives, innovators and industry leaders for conversations about business, construction, retail, leadership and the experiences that shaped their careers.
https://kensingtonfurniture.com
mlg@kensingtonfurniture.com
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