Tag Archives: employee spotlight

Meet Steven | Arlington Heights Showroom Manager

Can you share a bit about your background?
I started with CAI in May of 2005 and can’t believe it’s been 20 years. Kyle (Chicago showroom manager) and I practically grew up together and have seen so many wonderful changes. Upholstery is my passion, and haven’t met a recliner I haven’t liked, and am always happy to try one out!

What excites you most about this new chapter in Arlington Heights?
I am so excited to work in a new space with a new team. The ladies are just amazing, and I know we will have fun building this business. 

What are some of your favorite product lines?
Working with Wesley Hall and Lee Industries has been wonderful, and seeing our businesses grow together has been amazing. I believe that everyone should have a pair of Wesley Hall Jamestown Swivels, my favorite chair! I love building the relationships with our vendors and seeing how each vendor can give our customers what they need.

If you weren’t working in the design industry, what would you be doing?
So I was supposed to be an accountant, and loved math, but got into the custom framing business, and loved it! That took me to many years in retail with The Bombay Co. and the Pottery Barn, which created my love for upholstery and helping folks make great decisions for their homes. That math background is a huge help in keeping us on target!

What are some of your favorite product lines?
Working with Wesley Hall and Lee Industries has been wonderful, and seeing our businesses grow together has been amazing. I believe that everyone should have a pair of Wesley Hall Jamestown Swivels, my favorite chair!

Anything else you would like to share?
Upholstery is my passion, and haven’t met a recliner I haven’t liked. I’m absolutely thrilled to see traditional upholstery making a huge comeback. I love pattern and trim, and feel it adds character and warmth to any space. Skirts are in, baby!!!

Contact Steven, our Midwest Regional Sales Manager and Arlington Heights Showroom Manager at stevens@caidesigns.net or (847)-398-4785×6760.

Meet Mark | Rug Sales Manager

What is your past work experience/education? Tell us a little bit about how you ended up in this field and what experiences brought you to the world of design.

I started my career as an on-location carpet and upholstery cleaner. I was then hired as a salesman, where I was bitten by the ‘rug bug’ and have been helping folks imagine and produce whatever they can dream.  AKA… The Rug Guy . “Art for the Floor, a Soul for you room”.

Where were you raised?
Woodstock, Illinois (not the famous one).

Where do you draw inspiration from? 
I’m a visual learner so nature and anything within view.

What is your most rewarding project and why? 
I love seeing the reaction of buyers when they receive their
rugs, so all projects are very rewarding.

In your experience working with C.A.I. Designs thus far, what are some of your favorite product lines and why?
All things beautiful, inspiring and of course rugs!

What is your favorite color?
Any shade of green

What do you like to do in your spare time? (Hobbies, Talents, Travel, Family, etc.)
Cook, make things in the kitchen. . . My S>T>B>F> brand that I
have yet to get out of the kitchen. . .(Soon to be Famous). I’m
also a drummer. Married with an 11 year old son and 34 year old
daughter, proud dad.

If you could travel back in time, where/when would you go and why?
Back to me in HS and tell me not to stress the future, just let it
roll, and it has 🙂

How would you characterize your design style?
Mid-Century interpretive “That’s a great idea, let’s make that”.

Do you have a favorite quote?
“Let me take care of that!”

What is your favorite food?
Sushi

What is your favorite TV series?
Resident Alien

Is there anything else you would like to share?
I love to share great food and drinks, look me up!

Mark can be reached in our corporate office at markr@caidesigns.net or by phone at 847-398-4785 x6762.