2015 VOL 2 | ISSUE 1
FOUR HANDS BRAND
HELLO FOUR HANDS, This Spring 2015 Four Hands has announced the launch of their new logo as well as an overall rebrand of the company. Four Hands is moving forward to the future as we prove ourselves not just as a great company, but also an amazing team and family. Great way to start the year! Thanks for reading, Your Newsletter Team
Questions, comments, concerns, and submissions PLEASE E-MAIL MBeagle@fourhands.com
FOUR HANDS BRAND
FOUR HANDS BRAND
FOUR HANDS 2015 Let me start by offering a happy belated new year to our Four Hands team. Welcome to 2015. Hopefully you were able to listen to the management team’s 2014 recap / 2015 kick-off presentation earlier this month but, in case you didn’t, here are the Cliff’s Notes… 2014 RECAP - Huge revenue growth! - The adoption of 80/20 principles and a focus on creating Raving Fans had a material impact on our business in it’s initial year and have established themselves as a way of doing business going forward. 2015 THEME AND FOCUS If you’ve seen the movie “This Is Spinal Tap” then you’ll get the reference immediately. The main characters (a heavy metal band making a comeback) wanted a way to take their concerts to the next level so they literally added one more level to their amps in order to play louder. “Turn it up to 11.” That’s exactly what we are going to do on three fronts in 2015…with our core products, our technology solutions and our branding experience. TURNING UP CORE PRODUCTS A cross-functional effort to institutionalize the work started by 80/20 last year around managing our product line. We
are going to enhance every facet of the way we design, plan, stock, market, display, sell and fulfill our top-selling products for our customers. TURNING UP TECHNOLOGY Our information systems help lay the foundation of our business and can give us an edge over our competitors. This year we are going to invest in our technology to widen
that gap and give our customers a world-class experience. TURNING UP THE BRAND Now that the branding work is complete, it’s ready to go prime time. We are going to rebrand every touchpoint with our customers, employees and vendor partners, as well as refine processes that drive them. We are also going spend more time focusing on helping
our employees better understand our culture and nurturing their growth from both a team and individual basis. Work on each of these fronts is already underway. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me or your manager. We’ll need everyone’s support to make them successful and ultimately turn Four Hands up to 11 in 2015.
WATCH VIDEO CLIP HERE
FOUR HANDS BRAND
WINTER MARKETS
ATLANTA & LAS VEGAS MARKET Atlanta Market Top Sellers
Las Vegas Market Top Sellers
1. CARTER DINING CHAIR CKEN-41Z-250 QTY SOLD: 90
1. ELOUISE DINING CHAIR CKEN-84C-111 QTY SOLD: 95
2. ELOUISE DINING CHAIR CKEN-84C-111 QTY SOLD: 58
2. BROOKS LOUNGE CHAIR CIRD-72K5-G6H6 QTY SOLD: 55
3. SWIVEL WING CHAIR CKEN-C2-362 QTY SOLD: 43
3. SWIVEL WING CHAIR CKEN-C2-362 QTY SOLD: 48
4. RICHMOND DINING CHAIR CCAR-M2-BKT QTY SOLD: 37
4. DAY BED SOFA CSD-0002 QTY SOLD: 20
5. ROMAN 114” DINING TABLE UWES-027 QTY SOLD: 6
5. GERARD DINING TABLE VBNA-T312 QTY SOLD: 16
Winter Markets Intros
FROSTER SOFA Dramatically oversized and architecturally inspired, weathered oak and supple leather create a focal point for luxe lounging.
MAGNA CHAIR Channel unparalleled comfort in a deep armless chair covered in whiskey-toned leather, designed for lounging, and great when paired.
RIO SOFA Grandly proportioned with hand-tufting and gunmetal-toned leather, this sectional exudes edgy style and classic confidence.
SEBASTIEN CHAIR Drama isn’t always oversized. Black leather, black-stained Ash legs, sloping arms, and a sculpted back make a compact style statement.
ANNIVERSARIES
5
DARYL KEHL
YEARS
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE SPECIALIST Anniversary Date: January 6th, 2015
5
PATTY O’BRIEN
YEARS
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Anniversary Date: September 8th, 2014
HAVE YOU HAD THE SAME JOB TITLE THE ENTIRE TIME? No, I started out as a Customer Care Manager. I am now an Accounts Payable Specialist. I enter and pay all invoices via check, wire, ACH, and credit cards.
HOW DID YOU COME TO WORK AT FOUR HANDS? I went thru an Accounting agency and they told me Four Hands was the place to be.
HOW DID YOU COME TO WORK AT FOUR HANDS? Word of mouth via a friend.
HAVE YOU HAD THE SAME JOB TITLE THE ENTIRE TIME? Yes, I’m still in my same position, Curt and Pat would be lost without me.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT FOUR HANDS? The people and culture of the company.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT FOUR HANDS? I love the people, everyone is so awesome, and I love the fact you can bring your dog to work. Everyone I know is so jealous!
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHANGE YOU’VE SEEN DURING YOUR 5 YEARS HERE? New ownership and numerous process improvements that are much more efficient. WHAT’S YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT AT FOUR HANDS? The lines of people that would line up for our warehouse sales when they were located at our main warehouse and the different range of people that are our customers. HOW HAS FOUR HANDS CHANGED YOU? Working for a growing company you learn quickly to embrace change, if you cannot change you cannot grow. WHAT 3 WORDS BEST DESCRIBE FOUR HANDS? Friendly, creative, and inspiring.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHANGE YOU’VE SEEN DURING YOUR 5 YEARS HERE? All of the growth and the many new faces! WHAT’S YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT AT FOUR HANDS? Gotta be Halloween 2010 when our department dressed as roller derby girls, we skated all over the office that day. Good times!! HOW HAS FOUR HANDS CHANGED YOU? Hmmm... that’s a hard one. I think I’ve grown up a lot in the last five years being here but I think I needed to LOL! WHAT 3 WORDS BEST DESCRIBE FOUR HANDS? FUN- WORK -PARTY!!!! Not necessarily in that order.
ANNIVERSARIES
5
JOE PATTERSON
YEARS
SR. IMPORT SPECIALIST
5
EMILY (WHITE) ASCI
YEARS
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Anniversary Date: November 30th, 2014
Anniversary Date: September 1, 2014
HAVE YOU HAD THE SAME JOB TITLE THE ENTIRE TIME? Along the way I’ve picked up the international export function and advising on issues with US Customs and Border Protection (I passed the Customs Brokers exam in Oct. 2014). I’ve also trained a few people and thankfully the best one came back.
HOW DID YOU COME TO WORK AT FOUR HANDS? I was itching for a change and wanting to move to Austin. I had heard good things about Four Hands. It took a few knocks at the door but they finally let me in! Kathryn Olmos help put me in contact with the right people.. Thanks Kat!
HOW DID YOU COME TO WORK AT FOUR HANDS? I used to handle the Four Hands account at Ceva Logistics and became very familiar with our trade lanes and product lines. WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT FOUR HANDS? Every single aspect of the company is better today than it was yesterday. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHANGE YOU’VE SEEN DURING YOUR 5 YEARS HERE? I can’t stress how important going paperless was for the logistics department. WHAT’S YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT AT FOUR HANDS? My most memorable moment would be the baby shower that was thrown for my son Neil.
HAVE YOU HAD THE SAME JOB TITLE THE ENTIRE TIME? No, my title has changed within the same department IF NOT, WHAT ARE YOUR NEW RESPONSIBILITIES? My main focus is on customer product development. I help develop special products for some of our top tier customers like West Elm, Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn and Resto. WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT FOUR HANDS? The product and the people. I’ve met some of my closes friends working at FH. I’ve also been able to travel to some pretty amazing places and work with beautiful furniture! WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHANGE YOU’VE SEEN DURING YOUR 5 YEARS HERE? When I first came on board, there wasn’t much strategy involved with PD. We basically threw a bunch of sh*t out on the floor to see stuck. Now we actually plan ahead and have become more strategic in what products we develop. Duh!
HOW HAS FOUR HANDS CHANGED YOU? Other than fill my house with beautiful furniture? I like to think that I’m a pretty steady guy so the only change has been a few more grey hairs. Those are probably due more to fatherhood and not Four Hands.
HOW HAS FOUR HANDS CHANGED YOU? I think it has taught me a lot about communication and how to work better within a large team….when to be the chief and when to be the Indian.
WHAT 3 WORDS BEST DESCRIBE FOUR HANDS? It was either Abraham Lincoln or Yoda that once said, “Try not…do.”
WHAT THREE WORDS BEST DESCRIBE FOUR HANDS? Authentic, Edgy and Fun
ANNIVERSARIES
KIM KIRKSEY
5 YEARS
Anniversary Date: February 22nd, 2015
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHANGE YOU’VE SEEN DURING YOUR 5 YEARS HERE? The success and growth of the company. It’s fascinating to see it and be a part of it.
HAVE YOU HAD THE SAME JOB TITLE THE ENTIRE TIME? No, I started as Administrative Support, answering phones and helping out with HR and claims. Now I’m in product management.
WHAT’S YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT AT FOUR HANDS? My first trip to High Point was pretty memorable. I had been warned, but nothing can prepare you.
HOW DID YOU COME TO WORK AT FOUR HANDS? I knew I wanted to work for Four Hands when I decided to move to Austin. I loved the furniture and heard great things about the company. After 4 months of calling and stopping by, I finally got an interview.
HOW HAS FOUR HANDS CHANGED YOU? I feel I have grown as an employee and gained new skills along the way.
PRODUCT MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT FOUR HANDS? I love the culture and the people.
KATHY JONES
SENIOR CREDIT AND COLLECTIONS SPECIALIST
10 YEARS
Anniversary Date: November 15th, 2014
HOW DID YOU COME TO WORK AT FOUR HANDS? Ten years ago, Four Hands used an outside company, Capital Factors, to handle their receivables. I was working for that company and handled the Four Hands account. When Four Hands decided not to factor any more, they asked if I would like to handle the receivables and credit functions from home, part time. I couldn’t refuse! HAVE YOU HAD THE SAME JOB TITLE THE ENTIRE TIME? No, I started out as a Credit Analyst. My title has changed, but the work has stayed basically the same. I have some new responsibilities and definitely a lot more customers than ten years ago! WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT FOUR HANDS? How dynamic it is. It’s been fun to watch us grow, add product lines, customers and employees. I think the employees are treated very well…. I just wish I was in town to enjoy more company fun days. We have some great employees and it would be fun to work in the office with everyone.
WHAT 3 WORDS BEST DESCRIBE FOUR HANDS? Ambitious, creative, boisterous.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHANGE YOU’VE SEEN DURING YOUR 10 YEARS HERE? The biggest change has been our phenomenal growth. It is amazing how far we have come as a company in ten years. I remember celebrating when we had our first $1,000,000 month. HOW HAS FOUR HANDS CHANGED YOU? Working part-time from home all of these years has been such a great opportunity for me. I am grateful to have been in the situation Four Hands provided. WHAT 3 WORDS BEST DESCRIBE FOUR HANDS? Dynamic, Fun-loving, Innovative FOUR HANDS SCRATCHES A TEN YEAR ITCH WHEN EMPLOYEES HIT THEIR 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY, THEY GET TO PICK OUT A SPECIAL GIFT. LET’S SEE WHAT KATHY PICKED: I have three children, Carson – 23, Sydney – 21 and Amanda – 17. As my kids leave home, they are starting to steal all of my furniture for their apartments. I took my ten year anniversary in the form of a furniture voucher so I can replace furniture that my children keep taking.
ANNIVERSARIES
NEALIE GILLIS
10
YEARS
JESUS GONZALEZ
MANUEL CORDERO
Anniversary Date: November 29th, 2014
Anniversary Date: February 7th
Anniversary Date: January 10th
HOW DID YOU COME TO WORK AT FOUR HANDS? I couldn’t find a job in Austin, and at the time my husband was the Four Hands Warehouse Manager. Matt was kind enough to hire me with the stipulation that I could only stay for three months. Ten years later...
HOW DID YOU COME TO WORK AT FOUR HANDS? My cousin introduced me.
HOW DID YOU COME TO WORK AT FOUR HANDS? My cousin introduced me.
HAVE YOU HAD THE SAME JOB TITLE THE ENTIRE TIME? No I started in an entry level receiving position and now I am lift lead.
HAVE YOU HAD THE SAME JOB TITLE THE ENTIRE TIME? No, I started in an entry level receiving position and now I am the Receiving Manager.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT FOUR HANDS? The workflow
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT FOUR HANDS? Competitive pay and the job itself
WHAT’S YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT AT FOUR HANDS? When I started working on the lifts.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHANGE YOU’VE SEEN DURING YOUR 10 YEARS HERE? The building extension
HOW HAS FOUR HANDS CHANGED YOU? It changed my life. I know have everything I want.
WHAT’S YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT AT FOUR HANDS? When they promoted me to Receiving Manager
STORE (SHOWROOM) MANAGER
WHAT’S YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT AT FOUR HANDS? In the past ten years, I have met some of the most amazing individuals that have become my closest and dearest friends. HOW HAS FOUR HANDS CHANGED YOU? I am so much more patient! You have to be when you’re a retail store living in a Wholesale world. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHANGE YOU’VE SEEN DURING YOUR 10 YEARS HERE? The product, and how much the showroom has evolved into a visually stunning and stylish retail space. WHAT 3 WORDS BEST DESCRIBE FOUR HANDS? Innovational, Visionaries, Respectable FOUR HANDS SCRATCHES A TEN YEAR ITCH WHEN EMPLOYEES HIT THEIR 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY, THEY GET TO PICK OUT A SPECIAL GIFT. LET’S SEE WHAT NEALIE PICKED: I think it’s going to be a vacation getaway.
LIFT LEAD
WHAT 3 WORDS BEST DESCRIBE FOUR HANDS? Great, growth, honesty FOUR HANDS SCRATCHES A TEN YEAR ITCH WHEN EMPLOYEES HIT THEIR 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY, THEY GET TO PICK OUT A SPECIAL GIFT. LET’S SEE WHAT JESUS PICKED: I picked a TV for my kids.
RECEIVING MANAGER
WHAT 3 WORDS BEST DESCRIBE FOUR HANDS? Growth, loyalty, Great FOUR HANDS SCRATCHES A TEN YEAR ITCH WHEN EMPLOYEES HIT THEIR 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY, THEY GET TO PICK OUT A SPECIAL GIFT. LET’S SEE WHAT MANUEL PICKED: I picked a TV.
INTERNATIONAL TEAM-CHINA
Ray Yu, Jack Xu, Kee Lai, Steven Shi, Jeremy Cline, Jeff Qiu, Vino Li VICKY WU Vicky is the Deputy Operation Manager in the China office and was the first person I hired…EVER… She started in November of 2003 and is now working on her completing her 11th year with the company. Vicky is originally from Xichang, Sichuan Province, which is where the Chinese Space Agency sends rockets to space. For the Chinese New Year Holiday Vicky will be traveling to Xiamen with her family for a vacation. MARGARET FANG Margaret started working for Four Hands in 2005 and is the Vendor Coordinator Supervisor here in the China office. She has 2 years-old daughter and plans on relaxing most of the holiday at her home on Zhou Shan Island off the coast of Ningbo. IVY ZHU Ivy is a Vendor Coordinator in the China office and started working for Four Hands in 2013. Ivy is from Ningbo and is planning on staying in town with her family for the holiday. Ivy played basketball in college and enjoys watching sports on TV. Her favorite basketball player is Kobe Bryant and she is a diehard Ningbo Bayi Rockets (CBA team) fan. KATHRYN REN Kathryn Ren is a Vendor Coordinator and started working for the Ningbo office of FH in June of 2013. Kathryn is also a local from Ningbo and has a 10-year-old son. Kathryn enjoys playing Ping-Pong on weekends with her friends. She is planning on taking a trip to Beijing with her family during the holiday to take in some of the sites. JEFF QIU Jeff is the Quality Assurance Supervisor for the Four Hands China office and started working for us in May of 2010. Jeff is originally from Xin Yang in Henan Province. Jeff enjoys playing basketball and going to KTV’s to go
Ivy Zhu, Kathryn Ren, Margaret Fang, Vicky Wu singing with his family and friends when he is not at work. Jeff has 9 years old twins, a boy and a girl. Jeff will be traveling back to Xin Yang for Chinese New Year. STEVEN SHI Steven has been working for Four Hands since March of 2007. Steven is from Bao Ding, Hubei province, which is just south of Beijing. Steven is married and has 6-year-old son. When Steven is not working Steven enjoys traveling with his family and enjoys cycling. During Chinese New Year Steven will be traveling back to his family’s home. KEE LAI Kee is a quality assurance specialist with Four Hands and has been working for us since October of 2006. Kee is from Yu Chun, Jiangxi province. He is married and has a 3-year-old son. Kee likes playing basketball and soccer during his spare time. During his Chinese New Year break Kee and his family will be returning to Jiang Xi to spend some time with his family. RAY YU Ray is a quality assurance specialist for Four Hands and started working for the Ningbo office in April of 2014. Ray primarily works in our woodworking facilities. Ray is from Xi Chou, Yunnan province on the boarder of China and Vietnam. He is married and has two children, a boy 5 and a girl that is about to have her first birthday. When Ray is not working he likes surfing the Internet and watching TV. JACK XU Jack is a quality assurance specialist and started working for Four Hands in August of 2012. Jack is from Xibu, Jiangxi province and is going back for a visit during the Chinese New Year holiday…Jack likes playing basketball during his spare time.
INTERNATIONAL TEAM-CHINA
Bob Shi, Parisa Li, Leo Lu
Adong
VINO SHI Vino is a quality assurance specialist and started working for Four Hands China office in August of 2014. He is from Bai Yin, Gansu and is single. Vino likes to watch and play basketball. He prefers to watch the NBA to the CBA and his favorite team is the Lakers. During Chinese New Year Vino will travel back to his hometown, which takes 30 hours by train…good luck Vino!
around safely from place to place here in China. He has been with us since January of 2004 and like Vicky Wu is one of the longest running members of the Four Hands team. Adong is from Ningbo and is married with an 11 years old daughter. In his spare time he enjoys watching sports and playing board games with his daughter. Adong and his family will be in Ningbo for Chinese New Year.
BOB SHI Bob is the International Product Development Coordinator for the Four Hands China office employee. Bob is married and has a 2 year-old son that looks like a miniature Bob. Bob is from Si Ping, Jilin province, which is in the North East of China. Bob enjoys barbequing and playing pick up games of soccer near his home.
JEREMY CLINE I’ve been for Four Hands 12 years now and originally opened the China office for Four Hands in 2003. I like to play drums at a few of the local bars here in town when I am able. My favorite types of music to play are blues, Jazz, and funk music with other musicians from Philippines and other locales. I’ve been married for two years now.
LEO LU Leo Lu works on the product development team here in the Ningbo office and started working for us in June of 2014. Leo is from Chang Chun in Jilin province with is in the Northern Part of China. Leo enjoys playing basket ball and swimming in here spare time and is also known to be a bit keen on Majong. He is planning on heading back to Jilin during Chinese New Year for some well earned time off. PARISA LI Parisa also works with the China Product development team and started working for the Four Hands office in July of 2014. Parisa is from Ningbo and was recently married. When Parisa is not working she enjoys traveling and cooking, her favorite dish to cook is stir-fried river crabs with scallions. For Chinese New Year Parisa will be going on her honeymoon, her husband is taking her to Australia on vacation. ADONG The man, the myth, the legend…Adong is the guy who ensures we all get
FOUR HANDS, Please wish Phuong Thanh Le (Product Development, Vietnam Office) well as he recovers from a traffic accident that occurred in Early February. He fractured a bone in his left shoulder, but surgery was successful. He looks forward to coming back to work after the Tet break.
GET BETTER SOON PHUONG!
FOUR HANDS HOME EVENTS
TRIBEZA INTERIOR TOURS KICK-OFF PARTY Four Hands Home hosted the kick-off party for the Tribeza Interior Tours in January. This was Four Hands Home first time to host this event and it was a success with over 150 people attending. The event highlights included Adam Dunn, Four Hands Creative Director, speaking about 2015 furniture style trends and a furniture giveaway.
NEW EMPLOYEES
HELLO, NEW HANDS!
ALEXIS DETTRA
JESSICA HOULD
JERRON WILBURN
Staff Accountant
HR Administrative Assistant
FHFO Associate
NATALIE GREEN
GRADY HUBBARD
ALLISON STRIEGEL
FHH Sales & Design Associate
FHFO Associate
Sales Support Specialist