Posted August 20th, 2010 by staff
P/S: When did you get started in the chair business Perry?
Perry: We got started in 1994. I had just finished with school (8th grade) and needed some work. At first it was just evenings when my Dad (Freeman Miller) got home from work, but then it picked up and I started working full-time. A little later one of our neighbors started with us.
P/S: Wow...you're a young guy and you've been in the middle of things from the very beginning?
Perry: (Laughing) Yeah-I always say I started working here before my Dad.
P/S: What kind of work was your Dad doing at the time?
Perry: He was building chairs for Jayco (an RV factory). He had been there for over 20 years and was a manager. But as things kept growing here at the business, he quit to work here full time.
P/S: So what are yours and his roles with the company now?
Perry: I'm the manager and overseer of the whole operation. Dad mostly works on sales...getting new customers. He also does a lot of things with the Amish community too.
P/S: Your business was one of the first to get into furniture building there in Indiana right?
Perry: Yes, when we started there were only a few others building furniture. Now there's what, 80 or so members of the Association? The industry has really changed since then. At first we could have just three styles of chairs in only a few finishes and just sell them and sell them. Now we've got so many different styles and finishes, and new products keep coming out every year--it's a lot more complex. We used to think it was hard keeping up with the competition from builders in Ohio, now there's a lot of competition right here at home. It's a good thing though...you've got to have some competition just to keep you straight.
P/S: What's your favorite thing about the work you do Perry?
Perry: There's always a lot going on here...decisions to be made, problems to be solved. I guess that's what I like about it most.
P/S: Well thanks for taking some time to talk to us Perry. And keep up the good work! We are consistently pleased with your products and the efficiency of your operation.
Perry: I'm glad to hear it...I hope things continue on in a good way for you too.
Producer Profile: F&N Woodworking
P/S: When did you get started in the chair business Perry?
Perry: We got started in 1994. I had just finished with school (8th grade) and needed some work. At first it was just evenings when my Dad (Freeman Miller) got home from work, but then it picked up and I started working full-time. A little later one of our neighbors started with us.
P/S: Wow...you're a young guy and you've been in the middle of things from the very beginning?
Perry: (Laughing) Yeah-I always say I started working here before my Dad.
P/S: What kind of work was your Dad doing at the time?
Perry: He was building chairs for Jayco (an RV factory). He had been there for over 20 years and was a manager. But as things kept growing here at the business, he quit to work here full time.
P/S: So what are yours and his roles with the company now?
Perry: I'm the manager and overseer of the whole operation. Dad mostly works on sales...getting new customers. He also does a lot of things with the Amish community too.
P/S: Your business was one of the first to get into furniture building there in Indiana right?
Perry: Yes, when we started there were only a few others building furniture. Now there's what, 80 or so members of the Association? The industry has really changed since then. At first we could have just three styles of chairs in only a few finishes and just sell them and sell them. Now we've got so many different styles and finishes, and new products keep coming out every year--it's a lot more complex. We used to think it was hard keeping up with the competition from builders in Ohio, now there's a lot of competition right here at home. It's a good thing though...you've got to have some competition just to keep you straight.
P/S: What's your favorite thing about the work you do Perry?
Perry: There's always a lot going on here...decisions to be made, problems to be solved. I guess that's what I like about it most.
P/S: Well thanks for taking some time to talk to us Perry. And keep up the good work! We are consistently pleased with your products and the efficiency of your operation.
Perry: I'm glad to hear it...I hope things continue on in a good way for you too.