Wondering how to grow a business without micromanaging people or chasing shiny trends? John Gardner, co-founder of BE Furniture, cracked the code. His journey from selling 75 chairs to leading a commercial interiors and construction company with revenue exceeding $10 million is full of unexpected lessons that challenge traditional entrepreneurship norms.
The Foundation: Build a Culture, Not Just a Company
23 years ago, John and his wife, Kyra Faison-Gardner, decided to run their business differently. Instead of hiring separate salespeople, designers, and project managers, they cross-trained everyone.
At BE Furniture, you’re trained on their operating system when you walk through the door. Project managers are skilled in design and construction, designers are experienced in project management and construction, and so on, and team members can step in when someone’s down.
“We don’t manage people—we manage projects,” says John. That single shift allowed BE to stay lean, avoid micromanagement, and retain staff even during COVID-19 when others were laid off.
The Growth Philosophy: Unique Over Fast
In the first year, BE Furniture made $184,000 in sales. Today, their volume has exceeded $10 million. But John is clear—they never wanted to be the biggest. They wanted to be unique. Rapid growth can force companies to lose their identity. BE Furniture chose purpose over pace.
Three years ago, they expanded their services and launched a dedicated construction division, allowing clients to experience a seamless design-to-build experience.
Client Zero: The First Big Break
John’s first client came through an old-fashioned phone call. A healthcare company needed 75 chairs—and BE delivered. That simple job turned into a long-term relationship, proving that even the most minor opportunities can lead to significant growth.
Resilience in Crisis: The COVID-19 Chapter
While the industry lost 45% in revenue during COVID, BE retained its team, offering twice-daily virtual training. They believed that this, too, shall pass. That long-term mindset paid off.
Designing the New Normal: Post-Pandemic Workspaces
“The way people work has changed forever,” John reflects. Offices now feel more like home—comfortable, flexible, and personal. BE’s design vision mirrors this shift. From cafe-style hubs to adjustable-height desks, they stay ahead by asking one core question: Is this trend sustainable or flashy?
A People-First Company—Literally
At BE Furniture, you’re not clock-watched. Need a doctor’s appointment? Go—no questions asked. What matters is the outcome, not the hours. “If something’s not done, we ask why and how we can help. Not who to blame.”
John believes in one core leadership rule: “If it goes well, it’s your credit. If it goes bad, it’s my fault.”
The Secret to Clarity: Know Your Why
John advises every founder to know their true why. “Even if it’s money—dig deeper. Is it for the family? Lifestyle? Impact?” He has his team write down 5 goals for the year—business and personal—and revisit them daily. This habit helps anchor clarity and drive motivation throughout the year.
Meditation for Better Leadership
As an entrepreneur, John once had a mind running 100 miles an hour. Meditation helped him slow down, focus better, and truly listen. “Meditation isn’t about removing thoughts—it’s about organizing them,” he says. That simple shift made him a more effective and empathetic leader.
Spotting Trends the Smart Way
John doesn’t rely on gut feelings alone. He reads constantly, stays active in the field, and researches with his design and construction teams. That’s how they predicted the rise of laptop-friendly furniture and the fall of trendy phone booths. Data and design go hand-in-hand.
Marketing Without the Sleaze
“We don’t race to the bottom line,” says John. Their marketing strategy is clear—speak your truth, show your values, and never undersell. BE’s team would rather lose a deal than compromise authenticity.
“You can’t get a Mercedes at a Volkswagen price,” he adds. “If a client wants to negotiate like a car dealer, I’ll politely walk away.”
Final Thoughts: Success Is Shared
John Gardner’s leadership is rooted in one idea: Leave the world better than you found it.
From cross-trained teams to crisis resilience, trend foresight to mindful leadership, BE Furniture’s story is more than a business case study—it’s a masterclass in building a company that thrives by empowering its people.
To learn more about BE Furniture and its unique approach to commercial interiors and construction, visit www.befurniture.com.