Today we’d like to introduce you to John Guarino.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It was the summer of 1997 there was an electrical storm. The power went out in the showroom and there were customers in the store. At only 7 years old I ran to my mom’s car to obtain a flashlight so this one lady could see details on a cabinet. She was so shocked at this cute little boy assisting her during a time of need. My first sale, she ended up purchasing the cabinet. At that moment I knew this was a life passion for me. I want to help people find a unique product assisted by great customer service. I was raised in the furniture industry. I would go to my parent’s workshop every day after school. My first buying trip I went on was in 1999. I went to Marrakesh, Morocco. During the summers I would work in the warehouse, cleaning, organizing, merchandising, and selling. I am from Houston Texas. I went to St. Thomas High School. I attended and graduated Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) spring 2011 with a BFA in Industrial Design. I have applied my college education to the business by helping develop new product lines geared towards the next generation of home buyer.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The furniture business is like the elevator business, it has its ups and downs. I have such an optimistic outlook on life, so I am able to motivate myself during the highs and lows.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Home Source Furniture – what should we know?
Global chic. Home Source Furniture started in 1993. My parents are the pioneers of importing Mexican pine furniture into Texas. I now travel at least 100 days out of the year to twelve different countries around the globe designing, sourcing and creating. We have the most unique hand crafted product Houston has to offer. We have the most affordable solid wood furniture in Houston. We also have products that you cannot find anywhere else in the USA. Our selection is incredible. We now have 1000’s of items in stock. I love Houston and all it has to offer. I really enjoy being a part of such an amazing community.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Every day I am still learning. Being able to take criticism. Being able to listen to what my customer is looking for. Not being afraid to fail. Being able to learn from my mistakes. Learning from others. I have learned a lot along the way. From picking out the raw material to delivering the furniture, and everything in between. The furniture business is in my roots.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1705 Post Oak Blvd
Houston, TX 77056
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1055 West Sam Houston Pkwy N #113
Houston, TX 77043 - Website: www.homesourcetx.com
- Phone: 713-850-0173
- Email: contact@homesourcetx.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homesourcefurniture/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomeSourceFurniture/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/home-source-houston
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