Tell readers just what it is you do?

My brother Johnny and I own the furniture manufacturing business, Kovacs Design Furniture. We still make all our furniture in our New Zealand factory based in Christchurch and our tag line is “Made. Right. Here.” Which the team is immensely proud of.

My main role is as our furniture designer. Taking an idea through the concept stage to the prototype stage, completing the initial costings and making it ready for production release.

However, my typical workday could also cover marking, sewing, quality control, photography, marketing, sales, and production management.

Designing furniture – is it a passion of yours?

It wasn’t but is now. It started off with me learning all the different manufacturing aspects of the business, so I have developed a really good understanding of how things go together and what is important in creating a product that not only looks great but has to be comfortable and built to last.

I really started designing furniture to prove to myself that I could do it and from that it has become my passion.

How long have you been in the family business?

I started doing small tasks with my brother for my father like making buttons from as young as I can remember. So, I guess I was born into the industry. However, I have worked fulltime in the business for the last 44 years.

What is the satisfaction you get from being involved in a family business?

Designing furniture where every piece is unique with its own handwriting is hugely challenging. They all have different prerequisites one must overcome for the product to be aesthetically pleasing, comfortable and viable. I am constantly learning and getting it right is the biggest buzz ever.

Where does Kovacs sit in the furniture scheme of things?

Based on a design event we attended last week, and the feedback received, Kovacs is pretty much at the top of their game. Recognised for our design, innovation, quality, and presentation. Our supporting material is of European quality and the level of personal contact we have with our clients makes us one of the best in New Zealand.

Do you export?

No, not yet, but there are obviously opportunities for the company which will require a lot of thought for us to even start adventuring into that part of the market.

How does the company fare in getting the right staff?

It is difficult as furniture manufacturing is not seen as an industry of value. We should be a growing industry. We should be making our country more self-sufficient and using our resources to build product which lasts, rather than importing low quality product which then goes into land fill after a few years. Which has its own cost, which we are not recognising … yet.

Favourite Book?

My favourite series of books, which sounds strange is Harry Potter. This is because all three of my kids were addicted to it. It was probably the first book that they all read, and they also watched the movies continuously on repeat. It gave them all such joy and helped them with their reading.

Greatest influence on your life and career??

Probably my father.

Favourite quote?

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Any thoughts on the year ahead?

It will be challenging, but we have a few things on the boil which could evolve and help change the company positively.