Member Spotlight: American Patio Designs

In this month’s member spotlight, we speak with Joey Farese, owner of American Patio Designs , a pioneering furniture design company that stands out not only for its stylish and durable outdoor furniture but also for its deep commitment to sustainability. Each piece in their collection is crafted from 100% recycled materials, showcasing their dedication to environmental responsibility without compromising on design or comfort. Join us as we explore how American Patio Designs is transforming old materials into new possibilities and paving the way towards a more sustainable future.

Tell us a little about your company.

American Patio Designs is focused on working directly with Amish builders to deliver highly sought after handmade furniture. We offer the convenience of modern communication with the quality of master Amish craftsmen. Our business is built on customer service, quality handmade recycled products, & fast delivery.
 

What led you to start your company?

Before starting American Patio Designs, I owned and operated a DJ business in Los Angeles that was focused on providing DJs for bars, clubs, and private events. When COVID hit in 2019, LA completely shut down, and it was illegal to have social gatherings. This was a devastating blow for the event industry and DJs in particular. At the time, I told myself that if everyone was forced to sit on their butt at home, there was probably a lucrative opportunity to give them something to sit on. After countless nights of research, I decided that patio furniture was the best move considering that people were spending more time outside to avoid the spread of COVID. That was almost 5 years ago, and I haven’t looked back.

What sets your business apart from your competitors?

Because our builders are Amish, there isn’t a big online presence for this type of furniture. We have one big competitor, but they are a corporate giant, so we are one of the only small businesses offering this kind of furniture online. I think people like to buy from small businesses when it makes sense for their needs, and I’m happy to fill that niche in the outdoor living space.

What is something you wish you’d known when you were just starting your business?

Looking back, there are a lot of things I wish I knew when starting this business, but if I had to pick the most pertinent thing I wish I knew, it would be the extent to which supply chain issues can slow things down. Around 2020, we were dealing with a material shortage. From material supplier to end user, there are a lot of people in between, and when you ask for an update, everyone wants to give you a best case scenario or paint things in a more positive light than is realistic. It’s like playing a game of telephone, and as the retailer, I’m the last person to get an update before word gets to the customer. The result was me being told an order would be ready in 6-8 weeks, but in actuality, it wouldn’t be ready for much longer than that, which is very disappointing for the customer. If I ever face these kinds of supply chain issues again, I have the experience and knowledge to accurately convey the uncertainty of the lead time to the customer. I’m all about honesty, and if I lose a sale because the lead time is too long, that’s better than disappointing someone by giving them false hope for a speedy delivery. Thankfully, those days are behind me, and our current lead time is consistently 2-4 weeks. We even have some items ready to ship the next business day!

How do you navigate your work-life balance?

Work-life balance is extremely difficult as a small business owner, but as I quickly found out, it becomes even more difficult when you have a newborn. Venture X is the perfect solution for people in my position. Thanks to Venture X, I have a quiet place full of motivated individuals that I can go to get work done. But the best part is that when I leave my office to go home and play with my son or spend time with my wife, I can leave all the stresses of work behind. I’m grateful to have a place to work that is separate from the place I live. Venture X has made a hugely positive impact on my work-life balance.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job, aside from customer satisfaction, is the positive impact I’m making on the environment. All of our furniture is made from 99% recycled materials. I’ve spent my whole life tossing milk jugs in the recycling bin, never really wondering what happens to them after. I’m proud to be able to say we have turned hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of recycled milk jugs into durable furniture that will last a lifetime.

How has being a part of the Venture X Orlando community affected you and your business?

Being part of the Venture X Orlando community has had a massive impact on myself and my business. Being around other motivated individuals is an incredible inspiration. I’ve also met other entrepreneurs in the building who I plan to collaborate on projects with.

If you had a friend in town and you could take them to one of your favorite restaurants or spots in your community, where would you take them?

Whenever I have a friend in town, the first place I take them is my office. From there, we have a cornucopia of restaurants or bars to choose from within walking distance. After we visit the office, I usually take people from out of town to have a drink at Mather’s Social Gathering. It’s a speakeasy disguised as a library, but if you check the fiction section, you’re in for a fun surprise.