Andrew T. Palecek
 |
Tell us about your current position and a little about your work experience.
I am Vice President at PALECEK with responsibilities in Product Design / Creative Direction, Key Sales, and Marketing. My passion is really creating our product and taking it to market.
How did you get your start in the home furnishings field?
PALECEK is a family business! My father, Allan H. Palecek, began in the industry over 35 years ago, and I have been with the company over 7 years. I was unsure if I wanted to come into the business, until I took a long design and buying trip overseas after college. I was absolutely hooked and ended up living in Asia for months. When I look at my life today, I
cannot imagine doing anything else.
Please list a few of your most recent accomplishments or activities.
PALECEK recently purchased PierceMartin, a former Atlanta based company specializing in high end furniture lighting and accessories to designers. We have rebranded the name as PierceMartin by Palecek, and plan to create a line of high end product sold exclusively through trade showrooms and Palecek showrooms nationally. This acquisition project was very much a team effort, but I am very actively involved in the development and execution. I am thrilled that so many new customers and so many existing customers have truly embraced this venture! I am looking forward to the exciting pieces still in development and for continuing the momentum into the years to come.
|
 |
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
"Don't take yourself too seriously, it's only chairs!!"
What are the major challenges you have faced in your career?
At PALECEK, we introduce between 600-700 new items annually and that process can be challenging. We always struggle with keeping a balance of new product and old proven sellers within our limited showroom space. In this industry, new introductions are always necessary, but the process can be resource intensive.
What inspires you?
The pursuit of great product!!
The Outdoors!!
What are your interests, beyond your profession?
I am an avid snow skier and take every available weekend I can and head to the mountains. I enjoy water skiing, sailing, reading, wine tasting, eating out, and cooking in. I also love to swim, and I just signed up for the 1.5 mile Escape from Alcatraz this summer.
Tell us something people may not know about you.
For a short time I considered a career in Theatrical Lighting Design. I love lighting, stage management, and other technical aspects of the live theater.
|
