David Hewitt, Group CEO at RetailSystem, talks about his life in the furniture industry, why JFS 2003 has a special meaning and an insight into what’s next for the business.
Let’s start with you. Can you share a bit about yourself and your background?
I started my working life as a picture framer. At the age of 16, I turned my bedroom into a small workshop and began selling pictures and mirrors at local markets. Ten years later, and after many life lessons, my company Pure Pine Ltd had an annual turnover of £4 million, supplying over 600 independent furniture retailers – mainly pine shops at the time.
Market forces eventually moved manufacturing overseas, so we transitioned to wholesale and finally retail. In 2003 we opened our first stores and in 2006 we implemented RetailSystem into our three stores.
What is your current job role and key responsibilities?
I’m the CEO of RetailSystem, Big Furniture Group, and Big Furniture Data. It’s a very new appointment, although I’ve worked closely with the business owners for the last 10 years. It’s a huge responsibility, but one I’m proud to take on. My main responsibility is to ensure our expansion remains aligned with our founders’ original vision for the group – and to bring our teams along on that journey.
What do you love about your job?
It’s an industry I completely understand, full of characters I’ve known all my life. The best part is seeing the joy furniture and bed retailers experience when they master the RetailSystem point of sale, launch a WebSystem website, and see their success promoted across the industry through all our platforms. It’s incredibly rewarding.
What time is your alarm clock set for and do you have a morning routine?
I’ve never needed an alarm – I’m up at 6 a.m. every day! I start with a short cycle to our village bakery (open from 5 a.m.) to pick up fresh rolls, then grind the beans for two good cups of coffee. I check emails for anything that’s come in overnight, have two boiled eggs for breakfast with BBC News in the background, and then cycle 13 km to the office – come rain or shine – with LBC playing all the way!
Why did you choose to work in the furnishing industry?
Here’s the honest answer – the framing equipment was available after my stepfather closed his framing shop, so I saw an opportunity. The rest is history!
Who do you most admire in the industry and why?
That’s a tough one. I admire anyone who has built a successful retail, wholesale, or manufacturing business in this industry and managed to weather all the ups and downs. There are simply too many to mention!
Have there been any special moments during your career?
Meeting my wife Lenka at the January Furniture Show in 2003 has to be the most special. The other would be the 20th of September this year, when I had the privilege of becoming Group CEO.
What is your favourite item of furniture you own and why?
My rising desk – it keeps me on my toes!
What do you think is trending within the industry at present?
There’s a lot of walnut appearing, and also a clear trend toward multifunctional furniture.
What would you change in the industry?
I’d like to find more ways to entice younger people into the business.
Can you share an insight into your future plans?
We plan to keep developing and evolving alongside our clients – to continually improve what we do and how we support them. I firmly believe we’re only scratching the surface of the market’s total potential, and our goal is to unlock that.
What do you enjoy most outside of work?
A few beers with the lads. Luckily, I live in the capital city of beer, Plzeň! We also invested in a large campervan, so we’re slowly working our way around Europe on long weekends and short breaks.
What might someone not know about you?
I try to play the bass guitar!
If you had a different career, what would it be?
Anything sales-related – it’s an addiction!
Finally, if you were an item of furniture, what would it be and why?
An old leather armchair – old, but hopefully you won’t throw me out!
Five Fun Questions
1) If you could hack into any one computer, whose would you choose and why?
Definitely my wife’s – just so I could get an idea of our cashflow!
2) What fact amazes you every time you think of it?
That I’m still breathing!
3) What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
Buying a campervan – we went just to look!
4) What is the most important object you own and why?
My campervan – it represents freedom when it’s needed most.
5) What did you think was cool when you were young but isn’t cool now?
Smoking! I quit many years ago, but really wish I’d never started.
