A Principal Who Stands On Principle

By Author: Larry Tang
Total Articles: 507
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Contrary to popular belief, office furniture dealers aren't all the same. Meet Jeff Pochepan, principal and founder of Strong Project, a "boutique" dealership in El Segundo, California. Why, you may ask? Because in this global economy and chaotic time where it seems design and quality have been forsaken for quantity, a business owner whose isn't afraid to stand firm in his belief to deliver excellent value, is a breath of fresh air. Jeff has spent 15 years building his business around creating and delivering high quality contemporary environments at an affordable price. His compact, but intelligent showroom is a testament to this philosophy and is bursting with ideas.

Background

Like many in the contract furniture business, it was not so much a chosen path, but a series of well-intentioned directives that lead Pochepan into this remarkable industry. Armed with a degree in Microbiology, an MBA in Finance, and a penchant for design, Jeff unwittingly had the building blocks to understand and thrive in an industry that uses all these elements in the composition of successful work environments and the products that ...
... enhance them. Jumping straight into business ownership right out of school with a business outfitting all aspects of health care and medical facilities, Pochepan found himself leaning toward the furniture side of things. "I didn't want to be all things to all people", says Pochepan, "so I focused on being really good at one thing. And, as a result, found a sophisticated client base whose needs I could truly satisfy." He stresses that it's important to know who YOU are and what you believe in, in order to form the right fit with potential clients.

Strong Project Business Philosophy

Going against the main stream, Pochepan has been highly selective in aligning himself only with manufacturers, vendors and personnel who can support and carry out his vision. MAiSPACE is one such alliance. "The product's quality of workmanship, design aesthetic and custom wood capabilities, coupled with an amazing price point make it the perfect systems offering for my clients", says Jeff. Adds Mark Bassil, co-founder of MAiSPACE, "Jeff and Strong Project is exactly the type of value added dealer that we look for in forming our sales and distribution network. He has a great grasp of the market, and his focus is directly on point with ours. We know we're giving his clients the best product, the best look and the best price."

Ancillary Services

In addition to in-house design and top-notch customer service, Strong Project offers full project management, installation, relocation, standards and financing programs. Pochepan's web site, www.strongproject.com , is a great tool to view the types of products and solutions he offers. Jeff has employed technology not only as an interactive cost reducing element in the sales process, but also as simply a visible extension of his business principles, "offer nothing made without good design and an affordable price."