In this episode of the Furniture Success Podcast, host Ahmet Yavuz of Furniture Marketing Pros sits down with Nicholas Ostrem, founder of STRE Designs, to share his journey from model maker at Herman Miller to launching his own design and machining company. Nicholas reveals how he started STRE Designs from a two-car garage with a single CNC machine, lessons from corporate design, and what it took to launch during COVID-19. Packed with insights on craftsmanship, resilience, and running a niche business, this episode is a must-listen for designers, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs.

📩 Connect with Nicholas Ostrem

• 🌐 stredesigns.com
• 📧 nick_ostrem@stredesigns.com
• 🔗 LinkedIn

📩 Contact Furniture Marketing Pros | Host Ahmet Yavuz

• 🌐 furnituremarketingpros.com
• 📞 973-832-0923
• 📘 Facebook
• 📸 Instagram
• 💼 LinkedIn

Free Resources

• 👉 Free 1:1 Acceleration Session
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🎧 Listen

• Spotify
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• YouTube

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⏱️ Highlights

• 00:00 – Journey from Minneapolis to Herman Miller
• 03:00 – Starting STRE Designs in a garage with one CNC
• 06:30 – Getting laid off during COVID & going all-in
• 09:10 – Why STRE focuses on prototyping & machining
• 12:30 – Challenges of running a small shop
• 18:00 – Lessons from Herman Miller’s design process
• 23:00 – Collaborating with designers for feasibility
• 27:00 – Navigating seasonality & slowdowns
• 33:00 – Quality assurance & client communication
• 41:00 – Innovation, AI & the future of design

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