Meet Andrew Chow | Director of Operations and everything else for a small business

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrew Chow and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrew, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
Just how much thought process goes into custom/ bespoke furniture manufacturing.

Very rarely are two projects the same. Even if we build same design sofa or chair for Customer A, Customer B may have different requirements or intentions for that design item, making it a unique catering process on our end during the production stages.

When building custom furniture, especially as a small-business setup, we are responsible for executing every aspect of the product: from what types of staples or nails are used, to which method a piece gets fabricated, to how the item gets packaged taking into consideration how our clients would receive and maneuver the piece through the property, to even writing out assembly instructions for the movers/installers at a jobsite.

In dealing with hotel, restaurant, and other commercial clients, not only do we just build out whatever is shown on the shop drawing, but we must also coordinate and take into consideration how the guest or patrons of the property will be using the items , if its comfortable, if the spacing and proportions are up to any specific codes ,etc

What should our readers know about your business?
AFM Contract is a custom manufacturing company that specializes in furniture such as seating, casegoods, lighting, stone and metal pieces for the hospitality industry. Clientele we cater to are hotels, restaurants, and other commercial properties and some residential.

What I am most proud of our company is our long success in this industry especially considering who our competitors are and how they are set up vs how our company is set up.
Our company is setup like a small business, where ownership (my father and I ) are heavily involved in all of our projects no matter how big or small. Though it can be tough most of the times having to manage the caseload, it is also a big reason for our success, as our clients have assurances that someone from ownership is always involved in their projects to see it through especially with how much time and money they have invested into the project.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A huge thank you goes to my father , Harry. We are in the industry we are now due to the connections and opportunities he pursued while he was running a wholesale furniture business. Originally he started his career in architecture in Indonesia, then had to abruptly uproot his life to immigrate to the U.S . In our first few years in America, he had to work several fast food jobs, until he saved up enough money to to eventually get back into architecture (since certifications in Asia did not qualify in USA) , then he got into the tile/ceramic business, then wholesale furniture, to now contract hotel manufacturing. My father’s work first and work hard mentality for the family has rubbed off on me.

Website: https://www.afmcontract.com

Instagram: afmcontract

Image Credits
Jenn Tran