About Us
Our Story and Our History
The cafes of Paris inspired furniture executive and entrepreneur Bill Bongaerts to create a business dedicated to supplying the hospitality industry. Upon seeing the hand-woven bistro chairs that dotted every corner establishment Bongaerts had a feeling they would sell well in the U.S. And he was right. Beaufurn began in 1998 and its first product those French hand-woven bistro chairs proved wildly successful, and sustained the company through its first years of business.
Once firmly established, product lines grew to include tables, lounge furniture and umbrellas for both indoor and outdoor environments. And the company’s market segments expanded into contract, education and entertainment. Commercial furnishings may translate as ordinary to some, but Beaufurns products are anything but. Significant Italian, French and Belgian influence is evident clean lines novel shapes and pops of color dominate the design palate.
Environmentally Responsible
While a commitment to dynamic design is foremost, a promise of environmental responsibility isn’t far behind. The company is committed to producing sustainable designs through its practices, processes and materials. Woods are FSC certified, foams are soy-based and finish options include water-based lacquers. Upholstery selections include biodegradable synthetic leather, recycled fabric or 100 percent natural and renewable cork.
The company’s first offices were in Clemmons, N.C., a community outside Winston-Salem, where it quickly outgrew the 14,000-square-foot space. By 2006, the company moved to Winston-Salem with offices and warehouse space equaling 46,000 square feet. Steady growth continued, even through the recession, and in 2013 Beaufurn relocated to the local community of Advance, where it thrives in a manufacturing, warehouse and office facility encompassing 85,000 square feet.
Success Story: Thomas Bongaerts
Thomas Bongaerts moved from Belgium to the United States when he was just a child. His family had to learn a new language and adjust to a totally different culture as they settled into their new life in Connecticut. Just before he entered high school, Thomas and his family moved to the Triad. Thomas’ father, Bill Bongaerts, then founded Beaufurn. Beaufurn is a high-quality commercial furniture company, now located in Advance, NC.
“It was important to be in the Triad because it is the heart of American furniture manufacturing,” Thomas said. Originally, Bill was in the residential furniture business. When a warehouse fire destroyed all of Bill’s stateside inventory all that remained were his first two “commercial” projects which were literally on a boat coming from Western Europe. It was then that Bill decided to go into the contract commercial furniture business. This was truly the genesis of what Beaufurn is today. Continue Reading
Meet Our Team
Boomer Bongaerts
Chief Morale Pawfficer
Bark Bark, Woof Woof!
A Fun Fact About Boomer:
“I was born on St. Patricks Day and love neck scratches and begging for treats!”
Thomas Bongaerts
President, Beaufurn
Thomas is a graduate of Wake Forest University, majoring in Chinese and East Asian studies. He worked for a startup foreign education company in Beijing for one and one half years before getting into QC of residential and commercial furnishings. Thomas has been with Beaufurn since 2006 and coordinates functions across various departments in the organization. He is a volunteer with Youth Ministry, Frassati Group, Ronald McDonald House charities, Habitat for Humanity, The Children’s Home in Winston Salem and is a supporter of Winston Salem Rescue Mission.
A Fun Fact About Thomas:
“I am an avid outdoorsman, love motorcycles and hanging with my sidekick, Boomer.”
Contact Info
[email protected]
336-941-3446, ext. 108
Angie Munsie
CFO
Angie graduated from High Point University with a BS in Accounting and New England College with a Master in Accounting and a Master in Business Administration. She brings 25 years of Accounting experience to Beaufurn along with small business and entrepreneurship accounting specialties. Married for 23 years with 2 daughters in college, Angie was born and raised in NC.
A Fun Fact About Angie:
“I love to travel to the coast and spend time with a good book or journaling.”
Contact Info
[email protected]
336.941.3446 ext. 107
Dave Williams
Vice President of Sales
Dave has 25 years of experience in the furniture industry. A graduate of Appalachian State University and an MBA from High Point University, he brings a wealth of experience in both healthcare and contract from creating or building four brands in the industry. Dave has worked with companies large and small. He has experience in working with GPO contracts, GSA, VA and extensive dealer networks.
A Fun Fact About Dave:
Dave loves to spend time with his family, enjoys cooking and spending time on the water.
Contact Info
[email protected]
336.941.3446 ext. 111
Jeff Stacy
GM of Operations
Jeff brings to Beaufurn over 30 years of experience in the furniture manufacturing business. From assembling casegoods and setting up production lines, to cutting, sewing and shipping, Jeff has pretty much done it all when it comes to making furniture..
A Fun Fact About Jeff:
“I enjoy competition rabbit hunting with beagles, but spending time with my family is my number one priority.”
Contact Info
[email protected]
336.941.3446 ext. 121
Kendra Brooks
Business Analyst
Kendra was born and raised in New Bern, NC but has live in Greensboro for over 12 years now. With over 10 years of experience working in project management, inventory, customer service, and some graphic design Kendra comes to us with a Masters Degree in Management and Leadership and a Master of Business Administration.
A Fun Fact About Kendra:
“My favorite color is purple because it represents uniqueness, wisdom, strength, and independence.”
Contact Info
[email protected]
336.941.3446 ext. 124
Kathy Daywalt
Office Manager
Kathy graduated in 1993 from Mitchell Community College with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Administration. She started at Beaufurn in March 2003 and is in charge of Purchasing and Production.
A Fun Fact About Kathy:
“I love to read, spend time with family, watch NFL and Nascar. I collect Eeyore and otter items.”
Contact Info
[email protected]
336.941.3446 ext. 103
Laken Potts
Accounting
Currently working on her accounting degree, Laken has brought a friendly face to Beaufurn in more than one place! Outside of Beaufurn, Laken loves crafting, all things outdoors, and spending time with her family.
A Fun Fact About Laken:
“I have a small farm with chickens, ducks, guineas, turkeys, and a goat!”
Contact Info
[email protected]
336.941.3446 ext. 105
Mia Calamusa
Process Improvement Manager
Mia grew up in the Florida Panhandle and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Oklahoma Wesleyan University. Before coming to work for Beaufurn, Mia was actually a customer!
A Fun Fact About Mia:
“I love upcycling antique furniture and am currently renovating my house.”
Contact Info
[email protected]
336.941.3446 ext. 113
Marianne Ezinga
Director, Inside Sales & Support
Marianne has a degree in Architectural Technology and brings over 20 years of Customer Service and Account Management experience to Beaufurn. She’s most passionate about building a strong team here at Beaufurn! In her spare time she enjoys crafts and sewing.
A Fun Fact About Marianne:
“I enjoy spending time with family, camping, and being outside as much as possible.”
Contact Info
[email protected]
336.941.3446 ext. 112
Autumn Pence
Account Manager
Autumn went to school to study business and psychology. With over 12 years of customer facing experience and 3 years in a sales supports role, Autumn is dedicated to problem solving and propelled by client satisfaction.
A Fun Fact About Autumn:
“I like reading, yoga, and anything outdoors, and I collect miniature versions of things.”
Contact Info
[email protected]
336.941.3446 ext. 115
Kara Willard
Account Manager
Kara is local to North Carolina and has been working in Customer Service for 10 years. She is very passionate when it comes to serving and helping others.
A Fun Fact About Kara:
“I love traveling with my family and pups, going camping, and riding trails in West Virginia.”
Contact Info
[email protected]
336.941.3446 ext. 106
Angela Priester
Support Specialist
Angela has a BSBA with a concentration in accounting from CATAWBA college, and has worked as a financial analyst and customer service specialist for over 10 years.
A Fun Fact About Angela:
“I played the trumpet for 15 years.”
Contact Info
[email protected]
336.941.3446 ext. 123
Lindsey Messenger
Marketing Coordinator & Graphic Designer
Passionate about design and seeing the world through an artistic eye, Lindsey brings years of experience in art and creative direction to Beaufurn. From creating look books and ads to finding the best way to show off a product, Lindsey creates with a passion to help others see our passion.
A Fun Fact About Lindsey:
“I once was paid in fried chicken to be in a Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken commercial”
Contact Info
[email protected]
336.941.3446 ext. 104
Derek Lescar
Shipping Manager
Derek grew up in Western Pennsylvania and enlisted in the Marine Corps. after high school. After 4 years of service, he attended Central Virginia Community College to get an AA in Business Administration.
A Fun Fact About Derek:
“I love to travel! During my time in the service I spent a year in Japan.”
Contact Info
[email protected]
336.941.3446 ext. 150
Ashley Kennedy
Product Development
Ashley has an AA in Interior Design for Forsyth Tech with experience in the High Point Furniture Market, Tile Industry, and Staging. In addition to that, she is currently working on her BA in Interior Architecture from the Academy of Art University.
A Fun Fact About Ashley:
“I love to go camping and hiking and trailing in my free time.”
Contact Info
[email protected]
336.941.3446 ext. 102
Bill Bongaerts
Founder of Beaufurn
The cafes of Paris inspired furniture executive and entrepreneur Bill Bongaerts to create a business dedicated to supplying the hospitality industry. From the very beginning, Bill’s goal has been to provide high quality commercial furniture that is environmentally responsible and fits a variety of budgets, projects and design needs. Bill holds BA and MBA degrees and is a member of Knight of Columbus.
A Fun Fact About Bill:
“I have lived on 3 continents. Africa, Europe and North America. I am a global citizen but proud to be first, and foremost a U.S citizen! My favorite hobbies are swimming, biking and reading history, biographies and philosophy.”