About Us
From Belgium to Beaufurn
Beaufurn’s general mission is simple: to make customers look good. For Beaufurn, products not only have to look good, feel good, and be functional. They also have to be fun and exciting. Beaufurn helps create nuanced products by bringing beautiful elements of Western European aesthetics into collaborations with domestic designers. Products are made suitable for the American market but are also exciting because of the American and Western European fusion. Whether it’s for large brands like The Cheesecake Factory and Universal Studios or for local restaurants such as Twisted Pine and Young Cardinal Cafe, Beaufurn stays true to a beautiful design aesthetic.
In 1986, Bill Bongaerts and his family moved from Belgium to the United States. They had to learn a new language and adjust to a totally different culture while settling into their new life in Connecticut. The Bongaerts eventually made their permanent home in the heart of American furniture manufacturing: the Triad. It was here that Bill established Beaufurn. Beaufurn is a high-quality commercial furniture company, now located in Advance, NC.
Bill originally worked in the residential furniture business, and in 1996 he was moving everything to the Triad. When a warehouse fire in Lexington destroyed all of his stateside inventory, all that remained were his first two “commercial” projects, which were on a boat coming from Western Europe. Though it burned nearly everything to the ground, the fire can now be considered an origin story. In its aftermath Bill decided to enter the contract commercial furniture business. With a new focus and new trail to blaze, he founded Beaufurn in 1998.
Bill’s son, Thomas, grew up alongside Beaufurn. Over the years Thomas watched and helped Beaufurn grow. He worked in nearly every position imaginable at one point or another. From production sampling and frame assembly and packaging, to website management and sales– he’s done it all. In 2017, he purchased the company and became president of Beaufurn and in 2016 established Shelter Outdoor. In 2016, Thomas established Shelter Outdoor. The following year, Thomas continued this growth, purchasing and becoming president of Beaufurn
Thomas knows what it’s like to experience professional growth and personal growth side by side. He speaks to the importance of apprenticeships in Beaufurn’s skilled labor positions, saying “Someone can go from having no real direction in life to having a skilled trade that they can rely on for professional growth (personally and financially). You also get the ability to pursue things outside of work, and all that is totally transformative for a person.” Thomas’s father began his American Dream decades ago, and today Beaufurn is creating upward mobility in the community one apprenticeship at a time.
Another way Beaufurn fosters community growth is through the company’s collaboration with locals. When businesses purchase Beaufurn furniture, it grows the company, allowing Beaufurn to provide more opportunities for the workforce and invest more in charitable support. “Even when times are tough, we try to give back all that we can. It’s important to take care of the community,” Thomas says. In the end, local businesses grow Beaufurn, Beaufurn grows local businesses, and all of that grows the local community as a whole.
While he still speaks fluent Flemish and remains in touch with his Belgian roots, Thomas can confidently say that “I’m more North Carolinian than anything.” Throughout his life Thomas has traveled the world. Now, he’s happy to call the Triad home and is grateful he can give back to the community he loves. In the long term, he also hopes for Beaufurn to play a role in reinvigorating manufacturing in the United States, especially in North Carolina. He says, “To play a really serious and significant role in pushing the rebirth of domestic manufacturing here in NC, that’s my American Dream.”
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]
336.434.2323 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]
336.434.2323 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]
336.434.2323 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]
336.434.2323 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]
336.434.2323 ext. 124
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]
336.434.2323 ext. 105
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]
336.434.2323 ext. 103
Seth Rine
Support Specialist
Seth is currently working on a degree in Entrepreneurship at Forsyth Tech.
A Fun Fact About Seth:
“I’m a big fan of Top Gun and named my Aussie Maverick because of it.”
Contact Info
[email protected]
336.434.2323 ext. 114
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]
336.434.2323 ext. 125
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]
336.434.2323 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]
336.434.2323 ext. 106
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]
336.434.2323 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]
336.434.2323 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]
336.434.2323 ext. 102
Jenifer Wilson
Production Scheduler
Jennifer has worked in the furniture industry for 30+ years.
A Fun Fact About Jennifer:
“I love spending time with my family, I have 3 niece’s, 1 nephew, 3 great nephews, and 1 great niece.”
Contact Info
[email protected]
336.434.2323 ext. 113
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.”