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RECENT NEWS & PRESS RELEASES
Austin, TX, July 25, 2008
Four Hands Introduces Two FSC Certified Collections
Austin, TX, July 21, 2008
Four Hands Introduces New Eco-Friendly Upholstery
Austin, TX, July 17, 2008
Four Hands Expands Showroom in Las Vegas
Austin, TX, April 3, 2008
Four Hands’ Learn To Live Announces Partnership with Miracle Foundation
Austin, TX, January 28, 2008
Four Hands Promotes New Sales Manager
Austin, TX, January 22, 2008
Fourth Win for Four Hands!
Austin, TX, January 8, 2008
Four Hands Signs Exclusive Distribution Deal with Old Java
Austin, TX, July 17, 2007
Four Hands Sets Record, Wins Award in Atlanta
Austin, TX, July 16, 2007
Four Hands Executive Nominated for Austin Leadership Award
Austin, TX, July 3, 2007
Four Hands Expands Atlanta Showroom
Austin, TX June 29, 2007
Four Hands Las Vegas Intros
Austin, TX, March 12, 2007
Four Hands Introduces Industrial Metal Series
Austin, TX, March 9, 2007
Four Hands Introduces Vintage Trunk Collection
Austin, TX, March 5, 2007
Four Hands Introduces Vintage Home Office Collection
Austin, TX, February 28, 2007
Four Hands Goes Eco Chic
Austin, TX, August 29, 2006
WITHIT Honors Industry Leaders with WOW Awards
Austin, TX, June 16, 2006
Four Hands Employees Nationally Recognized by WITHIT WOW Awards
Austin, TX, June 12, 2006
Four Hands President/CEO Named 2006 Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young
High Point, April 17, 2006
Four Hands Presents "The Feast" this High Point Market
Austin, TX, April 4, 2006
Four Hands Featured on ABC's Hit Show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"
Austin, TX, February 9, 2006
Four Hands Named in Texas Monthly’s "50 Best Companies to Work for in Texas"
Singapore, February 6, 2006
Four Hands Receives International Recognition for Strategic Business Model
Austin, November 4, 2005
Four Hands to Match Funds Raised at High Point Market for the Learn to Live Foundation
Austin, October 11, 2005
Four Hands Celebrates Ten Year Anniversary at High Point Party
Austin, August 25, 2005
New "Essence" is Added to the Four Hands Collection
Austin, July 25, 2005
Four Hands Awarded Best of Show for Home Accents & Furnishings Center in Atlanta
Austin, June 21, 2005
Inc. Magazine names Four Hands One of the Top Street Smart Companies in America
Austin, January 21, 2005
Four Hands announces $6.8 Million deal with JPMorgan Chase
Austin, January 14, 2005
Four Hands Teams with UNICEF to aid in tsunami relief
Austin, January 10, 2005
Matthew Briggs Named Vice President of Four Hands
Austin, December 1, 2004
Four Hands CEO Takes Customers on a Personal Guide through India
High Point, October 21, 2004
Four Hands "Inspired By Red" Party Raises Money for UNICEF
High Point, October 20, 2004
Four Hands Honored with Home 2004 American Furniture Award
High Point, September 28, 2004
Four Hands is "Inspired by Red" at its Annual High Point Party
Austin, Texas, July 25, 2008
Four Hands Introduces Two FSC Certified Collections
Four Hands announced today that they will be introducing 2 new FSC certified wood collections at the Las Vegas Market.
The Fissure and Lucy collections are made of 100% recycled teak wood. This wood has been certified by SmartWood with an FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) label, stating that the wood is recycled and processed according to the highest social and ecological levels. These are the first FSC certified collections made of recycled teak from Indonesia.
All of the wood for these collections comes from old buildings, disused bridges and railway sleepers that were set to become dismantled after decades of use. The teak taken from those abandoned sites then gets turned into a variety of items including tables, casegoods, and bedroom sets. These pieces of wood have acquired such a natural texture from their past environs that just a simple sanded finish is all it takes to be turned into a stylish eco-friendly item.
The factory that produces these home furnishings is adamant on a zero net waste. Therefore, all small pieces of wood are taken and bound together to be used for back panels of cabinets, flooring or stools. Even the sawdust left behind after production is combined with a resin and then cast into lamps, washbasins, and table tops.
Brett Hatton, Founder and CEO said, "We are making strides in the sustainable furniture market and the Fissure and Lucy Collections are perfect additions to the Four Hands product line. These items truly personify Four Hands in both style and eco-conscience."
Since 1996, recycling has been part of Four Hands’ DNA. Brett Hatton started the company by searching India for architectural salvage and then upcycling these pieces into tables and cabinets. Four Hands continues to sell these one-of-a-kind antique pieces along with the rest of their product line. These new collections are just the latest developments to expand on this philosophy of upcycling.
The collections can be viewed in the Four Hands showroom in the World Market Center, Building B, #270.
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Austin, Texas, July 21, 2008
Four Hands Introduces New Eco-Friendly Upholstery
Four Hands announced today that they will be introducing a new line of eco-friendly upholstery at the Las Vegas Market.
The new items in the already successful Wilshire collection are the first environmentally friendly upholstery pieces that Four Hands has introduced. These new sectionals, sofas, and club chairs are made using raw materials that are produced in an ecologically sound manner. The frames of these items are manufactured from sustainable wood that is FSC certified. The webbings are made from a Hessian cloth and jute while the upholstery materials are 100% natural and consist of Mongolian horsehair, duck and down feathers, and woolen wadding.
The lines of these new items are traditional in style and available in various colors including a vibrant blue and a classic taupe. Accent pillows add a final touch to each piece.
"Four Hands is working hard to build the best environmentally-friendly product that is out there," said Brett Hatton, founder and CEO. "This upholstery line gives us a more well-rounded selection of sustainable product to offer our customers."
Image attached is the Belsford Club Chair in Blue. This item, along with the rest of the collection, can be viewed in their showroom at the World Market Center, Building B, #0270.
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization that was established to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests.
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Austin, Texas, July 17, 2008
Four Hands Expands Showroom in Las Vegas
Four Hands announced today that they have leased another showroom to display their Old Java product line at the Las Vegas Market.
Four Hands has leased 2700 square feet that is adjacent to the space they have held for the past two years in Building B of the World Market Center. This new space will be used to fully showcase the extensive Old Java collection. Four Hands has been the exclusive North American distributor of Old Java since October 2007.
Old Java uses reclaimed old teak, combined with other natural and non toxic materials. The hand finishing, carving and stitching give the furniture the look and feel of a family heirloom. Old Java has both classic and contemporary product lines that are available in rich brown tones. They also offer the clean and modern Natural Grey collection which will debut for the first time in Las Vegas.
"Four Hands has a lot of great product to offer," said Rene Crosby, Sales Manager, "and it gets difficult to display it all in one showroom. This expansion allows us to show our customers a much broader selection of our furniture."
All Four Hands product can be viewed during the Las Vegas Market in Building B Suite #0270 along with the new showroom in Suite #0268.
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Austin, Texas, April 3, 2008
Four Hands’ Learn To Live Announces Partnership with Miracle Foundation
The Learn to Live Foundation, started by Four Hands Founder & CEO Brett Hatton to improve the lives of disadvantaged children in India, is pleased to announce their partnership with The Miracle Foundation (TMF), a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of orphans in India based in Austin, Texas.
Learn to Live will finance an "ideal village" orphanage that provides a community-style living environment for orphaned children in Jodhpur, India. Jodhpur is located in the state of Rajasthan, which is in northwestern India, and is affectionately referred to as the "Sun City". Groundbreaking will take place within the next 12 months, and to date over 100,000 dollars has been raised for the cause.
"There are currently 25 million orphans in India and the number grows daily," said Learn to Live founder, Brett Hatton. "Our goal is to provide the support and nurture needed for these children to better their lives. TMF was a natural choice for us to work through due to their remarkable achievements in India, and sharing the same core philosophies of helping one child at a time."
"Our children are raised in an intimate, loving, family environment and receive individual attention from their house mothers," said The Miracle Foundation’s Founder Caroline Boudreaux. "The Miracle Foundation’s philosophy is to follow the family principle as close as possible, attachment to parents and the home receiving utmost importance."
Learn to Live was also able to coordinate with local furniture vendors in India to donate over $50,000 of furniture to The Miracle Foundation’s Sooch Village in the City of Ranchi, East India. Sooch Village is a community of 20 free-standing cottages that will each house 10 orphans, who will be raised in an intimate, loving family environment and receive individual attention from their house mothers.
Brett Hatton was present at the Grand Opening Celebration of Sooch Village on Sunday, March 16, 2008. "The experience of seeing these children in their new home was awe-inspiring," said Hatton, "we couldn’t have done this without the support of our vendors, the furniture was amazing and I hope that we have left the lives of the children a little bit better."
"By providing these children with beds where they can sleep and dream of changing the world someday," said Boudreaux, "what Four Hands has done is made each one of these houses a home."
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Austin, Texas, January 28, 2008
Four Hands Promotes New Sales Manager
Four Hands today announced the appointment of René Crosby as Sales Manager.
René previously was Senior Account Executive responsible for the Midwest and Eastern Territories. She had been the interim Sales Manager since October, 2007 when the previous manager, Emma Roubtsov, left the company to pursue other opportunities. René has been with Four Hands since 2003 where she started off in a Sales Support role, previous to that she worked in sales for the high-tech sector. René was also recently appointed to the 2008 WithIt Board of Directors as the Vice President of Scholarship.
In her new role, René will report directly to Four Hands President and COO, Matthew Briggs. She is responsible for the day-to-day management of the U.S. sales force for the wholesale business.
Four Hands President and COO, Matthew Briggs said, "René has done a stellar job during the transition period. She approached the opportunity with incredible energy and brought a refreshing enthusiasm to the role. This is a much deserved promotion."
"I am thrilled to be part of our dynamic management team and I look forward to leading the company to the next level" said Crosby. "We have an impressive team of highly dedicated sales and support people that I feel privileged to work with."
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Austin, Texas, January 22, 2008
Fourth Win for Four Hands!
Four Hands has been awarded their fourth ARTS award in Accent Furniture at the 19th annual ARTS Awards on January 19th.
The annual ARTS Awards were held on January 19th in Dallas at the Trade Mart. The ARTS Awards, presented each January, is the premier awards program for the decorative accessories industry and recognizes excellence from retailers, manufacturers, sales representatives and designers in every region of the United States.
Four Hands Founder and CEO, Brett Hatton, accepted the award on behalf of the company. "To be nominated for an ARTS Awards is an honor in itself; these are the most prestigious awards in the industry," said Hatton, "and for us to win for a fourth time solidifies our position as a design leader in the industry".
Four Hands President and COO, Mathew Briggs, recognized the Four Hands employees’ contributions to the award, "This is the culmination of an outstanding year and recognition of the hard work and dedication of our employees around the world."
Four Hands previously won in the Accent Furniture category in 2003, 2004 and 2007.
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Austin, Texas, January 8, 2008
Four Hands Signs Exclusive Distribution Deal with Old Java
Four Hands today announced they have signed on to be exclusive North American distributor for the Old Java brand based out of Jakarta, Indonesia.
Old Java is a hand-crafted, reclaimed teak collection that exhibits sophisticated design with both classic and contemporary lines. The line includes case goods, upholstery and accessories.
The Old Java line is slated to debut in the Four Hands showrooms at the Atlanta and Las Vegas Market. A larger launch will take place at the High Point show in April.
Four Hands founder and CEO, Brett Hatton, has had his eye on the Old Java line for several years and this will be the largest initiative undertaken with a single vendor in the history of the company. Hatton said "When you see Old Java designs it makes perfect sense; the pieces are beautiful, hand-crafted and honor the Javanese culture. We also share the same core philosophy of selling sustainable product."
Old Java owner, Mark Saunders-Davies, echoes Hatton’s excitement "After we initiated discussions and visited each other, we discovered a great fit in terms of business philosophy and personalities. We currently export to over 30 countries, but are under-represented in the USA compared to our other markets. Together we expect to make this our largest market."
Saunders-Davies will be on-hand at Atlanta and Las Vegas to answer any questions.
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Austin, Texas, July 17, 2007
Four Hands Sets Record, Wins Award in Atlanta
Austin, TX-based furniture company Four Hands has had an unusually successful summer show on multiple fronts in Atlanta.
The company added a new, 1250 SF space immediately adjacent to their existing showroom on the 11th floor of the Merchandise Mart to rave reviews, picking up the Best Visual Display award for the summer show. The entire space was decked out in snow white acrylic fur, including floor and walls, making for an incredibly dramatic presentation of their blockbuster Carnegie vintage leather upholstery line. Then they followed it up with the highest Atlanta summer market sales in their history, including the three single biggest days ever.
"Traffic has been moderate," says Emma Roubtsov, National Sales Manager, "but the quality is exceptional, with a lot more customers ready to write."
Even more important than the sales written, the company believes that this augurs well for the Las Vegas show later this month and the key 4th quarter selling season. Retailers who had been sitting on inventory earlier in the year are now back in the market.
"I’m hearing that business is picking up, and retailers are looking for things they know will turn," says Senior Account Executive Kathi Cunningham, "We planned for the rebound, and are in a great inventory situation right now on all of our proven winners."
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Austin, Texas, July 16, 2007
Four Hands Executive Nominated for Austin Leadership Award
Emma Roubtsov, National Sales Manager for Austin, TX-based furniture company Four Hands has been nominated to receive the Austin Business Journal’s Profiles in Power award honoring local women leaders in business.
The leading furniture importer has experienced meteoric sales growth under Roubtsov’s guidance, enjoying a +38% average annual growth over the past five years and thrice included in the Inc Magazine 500 Fastest Growing private companies. She has built a highly-skilled sales and customer service team from the ground up, and has also been personally responsible for landing a half dozen Top 100 U.S. retailers. The company has grown to $42M in sales and now counts 20 of the Top 100 among its growing stable of blue chip clients.
In 2006, Roubtsov received a prestigious WOW Future Leader award "to salute an individual who is under 40 for outstanding achievement and demonstrating potential to become an industry leader." The award is sponsored by WITHIT, Women in the Home Industries Today, a prominent national organization dedicated to the support and development of female professionals in the furniture industry. She was cited for practicing service over selling and developing sincere partnerships with her retailers.
She is currently in Atlanta for a summer trade show where she and her team just picked up the Best Visual Display award and wrote record-setting sales for the event.
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Austin, Texas, July 3, 2007
Four Hands Expands Atlanta Showroom
Austin, TX-based furniture company Four Hands will be expanding their space at the Merchandise Mart in Atlanta to add a 1,250 SF exclusive vintage leather gallery.
Coming off a record-setting show in January, the company picked up extra space adjacent to their long-standing showroom on the 11th floor. They will be presenting their Carnegie and Wentworth collections, their most successful new product introduction ever.
Carnegie is a series of English club upholstered pieces covered in hand-rubbed leathers that take up to 14 hours in the finishing alone. Wentworth is a related series of occasional and dining tables made of solid Oak, antique in style, heavily distressed with a thick, lustrous finish. A bookcase and trunk series was also added, sized as occasional tables, as well as some more modern turns with stainless steel frames matched to the vintage leathers.
"It’s been a bit hectic with materials for the build-out being shipped from around the world just in time for market," says Senior Account Executive and showroom manager Kathi Cunningham, "but it is stunning. It has added an untamed element to the showroom, and I’ll leave it at that."
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Austin, Texas, June 29, 2007
Four Hands Las Vegas Intros
Austin, TX-based furniture company Four Hands will be showing a variety of new looks at the Las Vegas summer market, including continuations of their organic/green efforts and some interesting takes in mixed media.
One of their strongest recent introductions is the Montana collection, a series of occasional and dining tables fashioned from 3 to 4" thick rough-sawn slab tops mounted on heavy, centered block legs, all sanded smooth with a simple clear, matte finish. The feel is very organic and appeals to current consumer interest in more naturally grounded products.
The company has also observed renewed interest in mixed media translations, especially wood and metal, and are addressing it with a couple of new entries. First is an addition to the Montana collection described above, using a single slab top from a vertical slice of a tree with bark remaining on the edges married to a simple bronzed metal base. They are also introducing an entirely new Bavaria collection of tables that feature recycled Elm plank tops on industrial, riveted metal bases, some with rustic, rubbed down paint for a splash of color.
Lastly, they have added occasional pieces to their highly successful Emperor collection made from recycled Elm doors. The line was an instant hit as a trestle dining table, and the new pieces bring the same earthy, eco-friendly appeal to the living room.
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Austin, Texas, March 12, 2007
Four Hands Introduces Industrial Metal Series
AUSTIN, TX-based furniture company Four Hands will be adding an industrial feel with a new series of riveted metal tables in their highly successful Carnegie collection.
Four Hands has added an industrial metal element to its highly successful Carnegie leather and wood collection. Core introductions include unique cylindrical dining tables, sideboards, and coffee tables constructed from war-grade iron plating, in an antiqued gray or rust finish, all prominently featuring individually hammered rivets. The pieces are extremely unique, and strike a balance between the throwback appeal of recovered boiler room relics and curvy contemporary design, the perfect complement for concrete floors and urban loft living. The new series also includes some mixed media patterns with simple, wood frame bases and fully zinc-clad tops.
Launched at High Point in April 2006, the Carnegie line initially consisted of a series of vintage club leather upholstered frames and distressed, solid oak case pieces including occasional and dining. The collection has been a runaway hit, by far the most successful introduction ever for a company used to new product successes. It was Four Hands #1 collection in April 2006, then doubled in October. Results are attributed to a trend toward modern traditionalism, high quality designs that recall vintage styles, but with modern functionality and delivered more affordably.
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Austin, Texas, March 9, 2007
Four Hands Introduces Vintage Trunk Collection
AUSTIN, TX-based furniture company Four Hands will be adding a new series of leather and metal clad trunks suitable for a wide variety of uses to their highly successful Carnegie collection.
The latest in the vintage leather and case goods collection is an extensive selection of tables, dressers, and armoires strongly recalling turn of the century steamer trunks, incorporating distressed leathers, textured leathers such as faux croc, wood, and metal. There are a number of interesting configurations suitable for a variety of uses, including not only occasional tables, but a 3 by 3 dresser, stand-up chests of drawers, and a 79" tall armoire style intended for bedroom use. They are great as accent pieces, or as complements to iron or leather beds.
Launched at High Point in April 2006, the Carnegie line initially consisted of a series of vintage club leather upholstered frames and distressed, solid oak case pieces including occasional and dining. The collection has been a runaway hit, by far the most successful introduction ever for a company used to new product successes. It was Four Hands #1 collection in April 2006, then doubled in October. Results are attributed to a trend toward modern traditionalism, high quality designs that recall vintage styles, but with modern functionality and delivered more affordably.
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Austin, Texas, March 5, 2007
Four Hands Introduces Vintage Home Office Collection
AUSTIN, TX-based furniture company Four Hands will be adding a new series of office pieces to their highly successful Carnegie collection.
In a slight departure, Four Hands has developed a line for the booming home office niche, with a collection of writing desks, consoles and bookcases that incorporate distressed leathers, textured leathers such as faux croc, wood, and metal. Desks feature flip-top storage compartments, corner caps, and leather pulls styled after trunk handles. Bookcases feature adjustable shelves.
Launched at High Point in April 2006, the Carnegie line initially consisted of a series of vintage club leather upholstered frames and distressed, solid oak case pieces including occasional and dining. The collection has been a runaway hit, by far the most successful introduction ever for a company used to new product successes. It was Four Hands #1 collection in April 2006, then doubled in October. Results are attributed to a trend toward modern traditionalism, high quality designs that recall vintage styles, but with modern functionality and delivered more affordably.
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Austin, Texas, February 28, 2007
Four Hands Goes Eco Chic
AUSTIN, TX - based furniture company Four Hands is rolling out more eco-friendly products for the March High Point market, expanding on efforts initiated last year.
Four Hands will be introducing three new collections and a slew of line extensions using "green" materials. Dakota is an occasional table line made of reclaimed Teak with slate inlay. Penn is a traditional, turned leg table series made of plantation-grown Mango, as is the Lewis collection of simple shelving units. Among many others, there will also be a number of additions to their cast aluminum collections such as Miami, a line of accent tables and accessories that use up to 70% recycled material.
Fully 40% of Four Hands tables and case goods are currently eco-friendly, using reclaimed materials and plantation-grown woods. The company is also aggressively looking at the balance of its product line to determine which may be candidates for conversion to safer choices, and expects to convert several by the end of the year.
Four Hands was ahead of the curve in launching a Green Tag program, providing hang tags to their retailers that describe their Eco Chic products to consumers. The company is also a founding board member of the sustainable Furniture Council an organization of manufacturers, importers, and retailers formed to promote sustainable business practices.
"It’s time," says founder/CEO Brett Hatton, "Everyone knows it’s the right thing to do, but it takes pre-emptive action for causes to reach their tipping point. We all need to do our part."
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Austin, Texas, August 29, 2006
WITHIT Honors Industry Leaders with WOW Awards
Women in the Home Furnishings Industries Today named four outstanding professionals as 2006 recipients of the 7th WOW Awards, held during WithIt’s Annual Educational Conference at the Renaissance Charlotte Suites last week.
The four WOW award categories are Legacy, Education, Mentoring and Future Leadership, conceived by the progressive organization to recognize excellence among home furnishings industry leaders. This year, from more than 70 peer nominations, 12 finalists narrowed the field for four honorees.
Kathy Bovey, vice president of leasing for AmericasMart in Atlanta is the 2006 recipient of the prestigious Legacy award, given to a woman of achievement who has made significant lifetime contributions to the home furnishings industries. Bovey began a career in home furnishings in 1980, representing over 20 furniture and accent lines for Mulder Associates. She then spent eight years in Minneapolis at International Market Square, where she was responsible for all leasing. Bovey was hired by AmericasMart in 1991, establishing her reputation for integrity and professionalism among exhibitor companies in the home furnishings and home accents segments. Building upon her vision for dynamic product merchandising, Bovey introduced The Gardens in 1994, a unique representation of indoor and casual furnishings, accessories, home décor and gifts, covering two floors of AmericasMart. She serves on the Board of Accessories Resource Team, a trade association for the home accents industry. A founding board member of WithIt, Bovey served as vice president of membership for five years. Outside of the home industries, Bovey fulfills another vision in Angela’s House, a metro-Atlanta sanctuary created for young women in need. Other nominees for this category were Carolyn Kinder, Carolyn Kinder, Inc and Dianne Ray, Garden City Furniture.
Dr. Wilma S. Hammett, professor emeritus at North Carolina State University, is this year’s recipient of the Education award, given to individuals responsible for programs and communications that educate associates, retailers, or consumers about home furnishings. She spent 30 years as an Extension Interior Design/Home Furnishings specialist at NCSU. In addition to training Extension Family and Consumer Science agents throughout the state, Hammett has developed educational resource materials and authored over 25 consumer publications on design-related topics, as well as written buying guides for home furnishings consumers. She holds several degrees, including a Ph.D. in education, with a minor in educational technology, from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Hammett was the principle interior design consultant for NCSU’s Solar Research and Demonstration Center and helped develop training and web-based resource materials on disaster preparedness that have been accessed by the public countless times in response to hurricane and earthquake disasters.
Presently, Hammett’s company, Design Transitions is evaluating research on aging, ergonomics, and home products design for the elderly. She is a fellow of the IFDA and chairman of its educational foundation’s board of directors. Other nominees for this category were Ela Chavez, El Dorado Furniture and Amy Archer, Rowe Furniture.
Kathi Cunningham, senior account executive, Four Hands, is the recipient of WithIt’s Mentoring award for the year, given to a retail executive or retail organization that fosters the advocacy, development, or promotion of women in their company. Born into the furniture industry as a third-generation executive of family-owned Cunningham Furniture, near Atlanta, she learned the furniture retail business at her mother’s knee. Inspired by this early mentoring, Cunningham follows suit in her current position with the global home furnishings and accents importer, where training retail sales associates is her top priority. A former All-American basketball star, she employs goal-oriented teamwork in her managerial responsibilities. Other nominees for this category were Stephanie Lowder, Graphic Solutions International and The Sealy Women’s Task Force, Sealy, Inc.
Emma Roubstov, national sales manager, Four Hands, is recipient of the 2006 Future Leadership Award, which salutes women under age 40 who have demonstrated potential to become an industry leader. Born in England and educated in Wales and Moscow, Roubstov has turned her passion for foreign culture into a career in home furnishings with her globally-minded employer. At Four Hands, she excels in the areas of sales, customer relations, management, and for nurturing peak performance in herself and others in the company. Recognized for her sincere approach in efforts to provide solutions for customers, Roubstov is also noted by company founder Brett Hatton for her humility. Other nominees for this category were Carol Gregg, red egg and Tiffany Mullis-Brittain, Vanguard Furniture.
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Austin, Texas, June 16, 2006
Four Hands Employees Nationally Recognized by WITHIT WOW Awards
AUSTIN, TX – Two senior managers at Austin, TX based furniture company, Four Hands, have been nominated as finalists for the WOW awards sponsored by WITHIT, Women in the Home Industry Today, an organization dedicated to the support and development of female professionals in the business. Prior winners have included leaders of industry heavyweights such as Ethan Allen, Storehouse, and Robb & Stucky.
National Sales Manager Emma Roubtsov was named as one of the three finalists for the Leadership Award, "to salute an individual who is under 40 for outstanding achievement and demonstrating potential to become an industry leader." The company has experienced meteoric sales growth under her guidance, including an increase of 75% year to date. Kathi Cunningham, Senior Account Executive based in Atlanta, was named as one of three finalists for the Mentoring Award. Kathi’s infectious passion for the industry has proved her as a trusted counselor, always inspiring and motivating those around her.
Four Hands enjoys the unusual honor of having two of their managers up for awards in the same year, something that was debated. Ultimately, it was felt that the candidates were so deserving in their own rights that the rare exception was made.
This announcement continues a string of industry honors for Four Hands, following closely on the heels of founder Brett Hatton’s announcement as a regional winner in Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year for 2006.
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Austin, Texas, June 12, 2006
Four Hands President/CEO Named
2006 Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young
AUSTIN, TX – Ernst & Young announced that Brett Hatton, founder and CEO of Austin, TX based furniture company Four Hands, has been named a regional winner of the 2006 Entrepreneur of the Year. This award is one of the most prestigious recognizing innovation, dedication, resourcefulness, and social conscience in the creation of strong, enduring companies. All regional winners will be eligible for the national award to be announced later this year. Prior winners have included Michael Dell of Dell computers and John Mackey of Whole Foods market.
Hatton started Four Hands eleven years ago after a journey of self-discovery that took him from China to Europe, retracing the ancient Silk Trade route. Along the way, he discovered troves of incredible antique furniture, inspiring him to open a small retail store in his native England. He took his first big risk in 1996. Borrowing everything he could from family and friends, he started over as a wholesale importer in Austin, TX with no backers, no knowledge of U.S. business practices, no sales force, and having never attended a trade show. With incredible persistence, he achieved $2.5 million in sales within three years and was growing at 120% annually. Now the rapidly growing company is approaching $40 million in sales.
He took his second big risk in forsaking antiques for new production. Historically, Indian exports were low quality, poorly finished, and too ethnic. Stymied by major retailers, he refocused on his own original designs, aligning factories, introducing new techniques, and putting his own QC team on the ground. As a result, he landed 20 of the Top 100 accounts such as Crate & Barrel and Z-Gallerie and led the hottest segment in the industry. Simultaneously, he pioneered a high-end furniture industry in India that had not existed before and helped create the hottest trend in furniture, the Lifestyle segment. He has won numerous design awards, and is frequently sought out as an industry expert.
Hatton is actively involved in a variety of organizations, from a three-year entrepreneurial program at MIT, to YPO and YEO, to sponsorship of the Furniture Industry’s Leadership Conference. He sets minimum growth targets of +25% annually, and routinely exceeds them by commonly going against conventional wisdom and staking it all on the direction he believes the market will head. Four Hands has been profiled three times as one of Inc. Magazine’s Top 500 Fastest Growing Private Companies, and this Entrepreneur of the Year honor acknowledges his personal role in keeping the company on top.
Just as importantly, Hatton is equally committed to sharing his success with those less fortunate. He long had it in mind to establish a school to educate women in the countries in which he manufactured, to give them a fair chance to better their lives. This year, that dream will come to life. Land has been dedicated, and the Learn to Live Foundation created to open the first school in India. Four Hands asked for a door fee at their last two major trade show events, offering matching funds, with all proceeds going to the foundation. To date, $100,000 has been raised, and they will break ground at the end of this year.
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High Point, April 17, 2006
Four Hands Presents "The Feast" this High Point Market
"Life is short. Eat dessert first." – Anonymous
Indulge your senses at the Four Hands Feast this High Point Market
AUSTIN, TX – Serving up hundreds of selections on the Four Hands menu, the international importer is inviting guests on a culinary exploration around the world this April market. This show will mark Four Hands’ largest one-time new product introduction in company history, aptly titled The FEAST!
NEW SELECTIONS
Four Hands proudly presents over 700 new items, fresh to market to keep pace with ever changing consumer tastes. Style trends featured this market in the Four Hands showroom will range from French Baroque to organic Indonesia, and Spanish nobility to shabby chic.
APPETIZERS
Featured on the appetizer menu for this market will be a smorgasbord of international delights. Accessories will range from handmade Coco lighting from the Philippines to lush Supersoft textiles in naturalistic patterns to mildly scented Essence candles hand-poured in Vietnam. Dozens of barstools, counterstools and dining chairs, made of genuine leather will be showcased.
MAIN COURSE
Four Hands' house specialties are most commonly case goods and upholstery, with a tempting variety of regional seasoning to suit every taste. The Austin-based importer now offers over 20 major collections of case goods and 20 major leather frames in rich, vibrant colors.
CHEF'S SPECIALS
Inviting guests to dine with the finest, Four Hands is offering all dining tables at market special prices. Tables vary in style and materials, ranging from hand-finished reclaimed teak to black lacquered solid oak wood.
As guests enter the Four Hands showroom, they will be greeted by a maitre d' who will welcome them to The Feast, just as one might find at the finest of restaurants. Showcased down the center aisle will be elaborately prepared tables, transporting guests from one culture to the next with an abundance of various foods from different nationalities. Brett Hatton, President/CEO of Four Hands, is inviting guests to feast their eyes on this extraordinary tribute to the cultures in which the award-winning furniture is imported from.
"With over 700 new SKUs and an abundance of new styles and product lines, it seems the most ideal time to celebrate with a FEAST! Universally throughout languages, a feast implies a celebration with a wealth of food, fine wine and good company to share it with," said Hatton.
Last October the company celebrated its tenth anniversary by unveiling Hatton’s plans to establish "Learn to Live," a non-profit organization focused on building and maintaining schools for disadvantaged young girls in rural villages of Asia. A plot of land in Rajasthan India has already been purchased and the goal is to raise at least $250,000 in order to break ground in 2007. Hatton will present dozens more of his personal photography to be sold with all proceeds going to the Learn to Live non-profit organization.
To continue fundraising efforts, Four Hands will host a fundraising event in its showroom on Saturday, April 29th. The company invites industry colleagues and customers to relax and enjoy the eclectic atmosphere that resonates from Four Hands' matchless style and presence. Evening festivities will begin on Saturday, April 29 at 7 p.m. in the Four Hands showroom, located at 410 English Road, Union Square. Guests are invited to enjoy food, cocktails, live salsa music, and dancing; all while helping to make a difference in children's lives.
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Austin, Texas, April 4, 2006
Four Hands Featured on ABC's Hit Show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"
Austin, Texas, April 4, 2006—Four Hands is thrilled to announce that ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition chose the Austin-based global furniture importer to participate in its hit national television show to help a deserving family in Hondo, Texas. The 2-hour episode will premier this Sunday, April 9th at 7pm Central.
Four Hands proudly donated furniture, accessories and volunteer time for a family in need right here in Central Texas, the headquarters of the internationally rooted import company. Four Hands was thrilled at the opportunity to work with the ABC crew and volunteers to transform one family's challenging home into a place of comfort and peace for their child with special needs.
The furniture company was pleased to offer numerous pieces to fill the living, dining and bedroom spaces for the home renovation. The show’s details are a closely guarded secret and the chosen items including bedroom, living, dining and accessories as featured on the show may be seen on www.fourhands.com after the show airs this Sunday.
This marks the second time this year that Four Hands fashion forward imports were also recently featured by the national television program. They also made a substantial contribution when Extreme Makeover: Home Edition ventured to Bartlesville, Oklahoma to help the White family rebuild their lives after the tragic loss of their father.
"With continued expansion, Four Hands recognizes the importance of charitable contributions and would like to thank ABC and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition for this extraordinary opportunity to help these families overcome their daily challenges, enhancing the wonderful home life that we so often take for granted," says Brett Hatton, President and CEO of Four Hands.
On a global level, Four Hands has taken great strides over the last couple of years to give back to the community. In 2004, the company hosted events to raise funds for the tsunami victims of Southeast Asia. Most recently, in celebration of its Tenth Anniversary, Hatton has established a non-profit organization to support women’s education in India, called Learn to Live, which will work to build schools near rural villages.
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Austin, TX, February 9, 2006
Four Hands Named in Texas Monthly’s "50 Best Companies to Work for in Texas"
AUSTIN , TX – This week Four Hands, an Austin-based international furniture company, was honored by Texas Monthly as one of the 50 Best Companies to Work for in Texas.
The first statewide competition of its kind, the award recognizes companies that were both internally and externally rated as one of the best companies to work for in Texas.
At a luncheon hosted by the Texas Association of Business (TAB), the publishers of Texas Monthly and the Society for Human Resource Management – Texas State Council (TX-SHRM) and over 400 business leaders were on hand to honor the winners. Four Hands, ranked 48th on the list, was honored by Governor Rick Perry at the event.
“While it is no secret that Texas is a great place to live, what folks may not know, is that Texas is a great place to work,” said Bill Hammond, TAB President.
Brett Hatton, President and CEO of Four Hands, could not agree more. “Creating an environment in which I can provide our employees with a place to grow and expand their thinking, all while having fun has been a key to the success and rapid growth of our global operation.”
Ten years ago, Hatton decided to base the global company in Austin, Texas because he loved the city’s creative energy. He believes that the innovative, fashion-forward personality of Four Hands fits well with the artistic, unique atmosphere of Austin.
From the beginning, the award-winning furniture importer has thrived as a fast-paced, passionate organization and culture that aspires to create and maintain an atmosphere where people are free to accomplish, be rewarded and be challenged to move to the next level.
Four Hands’ Core Ideology statements are the ideals, spirit and nature of the company guiding it in its mission. The company expects employees to pursue, practice and strengthen each ideology:
Complete Customer Satisfaction
Value the Whole Person
A Passion for Excellence
Brutal Honesty
Have FUN
Honored for several years running as one of the fastest growing private companies in the country, Four Hands is now thrilled to be recognized as also providing an outstanding, working environment. “Talented people are our greatest resource,” says Hatton. “Providing a fantastic workplace is crucial to attracting and retaining the best in the business.”
“The goal of Best Companies to Work for in Texas is to raise the bar among the state’s employers and create excellence and employee satisfaction in the workplace that will attract talented people for years to come,” said Hammond. Managed by Best Companies Group, the program is a multi-year initiative to motivate companies in the State to focus, measure, and move their workplace environments towards excellence. As stated by the Texas Association of Business, numerous studies show a strong correlation between profitability and creating a good place to work.
The selection process was based on an assessment of the company’s employee policies and procedures and the results of an internal employee survey. The Assessment Findings Report that all participating companies receive will enable them to develop plans and implement steps necessary to create a great workplace and continue to improve the performance of their business.
Winners are featured in the February edition of Texas Monthly and can also be viewed on their website at http://www.texasmonthly.com/sections/bestcompanies/22.
Further details about the Best Companies to Work for in Texas initiative can be found online at http://bestcompaniestx.com/.
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Singapore, February 6, 2006
Four Hands Receives International Recognition for Strategic Business Model
Written by Rich Russakoff, President of Bottom Line Consultants
Singapore – Jack Welch, the legendary former CEO of General Electric, created a model for strategic leadership that has three overriding principles:
- Face reality as it is, not as it was or as you wish it to be
- Change before you have to
- Allocate resources based upon return, not upon need
These principles serve as an essential blueprint for any company in the furniture industry to continue to grow in these changing times.
As a strategic planner and CEO Coach specializing in high-growth entrepreneurial companies, I have had the opportunity to work with a number of furniture manufacturers and importers. Most are so buried in day to day operations that they miss the big picture, causing their company to miss opportunities and, in some cases, to go from high growth to going out of business.
By far the most successful company I have worked with in this industry is Four Hands, a furniture importer based in Austin, Texas. Four Hands has received many industry awards as well as national and local recognition as one of America’s fastest growing privately held companies. Their international client base includes many of the top 100 furniture retailers in the world.
In order to ensure alignment throughout the organization, Brett Hatton, the company’s CEO and founder, holds strategic retreats on a quarterly and annual basis with his management team. At these sessions the agenda always includes a review of their budget, financial results and projections by each department.
In addition, each manager also reports on whether they have met the objectives established since their last strategic session, helping them clearly identify the achievements and disappointments of the preceding quarter or year.
By systematically assessing the company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, the company determines its brutal facts, and creates its focus for the upcoming quarter. The term brutal facts was introduced to the business community in Jim Collin’s classic book, Good to Great. It is considered by many experts, to be the most important and indispensable business book written in the past two decades.
In 1999, while experiencing spectacular growth, Four Hands identified three brutal facts that demanded action. Continued growth along with the ability to meet the capacity of demand would require more inventory, more people and more capital.
The Company decided to take a hard look at is business model, which was the traditional model for furniture importers and wholesalers at their stage of growth. Hatton concluded that without a drastic change, they were on a course that required a significant cash infusion without an appreciable return on investment. In addition, he did not see increased profit margins to justify the risk, work and effort.
Four Hands did not have the necessary infrastructure or cash to continue to bring inventory from the country of origin into its warehouse in Austin, unpack it, hold inventory while it was waiting for other merchandise to complete an order, put orders together, repack and ship small ($250 to $1000) purchase orders.
As a result of their soul searching, Hatton and his management team decided to turn their business model upside down. A major decision was made to raise the price for minimum orders. The company began targeting its sales and marketing efforts to the top 100 furniture retailers who were appropriate candidates for their designs.
After considerable number-crunching, Four Hands determined that it could make higher margins and offer outstanding savings to their targeted customer profile through a container-direct program. Under this program clients could buy a broad selection of merchandise that could be shipped directly from the country of origin to a client’s warehouse or distribution center.
This minimized the amount of merchandise Four Hands had to stock and stabilized the number of the people necessary for receiving, shipping and handling in Austin. In order to accomplish this, additional systems and training was required on virtually every front. Customers needed to understand the benefits of the program and how it enabled them to achieve enhanced margins, greater profitability and the ability to offer special events and sales when containers landed.
Facing the brutal facts for Four Hands at their stage of growth in 1999 enabled them to simplify their business model at a critical time. By focusing on implementing their new model, Four Hands continued to grow and prosper and did not fall victim to the inevitable cash demands of their old model.
Four Hand’s brutal facts in 2001 were as brutal as the company ever faced. A major threat emerged when it appeared likely that India, Four Hands primary manufacturing source, and Pakistan, two nuclear powers, were on the brink of war.
The potential for disaster rose, as a member of the Four Hands management team was in Rajasthan during a nuclear test by India designed to get Pakistan’s attention. Though miles away, he felt the ground shake beneath him as the nuclear test began. Whether it got Pakistan’s attention or not, it codified a major brutal fact for Four Hands; India at war would certainly impact on whether carpenters would be drafted, factories would remain open and the country would be able to ship from its ports. Even a short halt to production could cripple cash flow, and a longer one could force clients to fill their floor with merchandise from other manufacturers.
Four Hands assessed their brutal facts and broke them down into three numbers:
One country producing about 70% of the company’s product line
Two customers generating over 50% of revenues
Three manufacturers producing the majority of their product line
Hatton took immediate action. He attended trade shows throughout the world in order to identify new sources, manufacturers and product lines from other countries. He also greatly enhanced sales and marketing efforts. The goal was to go deeper with greater penetration into current and targeted accounts.
The results of Hatton identifying, and more importantly acting, on these brutal facts led to a stronger, more exciting and more diverse product line and company. At each critical stage of growth, Four Hands has reinvented itself, propelling the company forward as one of the premier importers in the industry.
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Austin, TX, November 4, 2005
Four Hands to Match Funds Raised at High Point Market for the Learn to Live Foundation
AUSTIN, TX – This October High Point Market, Four Hands raised over $24,000 to launch the Learn to Live Foundation: an organization focused on building and maintaining schools for disadvantaged young girls in Asia. Celebrating the company’s tenth anniversary, President and CEO, Brett Hatton unveiled his desire to give back to the overseas communities that have supported and inspired the global importer over the past decade. Four Hands will match every dollar that was raised through ticket sales and photography pieces sold at market, totaling the collected funds to $48,000 to begin the establishment of the foundation.
Throughout High Point market, Hatton’s personal photography was printed on large, vivid canvases and sold, with all proceeds going to the Learn to Live foundation. The breathtaking images displayed families, smiling children, and stunning landscapes from around the world, reflecting the culture that inspired Hatton to begin Four Hands ten years ago. Photographs of children holding hands, bundled up for the winter, and playing "dress up" reveal Hatton’s passion to give back to the communities that have touched his life along the way. The photographs sold effectively accounted for over $15,000 of proceeds collected, and orders are still coming in.
At the annual High Point party, tickets were sold for $20 each at the door, with all proceeds going to the Learn to Live foundation. Guests enjoyed food, cocktails, live Salsa music, dancing and exotic fire dancers; all while contributing to make a difference in children’s lives. Ticket sales contributed to an estimated $9,000 towards the establishment of the foundation.
Although fundraising efforts were successful during market, the company’s goal is to raise $250,000 to start the Learn to Live Foundation. Four Hands will continue selling reprints of Hatton’s photography and seeking sponsors.
A plot of land for the first school has been designated near Jodhpur, in northwest India. "I am thrilled with the generosity of people shown at the High Point October market and would like to thank everyone that contributed. However, in order for the foundation to break ground in the next year, we must continue raising funds and gathering willing sponsors," said Hatton.
Inspired now more than ever, the company will continue striving with great passion as the reality of building the foundation’s first school in India draws nearer.
Learn to Live aims to educate young women by providing them with the self-esteem, confidence, education, tools, and mental aptitude to become tomorrow’s world leaders.
For further information or to inquire about photography or levels of sponsorship, please contact Kim Bandy at 512-617-6917 or email learn2live@fourhands.com.
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AUSTIN, TX, October 11, 2005
Four Hands Celebrates Ten Year Anniversary at High Point Party
"Life’s a journey, not a destination." –Steven Tyler
Brett Hatton announces the establishment of "Learn to Live" Foundation.
AUSTIN, TX – A story of great inspiration unfolds. In celebration of Four Hands’ ten year anniversary, founder Brett Hatton is inviting guests to take an exclusive look into the journey that inspired the beginning of this unique company.
Featured down the center aisle of the Four Hands showroom will be oversized canvases of Hatton’s personal photography, unveiling the story of how Four Hands began. This giant photographic journal will display a meaningful reflection of the places and individuals who inspired Hatton’s vision for the furniture company.
The Four Hands journey will be told through the lens of Hatton, who first traveled by motorbike through the dusty streets and marketplaces of India as a former film student. During his trek around the world, the recent college graduate met furniture artisans who introduced him to the pathway of what is now a successful furniture company that thrives on three core values: product, people, and passion. This October’s High Point showroom will be a visual reflection of the communities and craftspeople behind each piece of Four Hands furniture. Beyond this, the party will serve as the first step toward a better life for hundreds of underprivileged children.
Hatton is celebrating the company’s ten year anniversary by announcing his plans to establish "Learn to Live," a foundation focused on opening schools for underprivileged young girls in rural villages of Asia. He views the foundation as an exciting opportunity to give back to the friends and communities that have supported Four Hands over the past decade.
"Social responsibility can feel daunting until a small child puts their hand in yours and flashes the most genuine smile you’ve ever seen," said Hatton. "It is then that no task seems insurmountable to give that child a fighting chance."
Amidst a busy High Point market, industry colleagues and customers will have a chance to relax and enjoy the atmosphere that resonates from Four Hands’ matchless style and presence. Evening festivities will begin on Saturday, October 22 at 7 p.m. in the Four Hands showroom, located at 410 English Road, Union Square. Enjoy food, cocktails, a live salsa band, dancing and exotic fire dancers while also helping to make a difference in a child’s life.
Tickets will cost $20 and must be purchased at the door. All proceeds will be donated to the development of the foundation. A personal invitation or a registered buyer’s badge must be presented at the door for admittance.
Further details about the Learn to Live foundation will be available in the Four Hands High Point showroom. Various sponsorship levels for the establishment of the Learn to Live foundation are also available for those interested in supporting the endeavor.
For more information, please call (336) 885.5555 or email learn2live@fourhands.com.
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AUSTIN, TX, August 25, 2005
New "Essence" is Added to the Four Hands Collection
AUSTIN, TX - Essence, a new collection of sensual, aromatic candles, is specifically designed to accent the unique colors and textures of Four Hands furniture. Every piece is carefully hand poured with fully refined wax and blended with fine essential oils - giving each candle a one-of-a-kind, distressed texture and scent.
President and CEO, Brett Hatton, said, "When you enter a Four Hands showroom all of your senses are engaged. You are greeted by exotic music, rich textures, vibrant flowers, and an obvious passion for creativity. Introducing exclusive fragrances to accent our furniture only makes sense."
These sensuous fragrances are more than just a fresh venture for Four Hands; they represent a whole new direction for the rapidly growing company.
Four Hands is increasing brand recognition among everyday consumers. Every candle is branded with a Four Hands label and symbolic Chinese charm representing love, happiness, good luck, good fortune, long life, or friendship.
These bold candles engage the senses with rich, soft fragrances that embody the spirit of Four Hands quality and style. The color Ivory is infused with a succulent Gardenia scent, Red with sweet Tangy Pomegranate, Moss Green with vibrant Coconut Lime Verbena, Rust with a charming Jasmine Sandalwood, Deep Grey with soothing White Musk, and Mustard with a brilliant Ginger Mango scent.
A variety of sizes are available, including pillar, tumbler, square, votive, taper and bowl candles. These new, extremely affordable home accents make perfect gifts. Three-by-four inch pillars retail for $4.50 and the largest candle, a striking four-by-eight inch pillar, is only $13.50. The sleek, fashionable, six-by-three inch bowl is marked at just $9.95. Beyond the exceptionally low prices, these pieces are handmade from the highest quality materials.
On average, the small votive burns for 13 hours and the large four-by-eight inch pillar lasts up to 160 hours. No animal by-products are permitted in the collection. Candles contain vegetable derived ingredients and only lead-free cotton or linen fabric wicks are used.
Candles will arrive from Vietnam in mid-September and will be showcased at this October market in High Point. However, they are currently available for pre-order to retailers.
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AUSTIN, TX, July 25, 2005
Four Hands Awarded Best of Show for Home Accents & Furnishings Center in Atlanta
Four Hands showrooms radiate a chic, cultural aura that engages creativity and captivates the senses. The unique personality and characteristic of this style was particularly apparent at the AmericasMart Atlanta Market held this past July.
Out of around 2,000 permanent showrooms, Four Hands was one of only three to receive the award for Best of Show for the Home Accents and Furnishings Center. This award recognized Four Hands for their creativity, originality, and the spirit of their presentation.
The company is proud to receive this honor and looks forward to an exciting new presentation at this upcoming High Point.
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AUSTIN, TX, June 21, 2005
Seventh Annual ICIC-Inc Magazine Inner City 100 Recognizes Four Hands for the Third Year in a Row
AUSTIN, TX - Inc. Magazine has recognized Four Hands as one of the fastest growing urban businesses in America for 2005 in the ICIC-Inc Magazine Inner City 100 list. Four Hands is one of only two companies in Austin that ranked in the top 100 this year.
Four Hands is an Austin-based international wholesale furniture company that imports quality home furnishings from over 13 countries. It boasts an impressive client roster, including a variety of high-end retailers such as Crate & Barrel, Storehouse and Neiman Marcus.
The ICIC-Inc Magazine Inner City 100 list honors companies that are continuing to thrive in inner-city locations. From over 7,500 nominated companies, Four Hands was recognized for their extraordinary growth in recent years.
The furniture importer, which ranked 70th on the list, experienced 326% annual growth over the last five years and achieved over 25% top-line growth in 2004 with sales of $22.7 million. Last month, Four Hands celebrated its highest monthly net sales in company history. For 2005, Four Hands is projecting sales of $28 million.
Since announcing a $6.8 million financing deal with JPMorgan Chase last January, President and CEO Brett Hatton has moved receivables management in-house, hired a new CFO and COO, and has hired more full time employees in China and India to increase quality control of products.
"We are honored to have been recognized by Inc. Magazine in the Inner City 100 list for the third consecutive year," said Hatton. "Our location has certainly been a factor in our continued success as an industry leader."
Ten years ago, Hatton decided to base the global company in Austin, Texas because he loved the city's creative energy. He believes that the innovative, fashion-forward personality of Four Hands fits well with the artistic, unique atmosphere of Austin.
Four Hands' unique edge and creative, eclectic flair continues to set trends in the industry, propelling the company forward as a premiere player in home furnishings today. Top
AUSTIN, TX, January 21, 2005
Four Hands announces $6.8 million deal with JPMorgan Chase
Four Hands is pleased to announce a $6.8 million financing arrangement with JPMorgan Chase. Due to the ever-improving financial strength of the company, the new terms include a much more favorable interest rate and greater cash access to fund the ongoing rapid growth. Effective January 1st, Four Hands has terminated their four year relationship with Capital Factors, a leading furniture industry factoring company, and has brought the receivables management function back in-house.
Recent milestones for Four Hands include record-breaking annual sales, further international expansion, and additions to the management team. The furniture importer increased profitability and achieved over 25% top-line growth in 2004 with sales of $22.7 million. In 2005, Four Hands is projecting that growth in customer demand will exceed the outstanding rate experienced last year. With customers in over 17 countries, the innovative furniture company has proven, once again, to be the ultimate explorer of style.
Internationally, Four Hands will participate in the leading U.K. furniture show in Birmingham in late January, followed by the Singapore International Furniture Fair in March. Four Hands opened a permanent office led by Thomas Bietlot, in Brussels, Belgium in 2004 to facilitate increasing European growth. Four Hands' recent partnership with JPMorgan Chase will allow further investment in overseas infrastructure, which will enhance customer service by reducing lead times, increasing quality assurance and mixing containers.
Currently, Four Hands is celebrating the most successful Atlanta show in company history, with sales exceeding $1.5 million. Other domestic shows for 2005 will include High Point, Atlanta, the Hospitality & Design Show in Las Vegas, and the new World Market Center, also in Las Vegas.
In December, Brett Hatton, founder and CEO of Four Hands, named Matthew Briggs as Vice President, in addition to his role as Chief Operating Officer of the fast-paced company. Briggs has proven himself as a key leader, playing an instrumental role in the development and execution of company strategies and overall success.
Four Hands is also pleased to welcome Curt Welch as the new Chief Financial Officer. Offering invaluable expertise in high level financial leadership, financial analysis and inventory management, Welch will be responsible for all financial aspects of the company. Four Hands employs over 50 people in the Austin headquarters, with an additional 25 international employees who work together to maintain the high standards our customers have come to expect. Locally, Four Hands was ranked as #6 in the Austin Business Journal's Top 25 Fastest Growing Private Companies for 2004.
Expect to see great things coming this year as the Four Hands team continues to solidify and strengthen, propelling them forward as one of the premier players in the home furnishings industry today.
AUSTIN, TX, January 14, 2005
Four Hands Teams with UNICEF to aid in Tsunami Relief Efforts
As an importer with many vendors, factories, colleagues and friends in Southeast Asia, the events of December 26th resonated deeply throughout the Four Hands offices and employees. Gratefully Four Hands escaped any direct losses from the tsunami but the loss in Asia has left its impact on us all.
In an effort to aid in the relief, Four Hands has teamed up once again with UNICEF. The Executive Director of UNICEF, Carol Bellamy stated on the day of her arrival to Indonesia that "there are four basic measures (for children) that must be implemented to give this devastated tsunami generation a fighting chance." The fourth basic measure is helping children cope with the disaster and trauma by getting them back in school. "Nothing will signal hope more clearly than rebuilding and reopening schools," Bellamy said. "Being in a learning environment gives children something positive to focus on, and enables the adults around them to go about the business of rebuilding with greater confidence."
Four Hands has committed to "Tsunami Generation" as their primary charitable cause for 2005. All donations raised will be matched by the company 100%.
Donations can be made by calling the Four Hands corporate office or during the Atlanta International Home Furnishings Show beginning January 11th – 22nd, Merchandise Mart, Suite 11A1. Further UNICEF information will be available in the Atlanta showroom throughout the week of the show.
Four Hands urges everyone to log onto the www.unicef.org to learn more about the devastating effects the tsunami has had on children of the afflicted countries. (See related story attached as on example). However, it is easy to help. Just $188 can provide one "School-in-a-Box" kit containing basic education supplies for 80 children during times of crisis.
At the time of this release a survey is being conducted by UNICEF to determine more exact figures on the losses of school houses and teachers.
AUSTIN, TX, January 10, 2005
Matthew Briggs Named Vice President of Four Hands
Brett Hatton, founder and CEO of Four Hands, named Matthew Briggs as Vice President, in addition to his role as Chief of Operations of the rapidly-growing furniture company. Briggs has proven himself as a key leader, playing an instrumental role in the development and execution of company strategies and overall success.
Matthew Briggs joined the Four Hands team as Director of Operations in the fall of 2001. Prior, Briggs owned and operated a successful home furnishings retail store in Breckenridge, Colorado which partnered with Four Hands as a key vendor. The sale of the store in late 2001 presented Hatton with the opportunity to hire the talented and successful retailer in the needed operations position at Four Hands.
In the spring of 2003 Briggs was promoted to COO, becoming responsible for all standard operational duties of the company and overseeing worldwide sales initiatives. As Vice President and COO of Four Hands, Briggs will oversee all aspects of the company including the development and implementation of strategic goals for the fashion-forward industry leader.
"During his time at Four Hands Matt has gone from strength to strength with no end to the possibilities" says Hatton.
Most recently Four Hands was ranked as #6 in the Austin Business Journal's Top 25 Fastest Growing Private Companies for 2004. Offering invaluable expertise, efficiency and commitment, Briggs has quickly propelled through the ranks of this innovative and fast-paced company.
Expect to see great things coming this year as the Four Hands team continues to solidify and strengthen propelling them forward as one of the premier players in the home furnishings industry today.
AUSTIN, TX, December 1, 2004
Four Hands CEO takes customers on a personal guide through India
AUSTIN, TX – Venturing across the world to the "Land of the Kings" in northwest India, Four Hands President and CEO, Brett Hatton, took customers on a personal tour to the majestic desert. While exploring India, attendees enjoyed the most grand palaces in the world, elephant rides to ancient forts, camel safaris, and accommodations in magical tents under the desert stars.
Beyond sightseeing, the group visited Four Hands factories in Jodhpur to see the hand-craftsmanship that goes into the company's furniture product. Participants in the adventure were Brett Hatton, Heather Antonelli (President, Eminence Style), Kathi Cunningham (Four Hands), Marcia Shein, and several Four Hands customers. "We got to see how each item is crafted, from the first step with the raw wood, to the kilns, to the craftsman who was actually hand-lathing the piece," said Kathi Cunningham, Senior Account Executive at Four Hands.
In the "Land of the Kings" the Four Hands guests also enjoyed seeing the Mehrangarh Fort and experiencing the culture of true Indian weddings and festivities. Accommodations in Jodhpur were at the Umaid Bhawan Palace, also known as the "largest private residence in the world." At the Pushkar Camel Fair, 20,000 camels and their owners, dressed in vibrantly colored attire filled the desert horizon. One of the highlights from the group was the tour of the camel market that took them back in time a few hundred years.
On Thanksgiving morning, guests woke before dawn to ride camels during sunrise. Sitting under the desert sky, around a fire, guests watched the Indians perform elaborate dances native to their villages. By the close of the night, Four Hands guests were joining in, learning a traditional Indian stick dance and truly experiencing the Indian way of life. "We wanted to give our customers the unique opportunity to experience the Indian culture and see first-hand the craftsmanship and skill that goes into the creation of each Four Hands product," said Hatton.
Four Hands began as a year-long journey through Asia without a destination. Now the company covers the globe and uncovers the styles of both ancient and modern civilizations.
HIGH POINT, NC, October 21, 2004
Four Hands "Inspired by Red" Party Raises Money for UNICEF
AUSTIN, TX – Four Hands, a fashion forward leader in the industry, hosted its annual private party themed "Inspired by Red" at the High Point Market. For the October market, Four Hands decided to host the annual party with an even greater purpose in mind - children's right to education, health care and nutrition around the globe. While guests enjoyed the energetic atmosphere, $3745 was raised to support the United Nations Children's Fund.
"Four Hands accepted donations at the High Point party to support UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund," said Brett Hatton, President and CEO of Four Hands. "We are proud to support this global cause to enhance the lives of children around the world."
UNICEF was created in 1946 to provide emergency aid to European children after World War II. Since that date, UNICEF has become a group of more than 7,000 men and women in over 158 countries, advocating for children's rights to essential medicines, vaccines, educational, health, and emergency supplies. The goals of this unique organization include, "giving children the best start in life, helping children survive and thrive, getting kids in school, and creating a protective environment, especially in emergencies."
Guests at the "Inspired by Red" party enjoyed fine food, cocktails, life-size Zen Gardens, music, dancing, and more. The intense emotions the color red provokes are the same discovered in each Four Hands showroom. The color red engages our senses with emotions of joy, excitement, energy and power. Red is bold, attractive and compelling – as is each Four Hands product.
The party, benefiting UNICEF, took place on October 16, 2004, at 7:00 p.m. in the Four Hands showroom located at 410 English Road, Union Square. For more information, please call (336) 885.5555.
HIGH POINT, NC, October 20, 2004
Four Hands Honored with HOME 2004 American Furniture Award
AUSTIN, TX – Four Hands, the ultimate explorer of style, is excited to accept the Home 2004 American Furniture Award for the Woodrow Chaise Lounge design. A true statement piece, the striking Woodrow Chaise Lounge of the Whitmore Collection showcases a unique modern luxury design.
Home magazine hosts the American Furniture Awards each year to honor the most outstanding furniture designers and manufacturers. In selecting award-winning designs, Home magazine asks distinguished designers to search for the latest fashion forward furniture styles. "We are constantly striving to introduce innovative styles to the industry, so we are absolutely thrilled to accept this design award," said Brett Hatton, President and CEO of Four Hands.
Tailored and sophisticated, the Woodrow Chaise Lounge is a return to classic style. The piece features luxurious, supple leather in rich, vibrant colors, with coordinating leg finishes. Bringing unparalleled quality and high-style to any atmosphere, the chaise lounge is multifunctional and affordable. The lounge may be used as extra seating in the living room of a contemporary setting, or as an occasional piece in an office. Additional pieces available in the Whitmore collection are sofas, sectionals, club chairs and ottomans.
AUSTIN, TX, September 28, 2004
Four Hands Is "Inspired By Red" At Its Annual High Point Party
The color red evokes powerful emotions throughout the world.
Red is fire, heat, creativity and life.
AUSTIN, TX – Experience the inspiration of Four Hands. Feel the fire, sense the heat, let the creativity inspire your life. The color red engages our senses with emotions of joy, excitement, energy and power. Four Hands, a fashion forward leader in the industry, will host its annual private market party themed "Inspired by Red" this October at the High Point Market.
The intense emotions the color red provokes are the same discovered in each Four Hands showroom. Red is bold, attractive and compelling – as is each Four Hands product. Red ignites the passion behind every Four Hands discovery and design. The "Inspired by Red" party will feature an array of activities including Zen Gardens, fine food and "fire" dishes from three continents, cocktails, music, dancing, and more.
This year's party will serve an even greater purpose – children's right to education, health care and nutrition around the globe. "Four Hands will accept donations throughout the High Point Market to support UNICEF, the United Nations Childrens' Fund," said Scott McKearn, Director of Marketing.
The party will take place on October 16, 2004, at 7:00 p.m. in the Four Hands showroom located at 410 English Road, Union Square. A personal invitation or a registered buyer's badge must be presented at the door for admittance. For more information, please call (366) 885.5555.
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