Starting a Commercial Furniture Business: Keelan Freitag’s Journey | Furniture Success Podcast

In this episode of the Furniture Success Podcast, we sit down with Keelan Freitag, founder of NextGen Workspace Solutions, a rising independent rep firm in the New England commercial furniture market. Keelan shares his inspiring journey from a 9-year teaching career to becoming a key player in the contract furniture industry.

Learn how Keelan: Built a multi-line rep firm in just seven months.

Combines traditional sales with cutting-edge technology.

Navigates challenges like tariffs, changing work trends, and dealer loyalty. Uses Lunch & Learns and face-to-face events to build trust and grow his client base.

Helps clients create flexible, dynamic workspaces adapted to modern hybrid work models.

Balances patience, persistence, and customer-first values in a competitive market.

Whether you’re in the furniture business or considering launching your own firm, Keelan’s advice on cold calling, relationship-building, and understanding market trends will resonate.

Learn more about Keelan Freitag and NextGen Workspace Solutions:

https://nextgenworkspacesolutions.com/

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00:00 - Introduction

00:20 - Keelan’s Background & Starting NextGen Workspace Solutions

03:50 - Unique Go-to-Market Strategy

06:20 Overcoming Challenges in the Contract Furniture Market

09:10 Trends: Tariffs, Recession & Industry Giants

12:00 How Keelan Qualifies Clients’ Needs

18:00 Aligning Furniture Solutions with Company Culture

20:45 The Shift to Hybrid Workspaces

24:15 Innovative Office Furniture Solutions

27:20 Advice for Starting a Furniture Rep Business

33:00 Cold Calling vs. In-Person Networking

35:40 Memorable Projects & Lessons Learned

40:00 Future Plans for NextGen Workspace Solutions

42:50 How to Contact Keelan

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