Renee Switzer
Renee Switzer, President
Company: William Switzer & Associates Ltd., Vancouver, British Columbia
Contact Info: Tel: 604-255-5911;
e-mail: rswitzer@uniserve.com
Description: A manufacturer of extremely fine reproductions of antique furniture with approximately 900 items in its current catalogues - 90% of which are exported - Switzer offers styles ranging from Louis XV, Biedermeier, Venetian Rococo and Directoire, to Art Deco. Each piece of furniture is made entirely by hand, using the finest woods, construction methods and finishing treatments. The company assembles the skeletons for its products in Spain and Italy and finishes them in Vancouver. It employs 65-70 in Vancouver, 30 in the U.S., has agents in Hong Kong, London and Athens, and showrooms throughout the U.S. and two in Canada. Its Vancouver showroom and factory were recently featured in Architectural Digest, and its chairs have appeared on the set of The Apprentice.
Background: Renee graduated in classical studies from university, intending to enter the museum world. She took a trial entry level position at the family firm to help her father and current chairman, William, who established the company in 1950. Gradually, she took on new and different responsibilities until she became president five years ago. "The only common denominator between what I had learned at university and the business was a sense of history - the history of architecture and the history of furniture. But from there I acquired a love for the family business." This truly family-run enterprise also includes Renee's brother and partner Allan Switzer, Vice President, who is in charge of marketing, advertising and product development, and her son, who is involved in sales.
Unique Aspect: Switzer produces a very high quality product with techniques used by craftsmen in the 18th century. "We consider ourselves to be a custom house because everything that goes through here has a unique touch to it. And we pride ourselves on good customer service and follow-through."
Biggest Success Factor: "The successes of the business and the success of our family unity are integrally connected." Renee is proud of the succession from one generation to another. "A family business runs the risk of competition between family members. The most important thing is that everyone really believes in how important it is to remain united and strong because, if that happens, then the business will be united and strong."
Greatest Challenges: "Change management." The company has grown significantly and is transitioning from what was a one-person-run operation to a modern, up-to-date business with sophisticated processes and systems. "Also, whether it was because I'm a woman or William Switzer's daughter, I had to prove myself. But I never let that get to me. I just knew that if I was doing my job and doing the right thing, I would be accepted."
Productivity Improvements: "It's not that easy to meld our artisan-type workshop atmosphere with modern business theory and practicality. We're in two worlds at the same time." To meet this challenge, the company is currently overhauling everything from computer systems to personnel management to job descriptions. It also has a strong on-the-job training for finishing and upholstering in place, and ongoing leadership development programs for sales and management staff. "We have very loyal employees who have been with us for a long time and, through all the change, we want them to stay."
Greatest Satisfaction: "I'm a problem solver. I find it stimulating and challenging to create an organization that truly works and where people love to come to work every day and feel challenged."
Biggest Lesson Learned: "If I could do it all over again, I wish I had gone to business school. I've had to do a lot of learning by the seat of my pants and it's been quite a ride! I've learned that financial management has a lot to do with common sense. You need to use that and your gut instinct in the best possible way. A business mistake is generally not life-threatening. It can always be corrected."
Mentoring Support: Renee worked closely with her father for many years, actually sitting next to him in the same office. "It wasn't a traditional mentoring relationship; he has a quiet, non-lecturing style." Renee learned by watching and expresses strong admiration for her father's patience, integrity, honesty, "and honouring your word. These are core values of the company."
Other Support: Renee also seeks help when she needs it from professionals who work with family business leaders and she is a member of the Canadian Association for Family Enterprises (CAFÉ).
How RBC Royal Bank has Helped: Renee credits RBC Royal Bank with helping Switzer attain its expansion goals, especially when opening new showrooms in Chicago, New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles. "We wanted to grow our sales and expand and we needed a bank's support in order to move forward - and RBC was there for us."
Growth Plans: Switzer will continue to strengthen and solidify what it has done over the last few years to upgrade systems and procedures. "Plus we're essentially in the fashion business, so we always need something new and different to offer our clients."
Growth Tip: "Have determination, patience, and be willing to ask for help, advice and support when you need it."
On Personal Financial Planning: "Everybody should have a plan and feel secure about it. Women may have special needs, particularly if they are the breadwinner for the family. I do believe that women should have the ability to be independent. Get the advice you need in order to make that happen for you."
Interests: An avid reader who had her own catalogued mini library at home as a child and used to lend books, Renee is proud of her home library which she has built up over the years. It includes engravings and numerous first editions of classical works along with her husband's collection that he amassed in his native Italy. She and her husband - who have five children and six grandchildren between them living in New York, Los Angeles, Florence, Milan and Vancouver - also enjoy travelling, especially to revisit places in Italy where they first met.
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