Each year, the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia brings on board 20 businesses that are looking for assistance with starting, growing or purchasing a business. The Starter Company Plus program offers these entrepreneurs extensive training, mentorship, networking opportunities and the chance to receive a micro-grant of up to $5,000. Get connected to Barrie's business support network by taking the first step with the Starter Company. Eligible entrepreneurs can inquire about an application package at smallbusiness@barrie.ca.
When you choose to invest rather than buy, you’re making a conscious decision to add something to your life that will offer practicality and, if you’re lucky, enjoyment for years and generations to come.
When this investment is made locally, you’re also choosing to support your own economy and the talent that exists there.
As a member of the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia’s 2022 cohort of Starter Company Plus, Pompous Fox Wood Co. is a luxury furniture company that designs and manufactures custom furniture. Investing in local talent like Pompous Fox owner Adam Bezzina and his custom furniture designs supports the local economy and leaves you with an experience and furniture piece that are both one-of-a-kind, timeless and lasting.
Having just celebrated his grand opening of his shop located at 304 Shanty Bay Road in Barrie, Adam is excited to be able to share his signature series and to continue to bring his customer’s ideas to fruition.
Read on for a Q+A about Adam and his business.
What is your favourite part about being an entrepreneur?
I love doing what I am passionate about. I love the freedom to do what I want. I love that every day presents a new challenge that I get to take on.
What inspired you to start a business?
Being a business owner is something that I have always wanted to do. I am not too sure what inspired me. I would say I always enjoyed the idea of being my own boss, a good challenge and learning new things which business ownership gives me every day.
What services/ products do you offer?
I build solid wood furniture. Clients have two options - fully custom or a selection of designs that I have created myself. On top of that, I offer full design services for custom furniture including 3D models.
Who do you look up to for inspiration?
This is a hard one as there isn’t anyone who pops into my head. I have read many books and listened to many podcasts that inspire me. If I had to pick one person, it would be my other half, Melissa. I always want to be the best I can be for her, and she inspires me to work hard.
How did you come up with your business name?
I am a big fan of everything outdoors including animals. I knew I wanted an animal to be a part of my name. I wanted to animate the animal with the name and make it something unforgettable. Pompous Fox just came to me one day - it was like a light bulb moment. I could immediately visualize the logo.
If you could collaborate to make furniture for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I don’t like to put people on pedestals so I wouldn’t say there is one individual that I specifically want to make furniture for. What I would like to do though is be able to make furniture for a TV show, maybe something on HGTV.
What is unique about your business?
There are a couple items. 1) I am a Professional Engineer and I bring various skills from my engineering background, the main one being my ability to design and provide 3D renders of furniture before I ever build it. 2) I have designed my own furniture line which gives clients an option for beautiful solid wood furniture that is more cost effective than doing fully custom.
What is your favourite way to spend a day outdoors?
Go for a hike or mountain biking. Maybe a motorcycle ride. Pretty much anything adventurous!
What is the most fun piece of equipment you get to use and/ or what would it be if you had unlimited funds to spend?
Most fun right now would be my table saw - it is extremely versatile!
If I had unlimited funds, I would have a large format CNC which would open the door to so much more creativity and/or a robot sander so I wouldn’t have to sand all the time!
What crazy activities do you dream of trying someday?
I have a bucket list vacation where I do the 10-day hike from the south of France to the south of Switzerland through the alps - the trail is called Haute Route. Once I arrive in Switzerland, I then climb the Matterhorn.
What do you hope to achieve through the Starter Company Plus program?
I would like to gain more soft skills so that I will feel more comfortable with all the administrative type of work that has to be done behind the scenes.
I would also like to gain the confidence required to go to the next step which is hiring!
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Contact Pompous Fox to inquire about your next custom furniture piece or shop existing models:
Website: https://www.pompousfoxwoodco.com/
Facebook: Pompous Fox Wood Co. | Facebook
Instagram: Ontario Custom Furniture (@pompousfoxwoodco)