The Napoleon of Your Living Room
What is Gary Friedman's position at RH?
Gary Friedman is the CEO and chairman of RH, a high-end furniture retailer. He is credited with turning around the company, which generates over $3 billion in annual sales1. Friedman has ambitious plans for the company, including expanding the number of retail galleries and venturing into branded hotels and furnished homes.
How long can these "adventures" typically last?
The "adventures" convened by Gary Friedman, the chief executive of RH, can typically last 10 hours or more2. These adventures involve Mr. Friedman's architecture and design team, a group of about 20 executives, who are overseeing the expansion of the company's stores, or "galleries". The company is doubling the number of stores with 35 new ones in the works, many of which will cost $20 million or more.
How does Gary Friedman differentiate his "adventures" from typical meetings?
Gary Friedman, the CEO of RH, differentiates his "adventures" from typical meetings in a few key ways. Firstly, the term "adventure" itself is meant to evoke a sense of excitement and exploration, rather than the more mundane and routine connotations of a meeting. Secondly, these adventures can last for 10 hours or more, which is significantly longer than the typical duration of a meeting6. This extended timeframe allows for a more in-depth discussion and exploration of ideas. Lastly, the adventures involve a group of about 20 executives who are part of the architecture and design team, overseeing the company's expansion efforts6. These ambitious goals, such as doubling the number of stores and creating a global brand impact, further differentiate the adventures from ordinary meetings.