I loved what I did—understanding what goes into quality craftsmanship, building relationships with manufacturers across the country, and being part of over $300 million in furniture sales.
But here's what's different now: instead of helping store owners buy furniture to mark up and resell, I'm helping individuals buy directly for their own homes. And the best part? They get the exact same wholesale prices I was able to offer retail stores and interior designers.
There was just one problem when I was in the industry that bothered me every single day: watching everyday buyers overpay.
I'd see good people—friends, family, neighbors—walk into showrooms, fall in love with a sofa or dining table, and then get hit with a price that was marked up 2–3x (sometimes more) than what it actually cost. They'd leave disappointed, or worse, they'd buy it and overpay by thousands.
So Danielle and I started doing something about it—quietly, on the side. We'd help friends and family access the same wholesale pricing I used in my role. A cousin needed a sectional. A friend from church was furnishing their new home. Word started spreading. What began as a favor here and there turned into evenings and weekends spent helping people save thousands on furniture they truly loved.
It was supposed to stay small. A hobby. A way to help the people we cared about.
But then something clicked.
We realized this wasn't just helpful for our inner circle—this was something everyone deserved access to. Why should you need an industry connection or a designer to get honest pricing? Why should beautiful, quality furniture come with a retail tax that lines someone else's pockets?
So we made a big decision. I left my corporate job. We packed up our two little girls, said goodbye to the cold Minnesota winters, and moved to sunny Arizona to build Retail Blackbook full-time.
And we've never looked back.
Today, Retail Blackbook is a private membership club that gives everyday buyers the same trade-level access that retailers and interior designers use to furnish showrooms and client homes. We have access to over 2,000 manufacturers but we choose to work with hand-selected ones who have the very best reputation for quality, craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction. Many of them are mid-to-high-end brands that enforce strict MAP (Minimum Advertised Price) policies, which prevent stores from publicly advertising their lowest prices.
But here's the insider secret: because we work privately with our members, we're not bound by those restrictions. That means you get access to exclusive, below-MAP pricing you won't find in stores or online—typically saving 30–60% on the exact same furniture.
This isn't a side hustle anymore. It's our mission.
We've built our business on trust, transparency, and personalized service. When you work with us, you're not just another order number. You get direct support from our team (often from us personally), customized catalogs tailored to your style, and honest guidance every step of the way.