On November 10th, proactive representatives of the furniture, woodworking, and door industries, participants, friends, and partners of the Ukrainian Association of Furniture Manufacturers (UAFM) spent the entire day under one roof and celebrated “Furniture Maker’s Day of Ukraine 2023”.

 

The event included the following sections:

1. UNITY. UAFM – 22 years of unity:

Speaker: Volodymyr Patis, President of UAFM, co-owner of Eskada-M company.

Topics discussed: UAFM activities, development vectors, association projects, humanitarian aid, and more.

 

 

2. SALES STRATEGY. How to sell in 2024:

Ostap Bachynskyi, head of the consulting company “Interselika Consulting,” shared insights into effective sales tools and conducted audits of five UAFM’s participating companies during the event.

 

Speaker: Kyrylo Ivanov, owner of Bonsso Furniture Manufacturing, unveiled the secrets of successful online business promotion.

 

 

 

3. FURNITURE OF UKRAINE. How to export:

Speaker: Oksana Donska – UAFM Board member and CEO of the FUBE exhibition.

Topics discussed: Export cases (statistics) and prospects for developing furniture of Ukraine exports.

Exporter Cases:

• • Roman Mykhailov “Kassone Workshop” – Story of a BUBBLES journey from Milan to London.
  • Volodymyr Mysyk Brand Roomio – Market entry into France with custom furniture.
  • Dmytro Patis, Head of the UAFM investment platform, co-owner of Eskada-M – Market entry into the USA.

4. HUMAN CAPITAL. How to manage orders:

Speaker: Olha Tarasevych, HR consultant, and business trainer.

Topics discussed: Human capital, methods of attracting and retaining employees during wartime.

Cases from UAFM participants:

• Serhii Panchenko, founder of the “Ministry of Doors” brand, on making production accessible and comfortable for women and people with disabilities.
• Andrii Varenytsia, founder of the Varenycia Group, on participation in dual education programs and their impact on the preparation of future furniture makers.
• Olena Fetsenets, co-founder of the FROP company, on the dual education system and involving students in production.
• Volodymyr Patis, co-owner of Eskada-M, on the experience of involving workers aged 60+.

“Furniture Maker’s Day 2023” united the energy of Ukrainian business, distinguished by its professionalism and big heart.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes to all participants and partners for this important Furniture Maker Day. Special thanks to the general partner Adler Lacke Ukraine and the exclusive partner Kleiberit Ukraine – your support and collaboration are invaluable.

 

 

Tireless event partners such as Eskada-M, Hafele Ukraine, Hammer, Neocon, Shishkaproject, and Work.ua, as well as media partners Media Group DMNTR and Pragmatika, played a crucial role in the event. Your contribution to the development of the furniture industry and support for joint initiatives make the furniture world better.

 

 

 

 

We remind everyone that our meeting at this crucial time for Ukraine has special significance. While our furniture-maker warriors defend freedom and independence on the front lines, the entire industry has come together, raising an incredible sum of 521,790 UAH, of which UAFM contributed 100,000 UAH from its charitable fund to support their needs. This is proof that furniture makers are not only masters of their craft but also dedicated patriots.

Together we create the future because our unity is strength. Thank you all for your participation, support, and powerful work. We hope that each participant gained benefits from this event, new knowledge from experts, useful contacts, and partnerships. Together, we can influence the future of our industry and our country!