Meet Leonardo Gravina, a creative entrepreneur whose passion for interior design and furniture goes back generations. After working for many years in his father's furniture wholesale business, Leonardo decided to branch out on his own by creating fully customizable furniture. His unique vision and craftsmanship have earned him international recognition. Read on to discover more about his inspiring journey and success story.
The start of a dream
In 2018, Leonardo began his journey by creating unique tables, using epoxy, a material known for its strength and durability. He proudly shared his first creation on Instagram, which quickly led to his first customer from New York. From that moment on, Leonardo had an international audience and his passion grew into a thriving business.
Finding the right logistics partner
In the first few years, Leonardo did not have a fixed shipping partner and tried out various logistics companies to find the best service. Ultimately, he chose DHL Express because of their reliability and customer-focused approach.
Leonardo says the following about this: "DHL Express offers unrivaled reliability and customer-focus. Despite the premium price, this is more than compensated for by the speed and certainty they provide. I can, for example, deliver to the other side of the world within two days and appreciate the ability to always accurately track my shipments. Even in the event of damage, DHL Express offers an efficient claims process that gives me peace of mind. This consistency and attention to detail have convinced me that DHL Express is the right partner for my business."
The power of excellent customer service
Leonardo offers his customers free shipping and ensures that customs charges are paid upfront so that customers are not faced with any unpleasant surprises. He values customer satisfaction highly and offers a free replacement if there is any damage during transport.
Leonardo's tips for growing SMEs
Leonardo is happy to share his success formula: "Dare to say yes! Always take an extra step for your customers. Provide excellent service so that your customers will recommend your business." He recalls a specific customer who wanted a unique table designed with a technique he had never used before. Despite the challenge, he said yes. It cost him some sleepless nights and a lot of trials, but in the end, he learned a new skill and the customer was very satisfied with the result.
Outlook
The future looks bright. In just one year, his business has grown by 70%. His motto, "create your own dream table," really works. With a lot of success in America and growing recognition in Belgium, Leonardo continues to innovate and expand. Visit the showroom of Leonardo Gravina and Mirjam Kok in Lanaken for customizable tables, interior advice, and decoration. And don't miss the Black Friday deals!
