22 | Acquisition International, Influential Businesswoman Awards 2024 Most Influential Sustainable Furniture Businesswoman 2024 (USA): Megan Draper Furniture Reuse Solutions, Inc. Sustainability is in demand, a standard pursued and craved by businesses the world over. This demand has opened up a competitive market, as people look for ways to make their lives more sustainable in turn. Within this space, Furniture Reuse Solutions, Inc. (FRS) has made a significant impression, cultivating a client base and expertise that has distinguished it firmly from any competition. Here, Megan Draper speaks to Acquisition International on her extraordinary success as cofounder of the company. Company Name: Furniture Reuse Solutions, Inc. Contact Name: Megan Draper Address: 5122 Avenida Encinas, Suite 120, Carlsbad, CA 92008 Web Address: https://www.furniture-rs.com Contact Email: [email protected] Telephone Number: (+1) 4422877862 Sometimes, sustainable solutions just need one or two people to point out where an urgent need can be easily met. To connect the dots between two distinct things. As an environmental consultancy, Furniture Reuse Solutions works with colleges, corporations, and school districts to repurpose gently used furniture and assets from furniture projects to humanitarian organisations within the United States and abroad. Of course, while it seems simple from the outside, it’s far from easy to achieve. Megan, along with her team, provide the expertise to help connect those dots and make the whole thing, in a word, seamless. Megan has been with Furniture Reuse Solutions since the very beginning in 2020, working hard to run its day-to-day operations and logistical needs, as she begins. “My role is to be a leader, advance the company through the everchanging logistics environment, and assist our humanitarian partners as the ever-growing need for support continues. My previous roles and experience have taught me how to relate best with individuals and understand unique skill sets to best amply the heart of Furniture Reuse Solutions – to make a difference one project at a time in the lives of others. I have worked with small businesses most of my career, giving me a unique advantage to pivot to fill whatever role the team or the business needs.” Crucially, as Megan observes, the key to success in this space lies in building a reputation – being able to fulfil promises, meet demands, and show diligence and commitment where it is needed. Consistency is everything, especially in the humanitarian space, with people that rely on the support and services Furniture Reuse Solutions and its contemporaries provides. It’s a consideration that applies on an individual basis too, with women often having to work harder to attain the same recognition as their masculine counterparts. Thankfully, over her career, Megan has seen a shift, as she continues. “In my career, I continue to see more women taking the lead in various roles and unique skillsets that complement the cohesiveness you need when multiple vendors with their respective leadership teams are involved. The skillsets are being matched well, and with each person’s unique perspectives, I am seeing the industry change as processes continue to become more efficient and respect is earned for our craft. The most significant driver for this change is the shift in the workforce itself. Women bring unique talents and skills to the industry.” Like many industries, success in sustainability relies on adaptability: a dynamism that overcomes obstacles quickly and creatively. It’s not always smooth sailing, and leaders prove their mettle when challenges emerge. “An attribute that is critical to succeed in this industry is the ability to pivot and bend when a scenario does not play out as scripted. The ability to shift and adapt is a must and to know and understand your craft inside and out. The biggest challenge I overcame was the belief from others that I would not succeed, and granted, I have not done this alone, but through the support and mentorship of those closest to me. Only by shattering barriers and preconceived expectations do you truly find out who you are as a professional but more importantly as an individual,” Megan agrees. The biggest achievement in my career (aside from starting FRS alongside my husband) was to be a recipient of Enterprising Women Magazine’s Enterprising Women of the Year award for 2024. The future for Furniture Reuse Solutions is one of continuation and organic growth on the back of the opening of a physical office in Carlsbad, California in April of this year. However, for Megan, the future holds opportunity – opportunity to continue to grow, develop skills, and learn, as she concludes in her closing comments. Megan tells us, “As Confucius said, we are the fortunate few who can “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” These are words we hold as we continue forward in the years ahead.” “ ”
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