Michael Schoonaert is the current general manager and co-owner of Naturally Wood Furniture Center in Michigan City. He spends his days working to ensure community members find furniture that aligns perfectly with their needs.
Schoonaert’s father started the business in 1977 selling unfinished wood, and over the years it transitioned into a furniture and mattress store. Schoonaert helped his father around the store from a very young age, and he started inching his way into management as his father was looking towards retirement.
“I’ve been here for as long as I can recall. The nice thing is, I've done every position, so I can relate to everybody,” Schoonaert said. “I've learned a lot in each position and from working with people. My dad and I are pretty much best friends, so it's been an absolute joy being able to work with him and grow like that.”
Working closely with his father has been a positive experience for Schoonaert. His father created the business and set the expectations to accommodate and cater to the needs of customers from the beginning.
“I'm really grateful to my dad for starting the business and everything that he did,” Schoonaert said. “He's seen so many changes in the world since that happened, and we've always tried to accommodate and cater to what people need at a specific time. I've always really appreciated that.”
If people suffer from back pain, the team of employees will help select the perfect piece of furniture best suited to help. The focus is put on the clients needs rather than the coolest and newest features of a product.
“One of the things he told me from a young age was that everybody that comes through our door has a furniture problem, and it's our job to help solve the furniture problem,” Schoonaert said. “We don't just sell something with features; it's about getting to know the customer and figuring out what they really need and what can benefit them. By doing that, we build a lot of great relationships.”
Schoonaert explained this as a very rewarding process. This level of customer service has created such strong relationships with clients that three generations of family members have been coming to their store. On top of that, they offer custom orders, have an in-house service department, and sell off of their showroom floor.
Schoonaert spends his free time playing and coaching ice hockey with his family. He coaches his 8-year-old son at a locally run ice rink in Stevensville, Michigan and emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses.
“I think it is very important for the community to support small businesses,” Schoonaert said. “If you spend your money on a small business, a much bigger percentage of that money is going to stay in your community. It really makes a big difference in your community when you shop local, and you're able to further benefit the people around you.”For more information regarding Naturally Wood Furniture Center please visit naturallywoodfurniturecenter.com.