NEWH - Fall 2012 - (Page 44)

Cover Story Born in the USA Fifth generation American Atelier stays in the game thanks to its family-focused roots By Kelly Hushin hen Jim DeCamp wrenched his back during a squash game, his brother, an orthopedic surgeon, told him the key to feeling better was, “keep it loose.” In many ways, that’s both the definition and the antithesis of American Atelier. The furniture company where DeCamp serves as the vice president of sales and marketing boasts its hard, steady exterior as a producer of solid, quality furnishings. Inside, American Atelier’s craftsman heart is soft, with ample room for flexibility and an open mind. In its 92-year history, the fifth generation American manufacturer has managed to remain non-union, has welcomed all groups into employment, and today, makes a product line for hospitality that is almost entirely custom. “The magic trick to staying out of union was to treat employees with respect,” says DeCamp. He recounted how in American Atelier’s early days, its founders, the Goodman family, W reached out to immigrant groups in distress and brought them under the factory’s wing, diversifying neighborhoods in and around the Allentown, Pennsylvania-based facility for generations to come. “I don’t think there’s a Greek diner in Allentown where the [owners] didn’t first work in our factory when coming over from Greece,” says DeCamp, with a hint of nostalgia. He’s been at the company seven years but feels like part of the family. 44 www.newh.org http://www.newh.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NEWH - Fall 2012

NEWH - Fall 2012
Table of Contents
News
Who’s Who
Sustainability: Point of View
Sustainability: Conference Recap
Design 101
Icon of Industry
Q&A: Christine Wasmer
Q&A: Rich Gesteland
Have You Seen?
Product Know How
On the Scene
American Atelier
Project: Scarpetta Dining Pavilion
Project: St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort
Save the Date
New Members
Partner Profiles
Ad Index

NEWH - Fall 2012