Today we’d like to introduce you to Art Almquist.
Hi Art, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
While employed as a Mechanicsl Engineer designing laser based industrial machinery my Dominican wife wanted a domino table. I did not like the poor quality of flea market domino tables so decided to build my own with an innovative real domino tile ornamental inlay around the table frame perimeter.
I also added a unique domino tile rack built into the entire width of each of the four player sides of the table. I included cupholders for beverages and options of either black steel folding table legs or classic wooden screw on legs.
Next I basically went no limits on graphics design so I could personalize the table with just about anything the customer wanted. I did not go cheap, I integrated the best raw materials including premium wood with no knots or defects and coated each table with nearly a gallon of high gloss durable epoxy finish that really made the graphics pop while affording protection from scratches or spills.
When I was carrying our first table design down the street in Manhattan, NY people would literally slam on the brakes and ask: “Where did you get that domino table?” After that kept happening and people kept buying my table forcing me to make replacements, I realized there was definitely a niche market here that was under served.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting your own business is challenging. You can have a great product but be the best kept secret on the planet. You cannot despise small beginnings. I still remember my very first sale on ebay.com and the customer messaged me: “Why can’t I find your company on the internet?”
E-commerce gives you access to the global market. I began posting product listings on Ebay, Amazon, Etsy and finally when the sales volume justified it, I contracted to have a full blown customer interactive website with “Build Your Table” utility that allowed customers to choose their table top from dozens of standard popular designs or even upload their own into a table template right on their device screen, add cupholder graphics and even change the table frame color to any of my standard options to allow the buyer to visualize the domino table before purchasing.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Domino Tables by Art?
I make “Domino Table Artwork.” Since my name is Art I guess you could say everything I do is a “work of Art.” I have always enjoyed working with wood and due to my mechanical engineering background I knew all about precision fitting of components. I worked several years as engineering manager at Featherlite Luxury Coaches, which consist of a 45 foot luxury motor coach in the price range of one to three million dollars. I realized there are customers who are willing to pay top dollar for top quality.
Once you have established an internet presence, high end customers will find you. I sold a couple tables to Jay-Z and Beyoncé, Bad Bunny, NBC Studios, Bacardi Corporate, professional athletes, etc. One of my tables was even at the Pentagon for a retirement ceremony for an aircraft carrier Admiral who loved to play dominos.
How do you think about happiness?
I enjoy make people’s domino table dreams come true. Some customers love making a family heirloom table design and I get 5 star feedback stating how it literally brought family members to tears on a “memorial” design for a loved one who had passed or just making their husband’s man cave complete with their own custom and personalized domino table. There can be greater happiness in giving than there is in receiving.
Running my own business gives me a measure of flexibility with my schedule which my wife and I enjoy thoroughly. Next month we are traveling to Spain and Portugal along with a ten day Mediterranean cruise. We have been to 33 countries and love traveling and experiencing other cultures, geography, architecture, food and people.
My Mom really admired a lady and said we should all work like her. So I have always “worked like Helen B. Happy.” I enjoy driving my Porsche Macan.
Pricing:
- $449 for any and all domino table designs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.DominoTablesByArt.com
