Six Questions: Alan Stadiem
By Asher Blocker
We recently sat down with Alan Stadiem of Coastal Interior Solutions to get his thoughts on the Grand Strand's housing industry, custom closets and UNC basketball.
A
lan Stadiem is the CEO of Coastal Interior Solutions -- the Grand Strand's premier source for high-end custom closets.
NS: What does your company do? And how did you get into this industry?
AS: Coastal Interior Solutions designs and installs organizational systems for the closet, pantry, garage, home office, and wine rooms. Our product line includes Ventilated Wood Shelving, Melamine Systems, Blended Wood Systems, Pre-Finished Wood Systems, & Custom Hardwood Wardrobe Systems.
My wife and I got into this business after living in a small condo in Raleigh, NC where we were cramped for space. We both thought that there has to be a better way for storage other that the traditional wire shelving that most builders use. In doing our research we came across an industry that is known as the Closet and Home Organization Industry. We fell in love with the business model and state of the art products they had to offer.
NS: What is your philosophy on business?
AS: Quality products at a fair price, along with the best in customer service - this has been the cornerstone of our business since our inception.
NS: What trait do you (or your business) have that separates you from others, or that will make you a long-term success?
AS: All of our product systems are manufactured in a state-of-the-art production facility. Whether your needs require a functional, basic ventilated wood system to an elaborate custom hardwood wardrobe system, or something in between, we are confident that you will be extremely pleased with our attention to service, quality, and detail through every step of the process.
NS: What ways have you found to deal with the economic downturn?
AS: In dealing with the economic downturn we have made changes to some of our fixed cost overhead expenses like warehouse storage buildings, and started using New School SSI to help reduce our fixed cost on storage. New School's state of the art warehousing system allows you to pay for the space you use and the time you use rather than leasing a 2,000 square foot warehouse at a set price per month and sometimes it's full but most of the time it isn't.
NS: How do you relax when you aren't working?
AS: One of my favorite hobbies is inshore bottom fishing in the Murrells Inlet area for trout, spots, and flounder. I also enjoy spending time with my family and especially my little girl Danielle going to Broadway at the Beach or many of the festivals that we have here on the Grand Strand.
NS: Your most loved and hated sports teams? Why?
AS: My favorite sports team would have to be the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. My entire family with the exception of a few has attended Carolina and I myself grew up attending Carolina Basketball and Football games. Carolina athletics have always been a passion in our family and my wife and I look forward to passing that passion and tradition on to our kids.
My two most hated sports teams would definitely be Duke and NC State. Growing up my father told my brother and I that he would pay for us to go to any college in the country with the exception of State and Duke.
Recent News Updates
New School Celebrates First Birthday
Wednesday November 12, 2008
New School Announces Partner Program
Tuesday November 4, 2008
New Look Web Site Launch Scheduled for Oct. 27
Thursday October 23, 2008
New School Introduces SMS Alerts on Item Receipts
Friday October 17, 2008