Business of Home Podcast Summary
Episode: The Thursday Show: David Netto makes an acquisition. Plus: What happened at New York Design Week?
Release Date: May 22, 2025
Host: Dennis Scully
Guests: Fred Nicholas, David Netto

1. Introduction

In this episode of the Business of Home Podcast, host Dennis Scully teams up with Business of Homes executive editor Fred Nicholas to delve into the latest industry news and feature a special interview with interior designer and entrepreneur David Netto. The discussion centers around Netto's recent acquisition of Woodard Weave and insights from New York Design Week.

2. News Recap

a. Airbnb's Ambitious Expansion

Dennis and Fred kick off the show by exploring Airbnb's latest strategic move to broaden its offerings beyond traditional home rentals.

• Fred Nicholas highlights Airbnb's new services: "You can book a private chef or a masseuse through the platform" (06:58).
• Dennis Scully draws parallels to other service-based platforms: "It's similar to how Uber introduced personal drivers" (07:39).
  This expansion aims to cater to the millennial demand for authentic and personalized experiences, bridging the gap between hotel amenities and home rentals.

b. Gantry's High-Tech Lighting Production

The conversation shifts to innovations in lighting manufacturing with a focus on Gantry, a California-based lighting manufacturer launching a groundbreaking 3D printing program.

• Fred Nicholas explains Gantry's initiative: "They can turn a concept into a market-ready product in as little as three months for a fee of $10,000" (16:13).
• Dennis Scully emphasizes the potential for designers: "This opens up opportunities for creating limited product offerings and custom pieces" (18:39).
  The program aims to revolutionize the lighting industry by making production more efficient, sustainable, and flexible.

c. New York Design Week Highlights

Dennis shares his experiences from attending the Chelsea Flower Show in London, while Fred provides a comprehensive recap of New York Design Week.

• Dennis Scully reflects on the excitement of attending prestigious events: "It was a thrill to see the activation of the Highgrove Collection for Sanderson" (01:13).
• Fred Nicholas discusses the introduction of the new Shelter show: "Shelter had an experimental feel and was a shake-up from the normal trade show template" (25:22).
  Both ICFF and Shelter contributed to a vibrant and diverse Design Week, with international brands showcasing innovative designs despite challenges like tariffs.

3. In-Depth Interview: David Netto on Acquiring Woodard Weave

David Netto, an esteemed interior designer and entrepreneur, joins Dennis to discuss his recent acquisition of Woodard Weave, a cherished American rug brand.

a. The Acquisition Journey

• David Netto shares his motivation: "I couldn't allow Woodard Weave to go away for my sake and everyone else's" (32:10).
• The acquisition was swift: "We started talking in February and closed two weeks ago" (36:25).

b. Preserving and Expanding the Brand

Netto emphasizes the importance of maintaining Woodard Weave's legacy while exploring new growth avenues.

• David Netto: "There is a close relationship with the factory overseas that makes the rugs, which is a significant asset" (37:02).
• Dennis Scully encourages growth: "Imagine partnerships with designers like Dara Camponicro or brands like Wright" (56:20).

c. Overcoming Challenges

Addressing concerns about tariffs and maintaining production domestically, Netto explains:

• David Netto: "I'm sidestepping tariffs because I can't control them and focusing on what I can manage" (53:01).
• This strategic approach allowed him to secure the acquisition despite market uncertainties.

d. Future Vision

Netto envisions expanding Woodard Weave's product line and forging strategic partnerships:

• David Netto: "I'm looking into making mats for Hinkley Picnic Boats, aligning with great American brands" (39:38).
• He also plans to engage the community through social media campaigns, such as encouraging customers to showcase their favorite Woodard Weave rugs for potential revivals (54:15).

4. Industry Observations

a. Luxury Real Estate Trends

Despite a sluggish overall housing market, the ultra-high-end segment is thriving.

• Fred Nicholas cites a Wall Street Journal analysis: "Homes sold for over $10 million surged in Miami Dade County by 48.5% year-over-year" (11:31).
• Dennis Scully notes the disparity: "While the ultra-wealthy are active, the broader market is still sluggish with mortgage rates nearly at 7%" (14:49).

b. Perception and Design Integration

The integration of design into various platforms and services continues to underscore its value in the industry.

• Fred Nicholas: "Airbnb's success with well-designed spaces demonstrates the monetary value of good design" (08:31).
• Dennis Scully anticipates further opportunities: "Design will naturally integrate into Airbnb's expanded services" (09:40).

5. Notable Quotes

• Fred Nicholas (06:58): "It's really just trying to add all the things that you might be able to get at a hotel onto the Airbnb experience."
• David Netto (32:57): "Woodard Weave was one of my top three vendors, and I couldn't allow it to go away."
• Fred Nicholas (25:22): "Shelter had an experimental feel and was a shake-up from the normal trade show template."
• Dennis Scully (53:01): "I'm sidestepping tariffs because I can't control them and focusing on what I can manage."
• David Netto (41:10): "Having a product line is a dream for every designer, allowing you to build wealth and equity in a business."

6. Final Highlights

Before concluding, Dennis and Fred touch upon timely industry happenings:

• Fred Nicholas mentions Substack's collaboration with Scale and Shop Shelter, as well as the rise of AI deep fakes impacting media perceptions (56:47).
• Dennis Scully announces Lisa Chi's return to RH as co-chief merchandising and creative officer, signaling RH's commitment to elevating their luxury offerings (59:20).
• A shout-out is given to designer Bella Mancini for her appearance on Caitlin's Trade Tales podcast, celebrating her contributions to the design community (60:34).

7. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with gratitude towards listeners and a tease for upcoming content on BusinessOfHome.com, including June’s Can't Miss Design events and insights on AI's impact on the design industry. Hosts thank their production team and sign off with well wishes for the Memorial Day holiday.

Produced by: Fred Nicholas and Caroline Burke
Edited by: Michael Castaneda