Riddle me this… David Robinson
Riddle gets up close and personal with the man behind The Original Sofa Co.
If you knew then what you know now… would you still do it?
Absolutely! Sometimes I think I should have done it quicker but I’ve learned that it is vital to understand your business, product, capabilities and direction perfectly before moving forward in a big way. It’s taken me 13 years to get where we are today.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
I’ve met some great people that have given me such great great advice and my father always had some excellent words of wisdom. All of which have contributed to my way if thinking. However, if I’m pinning it down to one piece of advice it would be from my mother who always says “if you don’t know what to do, don’t do anything”. This has been a very strong philosophy. Big decisions need to be right and you must be armed with an overall view of potential outcomes.
What’s the weirdest rumour you’ve ever heard about yourself?
Unfortunately I don’t think anyone has ever been interested enough to make up a rumour about me.
What was your biggest break?
I’ve had many many breaks over the past 14 years to be fair, however the biggest break was securing our new London showroom on Sloane Street Lower. This has driven the company forward hugely in a short space of time. We are also planning a concession in Harrods at the moment which is due to open in May. I’m confident this is going to be the next big break!
Do you consider yourself lucky?
Wow! Absolutely….. in fact, I consider myself more than lucky. I feel genuinely blessed. My wife, Deb and two little girls, Annabel and Heidi give me all of the support and security needed to help drive the company forward and I’ve been very fortunate with The Original Sofa Co. from the very beginning.
That said, there are often times when things become difficult and you don’t feel very lucky! You just have to keep driving forward, remember the good fortune and not let the difficulties take over.
What’s most important in your life?
Definitely my wife and two little girls!
What brands do you admire?
There are a few!
Berluti is a fantastic brand and amazing product. They do for shoes what we so for furniture.
Also Tom Ford is, for me, the epitome of what I’m looking for in my wardrobe.
Porsche have to be admired! To create a style so identifiable and keep it essentially the same for over half a century is amazing.
Finally, Rolls Royce. To craft something so refined and luxurious and desirable is testament to historic British manufacturing.
Do you have a guilty pleasure – if so what is it?
Salted fudge from the Harrods confectionary department. (And) indian food - spicy!
Describe your personal sense of style.
Old school gent with a twist of colour (and a lot of velvet).
Enquiries: The Original Sofa Co, 81 Lower Sloane Street, SW1W 8DA theoriginalsofaco.com