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A Passion for Work and Living
Richard Shemtov’s Zest for Work and Life Grounds Him
Story by Debra Kronowitz
Photos by Albert Vecerka
Richard Shemtov, founder and president of Dune, is one busy and
focused man. A self-taught designer, Shemtov opened International
Design Supply, an interior/design supply resource and home
furnishing company in 1991 at the age of 21. In 1998, he debuted his
first Dune collection. That was the beginning for Dune.
Together with Nick Dine, Dune’s design director, Shemtov set about
converting a dilapidated art studio into a bright, spacious showroom
to showcase their full product line. Providing some of the most
coveted residential furnishings, Dune segued into contract design.
Shemtov aims to make a significant
impact on the furniture design scene.
Shemtov’s vision and drive leaves him very little “me time.” Yet, he
works hard at keeping a private life. “I appreciate being able to
take off a day. Being self-employed allows me to decide my own
schedule. I try to do the best I can. I believe that you have to
shut it off at some point. I work as I must, but at the end of the
day I need to go and see my family,” he said.
“Having a family is definitely a grounding experience. It added a
greater purpose to my life,” he said. Shemtov grew up in
New York
and credits the city for influencing his designs and interests. “My
ideas came from the reality around me.
Urban necessity and practicality throughout my
life has helped me form an essential identity for Dune as a company,
as well as for my own furniture pieces,” he said.
Married with two daughters, ages 8 and 12, Shemtov describes
himself as intense. He has a passion for living. His family is
priority and he enjoys the simple things in life, including hanging
out with friends and his annual fishing expedition with his father.
Free time is spent traveling. The family travels often to
Paris
and has recently traveled to
Rome,
and
Jerusalem.
“It’s [travel] amazing. It gives you a stronger perception as people
and where we’re going,” he said. “History and places with remnants
of ancient civilizations are inspiration to me. We learn so much
from our past.”
Once a year the family travels to the South of France to visit with
his wife’s family – she is Parisian/Tunisian. Not much of a book
reader, Shemtov says he is a “magazine freak,” reading at least 20
magazines per week. He favors museums, including the Guggenheim and
the Museum Ludwig in
Cologne,
and has a strong interest in contemporary art. He enjoys cooking,
tennis and fishing. His turn-on: driving extremely fast. “It’s been
a release for me since I’m a kid,” he said.
For his own “me time” Shemtov has found an escape in working out
with his trainer and reading his
New York
Times “in peace.”
“I’m a strong believer in self-improvement, it’s important to find
some time just for yourself,” he said.
A determined, focused and likable man, Shemtov is tied to his roots
and family. “My life keeps getting better as I get older and wiser,
and I try to enjoy every second like it’s my last,” he said. |
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