John joined Kaizen in 2010 as a furniture maker when the production team was just five strong. As the company rapidly expanded, he progressed to Workshop Foreman and Workshop Manager, becoming Workshop Director in 2015, where he now oversees a production team of 25. “I’m responsible for all areas of production at Kaizen, for ensuring the smooth manufacture of every piece that we make. I work closely alongside our Design Director, Project Managers and Site Manager to make sure the whole process from instruction of a job to final sign off runs seamlessly” says John. “The best thing about my role is having the opportunity to be involved with the whole process of amazing furniture production, from the early stages of design to seeing the furniture develop and become a reality before our eyes. It has been my passion since I left college to take a drawing and bring it to life, and I love that my role allows me to have personal influence over the journey of every piece. What inspires me daily are the challenges that keep us on our toes, the beautiful materials we get to work with and the ever surprising end results that we achieve.” That Kaizen also recognises the families behind the employee, encouraging them to feel part of the team, John believes helps to keep morale high. “This is something I really value. My role allows me to bring my two passions in life, my family and furniture making, together very nicely.”

Paulius first sharpened his tools during his early years in Lithuania where he would help his Dad with the woodwork at their summer home, and he still proudly treasures his first handsaw and nail hammer. Inspired by his Dad’s skills as a craftsman, he followed in his footsteps and headed to Building Construction college in Kaunas. At 20 years old, Paulius left his hometown for a new life in London where he started out as a carpenter’s assistant. Driven by his passion for the trade, he progressed very quickly and was managing his own projects within a year. When Paulius moved to a joinery fit out company working on prestigious London projects, he found his niche in furniture making and installation, and joined Kaizen in 2013 as a Senior Installer. For the last seven years Paulius has been managing Kaizen’s site installation team. “With the flow of challenging new projects and such a professional team, there is no where I would rather work than Kaizen” says Paulius. “I am lucky that I get to do what I love here.” Paulius has three things that he does with his free time. Family is his priority – he has a wonderful wife and two children. He never says no to DIY at home, as woodworking is in his blood. But when not with his family or on the tools, he can be found happily spending his downtime fishing.