 |
It
was 1939, and Murray Kreiss (father of Norman, grandfather of Mike,
Bob and Tom and great grandfather of Loren) made a courageous decision: He left a successful career with
a national silver company and began his own importing business. And he
did it, as he said at the time, "for the future of my family."
Murray
Kreiss was one of the first to import from war-ravaged Japan. Right from
the start he was successful, both as a salesman and a businessman. Tragically,
he died at a very early age, leaving son Norman Kreiss, at age 23, and
his brother Howard with the challenge of keeping the growing family business
on track.
The
two Kreiss brothers worked well together, and the business expanded at
an even greater pace. Tragedy struck again, however, when Howard died
in a 1958 plane crash over Japan, Norman was left as the sole custodian
of the Kreiss family business. But through sheer determination, he survived
- and the company thrived.
Under
the leadership of Norman Kreiss, the import business expanded rapidly.
The company's first showroom was opened on Santa Monica Boulevard in West
Hollywood in 1966. Eileen Kreiss, Norman's wife opened the first showroom,
adding a dimension of glamour and grace to the presentation side of the
business. Now deceased, her nuanced sense of elegance is evident today
in the company's superior customer service and the distinctive ambience
of KREISS showrooms worldwide.
Much
of the early inspiration for KREISS design came during Norman
and Eileen's foreign travels. They imported quality home furnishings from
Italy and the Orient for their personal use. Friends and business associates
raved, and in response to their encouragement, the couple decided to expand
their import base dramatically. Soon acquisitions were coming in from
Thailand and Hong Kong, as well as Italy, Spain, Japan, Hong Kong and
China and a variety of other locales on the Continent.
To
achieve the highest standards of quality demanded by the company and its
distinguished clientele, KREISS inaugurated in-house manufacturing and
upholstery operations in 1972. It was at that time that the firm's design
professionals began blending timeless grace and traditional elegance with
casual comfort and relaxed accessibility - a style now known as the "California
Look."
Now,
the third generation is leading the company, as brothers Mike, Bob and
Tom carry-on a tradition established by their grandfather over sixty-five years
ago. Under the guidance of the brothers, KREISS continues
to grow and expand its custom furniture, unique accessories, exclusive
fabrics, luxury bed-linens and outstanding design services. Most recently, the
fourth generation to enter the business is represented by Loren Kreiss, Mike’s
son. Loren graduated with honors from UCLA, has managed several showrooms and
now oversees East Coast operations.
The
Kreiss name stands today as an internationally acclaimed design authority
with 20 showrooms across the nation and is rapidly expanding nationally and
internationally through it’s exclusive Gallery Program with a select number of
major retailers.
From its beginnings as an importer of fine furnishings, KREISS
has grown to include an impressive range of handmade furniture, fabrics,
finishes, bedding, accessories and design services.
KREISS has been debuting an increasing number of exclusive, patented, award-winning
collections every year. And the company’s future looks brighter than ever. KREISS
is in the process of launching Galleries in retail locations throughout the US and
in Mexico, Canada and overseas. Proving, once again, that the Kreiss hallmarks
of traditional elegance and casual comfort have worldwide appeal.
Click
here to download this page in Microsoft Word format.
Browse through more media information:
Corporate Information
Press Releases
Kreiss In The News
|
