KF Colleague Spotlight - Hector Barragan
Hello, Hector! You joined our Los Angeles showroom team in May 2006 – nearly 20 years ago! Tell us what brought you to the design industry and eventually join our ranks.
My intro to the design community was back in 2000 when a cousin of mine, who worked as a finisher for Randolph & Hein, asked if I was interested in helping in the R&H warehouse. That eventually led to me being offered a position doing maintenance work for Randolph & Hein’s Los Angeles showroom, which I did for about 6 years. While I was working there, I learned of an opening at Kneedler Fauchère doing similar type work. I was one of 10 candidates, and I was the last one interviewed, but received an immediate offer because I already had showroom experience. I can’t believe it has been twenty years!
Currently your role is Visual Merchandising + Showroom Facilitator, but you have worn many hats during your nearly two-decade run with us. What do you love most about working at KF that has kept you around for so long?
Two things come to mind. First, I love the people I work with, our supplier partners and our clients. Work can be hard at times, but having wonderful people to be around and doing the work with makes it all worthwhile. Second, I love being challenged – there isn’t any task I won’t try doing. It has kept me curious and motivated and continues to.
You have seen the showroom and the company change many times over the years. Is there a standout moment that you will never forget?
The showroom and company have changed a lot in twenty years! As I said before, the people in our industry are amazing – and one huge standout for me was Rocky LaFleur. Not only because of who he was, but when he passed away it was such a shock and loss. The celebration of life event that KF hosted in his honor was so memorable – the gospel choir, the people who spoke, all the guests who attended – that feeling of community really made an impression on me.
We know it’s hard to pick favorites from our supplier partners and collections – but we’re going to ask anyway – what are yours?
I love Pierre Frey - they have the best mohair, called “Teddy Mohair”, which comes in 34 colors. And their wallpapers are full of stories! Nobilis makes me feel happy – I love their famous PBS wood grain wallpaper. And Gregorius Pineo is just breathtaking – especially the wallcoverings, which are so elegant looking to me.
Outside of showroom hours, what are your biggest passions?
Hiking with family and going on adventures with them. I also have a passion for cooking - my favorite dish is ceviche.
Rapid Fire
Define yourself in three words.
Spontaneous, Funny, Friendly
Where is heaven on earth for you?
The beach - I love hearing the waves and feeling the breeze.
Favorite weekend treat.
Spicy red ceviche. And with that you need beer – my favorite is Corona!
A skill you want to learn or master.
Electrical work – I would like to be able to help the showroom more in that area.
Proudest moment.
When my son was born – my first child - he totally changed my life around & made it better.
If you suddenly woke up tomorrow as a superhero – what would your power be?
To fly and get to see the world in a different way.
