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Carol Walker, you took over the management of Dick & Sons SA in March 2025. What prompted you to take this step?
«Dick & Sons SA It's a company I know very well: I worked there for ten years, an experience that allowed me to fully understand its values, its way of working, and its customer relationships. I subsequently chose to pursue a career outside the company, also lasting ten years, to strengthen my sales skills and broaden my market vision.
The idea of acquiring the company was always present, even though I didn't know how it would evolve within the Dick family. When the opportunity arose, I felt it was the right time: a natural step, driven by the desire to continue an important history and, at the same time, guide the company into a new phase of development. Today, I'm very happy to be able to do so.
What is the legacy of the Dick family, which has been a benchmark for furniture since 1971?
The Dick family's legacy is built primarily on the values that have guided the company since its inception and which I continue to consider fundamental today: solidity, transparency, respect, competence, and reliability. These principles are reflected in our approach to work, our relationships with clients, and the relationships we've built over time. It is thanks to these values that Dick & Figli SA has become a benchmark in the industry, and they represent the foundation on which I intend to build the company's future.
What values do you consider fundamental to guiding this family business into the future?
"Continuity, quality, and trust. To these I would add listening and responsibility: towards customers, collaborators, and the local community. I strongly believe in a human approach to work, where people matter as much as results."
In this first year, what were the priority issues you wanted to address?
Having worked at the company for many years, I was familiar with Dick & Sons SA and its philosophy. For this reason, in my first year I focused on deepening my understanding of all aspects of management, internal processes, and organization. The goal was to maintain continuity with the past, preserving its values, while also strengthening the internal structure, making it more efficient and ready to face future challenges.
Are you planning to expand your presence in the Mendrisiotto and Sopraceneri markets? How? And when?
"Yes, the goal is to gradually strengthen our presence in both regions. We'll do this primarily through local relationships, targeted collaborations, and greater visibility in the region. I prefer gradual and sustainable growth rather than rapid expansion."
How do you see the evolution of the integration between technology and furniture in modern workspaces?
Technology is now an integral part of furnishings, especially in workspaces. It's not just about integrating digital tools, but about designing flexible, ergonomic, and evolving environments. Furnishings must facilitate work, well-being, and collaboration.
How do you intend to maintain and strengthen the trust of the company's existing customers while attracting new ones?
The trust of our long-standing customers is protected first and foremost through continuity: the same values, the same professionalism, and the same level of expertise that have always distinguished the company. It is essential to demonstrate, through action, that Dick & Sons SA remains a reliable partner.
At the same time, to attract new clients, you need to be present, clear, and proactive, offering current solutions and professional support from start to finish. Credibility is built over time, through consistency, quality, and responsibility, and these are the elements I intend to focus on."
«Does your vision include collaborations with public institutions (e.g. schools, public offices)?
Absolutely. Public institutions are an important sector, where furnishings must combine functionality, durability, and sustainability. I'm very interested in developing projects that also have a positive impact on the community.
Can you describe the company to me in three adjectives?
“Reliable, competent, people-oriented.”
