MEET THE BEAUFURN TEAM
Bill
BongaertsFounder of Beaufurn
The cafes of Paris inspired furniture executive and entrepreneur Bill Bongaerts to create a business dedicated to supplying the hospitality industry. From the very beginning, Bill’s goal has been to provide high quality commercial furniture that is environmentally responsible and fits a variety of budgets, projects and design needs. Bill holds BA and MBA degrees and is a member of Knight of Columbus.
A Fun Fact About Bill:
“I have lived on 3 continents – Africa, Europe and North America. I am a global citizen but proud to be first, and foremost a U.S citizen! My favorite hobbies are swimming, biking and reading history, biographies and philosophy.”
bill@beaufurn.com
336.941.3446 ext. 101
Thomas
BongaertsCEO, Beaufurn
Thomas is a graduate of Wake Forest University, majoring in Chinese and East Asian studies. He worked for a startup foreign education company in Beijing for one and one half years before getting into QC of residential and commercial furnishings. Thomas has been with Beaufurn since 2006 and coordinates functions across various departments in the organization. He is a volunteer with Youth Ministry, Frassati Group, Ronald McDonald House charities, Habitat for Humanity, The Children’s Home in Winston Salem and is a supporter of Winston Salem Rescue Mission.
A Fun Fact About Thomas:
“I am an avid outdoorsman, love motorcycles and hanging with my sidekick, Boomer.”
thomas@beaufurn.com
336.941.3446 ext. 108
Monique Bongaerts – De ProostVice President, Beaufurn
Monique was born, raised and educated in Belgium. She became Treasurer for BFP Inc. in 1986, then Vice President for Beaufurn in 1995. Throughout her career, she has been involved in the business accounting department.
A Fun Fact About Monique:
“I love cooking and spending time with my family.”
336.941.3446 ext. 105
Adam
YazejianVice President of Sales
Adam graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a degree in Business.
A Fun Fact About Adam:
“My first real job was as a customer service representative for a Furniture manufacturer in 1992 and I've pretty much worked my entire life in the industry.”
adam@beaufurn.com
336.941.3446 ext. 111
Ben
AumanGeneral Manager Operations
Ben has 36 years experience in all aspects of Furniture Manufacturing (Cutting, sewing, upholstery, finishing and frame building)
A Fun Fact About Ben:
“I love playing golf!”
ben@beaufurn.com
336.941.3446 ext. 102
Kathy
DaywaltOffice Manager
Kathy graduated in 1993 from Mitchell Community College with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Administration. She started at Beaufurn in March 2003 and is in charge of Purchasing, Production, Accounts Receivable.
A Fun Fact About Kathy:
“I love to read, spend time with family, watch NFL and Nascar. I collect Eeyore and 'otter' items.”
kathy@beaufurn.com
336.941.3446 ext. 103
Stephanie ShoffnerSales Support & Customer Service Manager
Stephanie has a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design and is an Allied ASID Member. Among her many skills, she is a Social Media Specialist and CAD Drafter.
A Fun Fact About Stephanie:
“I am a Pinterest addict, ice cream & coffee enthusiast, and boy mom!”
stephanie@beaufurn.com
336.941.3446 ext. 109
Mike
WalkupSales Support & Customer Service
Mike has 30 years of furniture experience. He undertook a year’s course study for Iron Working – from apprentice to journeyman, in Houston, TX. Mike has a two-year degree in Drafting & Design / Industrial Arts from Cape Fear Technical in Wilmington, NC. He is a past volunteer with Meals on Wheels.
A Fun Fact About Mike:
“My hobbies include metal crafting, sailing and old BMWs .”
mike@beaufurn.com
336.941.3446 ext. 107
Emily
PierceSales Support & Customer Service
Emily is a graduate of Greensboro College, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. She started with Beaufurn in June 2017 after re-locating to the area from Virginia. She is happy to join the Beaufurn team and works primarily with the Northeast, Midwest and Southwestern regions.
A Fun Fact About Emily:
“Traveling is my passion!”
emily@beaufurn.com
336.941.3446 ext. 104
Donna
MabeSales Support & Customer Service
Donna has over 20 years experience in Sales/Customer Service. After beginning her career in the Telecom Industry, Donna came to Beaufurn where she has a more personal interest in furniture and design.
A Fun Fact About Donna:
“I lived in Heidelberg, Germany for over a year. I enjoy working with those less fortunate and spending time with family.”
donna@beaufurn.com
336.941.3446 ext. 119
Olivia McIntyre Sales Support & Customer Service
Olivia has a bachelor’s degree in Linguistics from University of Maryland and 8 years of experience in customer service. She recently moved to North Carolina from Maryland to be closer to family. Olivia joined the Beaufurn customer service team in July.
A Fun Fact About Olivia:
“I enjoy reading and spending time with my family.”
Kate
HagamanSales Support & Customer Service
Kate holds a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design and has extensive experience in commercial and hospitality furniture, and interior design.
A Fun Fact About Kate:
“I enjoy spending as much time as possible with family and friends.”
kate@beaufurn.com
336.941.3446 ext. 112
Cindy
Thomas Director, Fabric Program
Cindy holds a B.F.A. in Interior Design from Virginia Commonwealth University. As director of our fabric program, Cindy selects fabrics and finishes for the Beaufurn product line. She acts as consultant to our customers, making recommendations for fabrics and finishes, based on their needs. Over the course of her career, Cindy has worked for a fabric marketing company that worked specifically with Architects and Interior Design firms. Her work for photography studios included interior design and talent casting.
A Fun Fact About Cindy:
“I like gardening and food…growin’, pickin’ and eatin’ it.”
cindy@beaufurn.com
336.941.3446 ext. 110
Joe Crews Warehouse Manager
Joe graduated from DeVry University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Operations in July 2017. Joe brings 25 years of Warehouse and Inventory Management experience to the Beaufurn team.
A Fun Fact About Joe:
“I’m an avid photographer and enjoy working with Animal Rescue Groups.”
joe@beaufurn.com
336.941.3446 ext. 118