Voices Discovered: Michael Beaver

May 15, 2018

Barbour Spangle Design had the pleasure of interviewing Michael Beaver, president of Modern History, Somerset Bay Home, and Yorkshire House Antiques.

Modern History is a high-end furniture company catering to the interior design trade.  Modern history is styled in a transitional/formal aesthetic.  Somerset Bay is coastal inspired painted and occasional furniture collection.  The collection is sophisticated in its details yet casual by design.  YH Antiques primarily deals in period original art hand-selected in Europe and available in the Modern History Showroom at High Point Furniture Market.

Q: How did you wind up in the furniture business?

A. I grew up in a furniture family. Modern History/Somerset Bay is the evolution of furniture business that my parents started 25 years ago.

Q: What type of career would you have in an alternate universe?

A. Art and antiques dealer

Q: What do you wish you knew when first starting that you know now?

A. You can’t be everything to everybody

Q: What would people be surprised to learn about you?

A. Was a member of Golf Team U.S.A in World University Games Sardinia, Italy

Q: What motivates you?

A. The possibility that my customers will not like my furniture

Q: Best career advice you have ever received?

A. Do something you love

Q: Favorite book (business or pleasure)?

A. Da Vinci Code

Q: Best vacation you have taken?

A. Family trip to Costa Rica

Q: Where would we find you on a Sunday afternoon?

A. Watching the Masters is my favorite

Q: Your go-to cocktail (or mocktail)?

A. Bourbon and Ginger Ale

Q: What makes you truly happy?

A. Taking a fun vaction with my family

Q: As you know, HPU is right here with incredible students looking to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams – what three pieces of advice would you give them?

A.

1. Listen to your instincts
2. Find a job or career that you can be passionate about
3. Work for yourself if you can

Q: Where do you like to grab a cup of coffee?

A. Debeen

Q: Restaurant you can’t get enough of?

A. Blue Rock Pizza

Q: Local shops doing everything right?

A. The Market

Q: Favorite place to grab a drink?

A. Brown Truck Brewery

Q: Where would you tell a first-time visitor to High Point to go and why?

A. Take time to visit the campus of High Point University

Editors Note:  High Point University is a friendly campus yet security always remains a top priority.  Before you go, be sure to schedule a campus visit in advance here.

Q: Excluding yours, what High Point company or business do you admire the most?

A. Old Dominion

It was a pleasure speaking with Michael Beaver and we are honored to share his story here.  To learn more about Modern History, be sure to read our recent post here.

Discover our High Points,

The HP Discovered Team

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