Glass Act

Triad-based EFI keeps its styles on cutting edge

KERNERSVILLE - While his products, manufacturing approach and company name have all evolved, Kevin Moore says his business mission has remained the same since he launched Exact Finish Inc. in 1999. He has always aimed to offer cutting-edge interior design solutions to his commercial and private customers.

Today, the team at EFI offers an array of products featuring translucent glass designs inspired by modern European architecture. Specializing in the production of aluminum-framed doors and contemporary room dividers, the firm now has a North American client base.

Describe the business: EFI is a domestic fabricator of European-style aluminum and glass. The company's products include aluminum-framed doors, glass doors and shelving, cabinet fronts and room dividers. "Our vision is to bring the newest and freshest ideas of Europe to the United States market and produce quality custom-sized products within a short lead time:' Moore said.

How did you get started? When Moore and his brother Brent launched the company, they hoped to find a niche distributing packaging materials. However, they later elected to partner with a South American company that was trying to introduce its aluminum and glass doors to the American market. Thus, all of Exact Finish, Inc.'s products were initally made in Brazil and shipped to the U.S. "As our business in ths arena grew and demands for reduced lead-time warranted it, we brought the fabrication part of the business in-house in 2002 and here we are today," Moore said.

Best decision? Bringing fabrication in-house. However, Moore expects a recent decision to partner with Omni Decor, a California-based manufacturer of interior products, will prove equally significant in the future.

Biggest obstacle? Launching in-house production was also the firm's most daunting challenge. "We had very little experience with that part of the business," Moore said. "We had to operate under an accelerated learning curve."

Biggest help to your business? "I don't care what product you sell:" he said. "It could be anything from bowling balls to rocket ships. If you don't have great people, you don't have a company."

Advice for entrepreneurs? Don't give up and don't get so focused on what you are doing today that you neglect to think about what's next.

One thing that surprises people about your company? People from around the country are often surprised to learn EFI is located in Kernersville. They think it's in a big city such as Atlanta or Chicago.

Long-term goal: EFI hopes to keep bringing innovative products to the North American market to help American and Canadian manufacturers compete with European importers of similar products.

- Compiled by John Harrison

March 12-18, www.triad.bizjournals.com