JMD Furniture: Interview with CEO, Dev Joshi
Dev Joshi is the founder and current CEO of JMD Furniture, a company that focuses on quality furniture products which are both pre-made and custom-made. Mr. Joshi has risen from humble beginnings to become a successful entrepreneur that shines through his values and education. His furniture company is currently a family-run business, and it has gained recognition in the Metropolitan Washington DC area. Members of Dev’s family Ritu, Preeti, Narender, and Sunita have all cooperated to establish the success of the company for over a decade.
Prior to his success, Dev Joshi worked hard to acquire the skill set he needed as he completed high school. Being a diligent student allowed him to be recognized as a hardworking person by his peers. After high school, he decided to start his own business with his family, knowing that he had the resourcefulness and mindset to do what it takes to succeed. At present, JMD Furniture stands as one of the top ten trusted and valued furniture dealer as announced by the Prime Buyer’s Report.
Aside from his business, Dev Joshi enjoys other endeavors. Coming from a family who enjoyed cooking, he grew up to learn recipes both from his mother and father. He admits that during down times, he enjoys whipping up creative recipes in the kitchen. He likes preparing a diverse type of cuisines, but traditional Indian cooking will always take the first place as his favorite.
What is your hobby?
I really enjoy cooking and creating new recipes for my family. Although my business is all about design and constructing home furnishing, food and cooking have a special place in my heart. My mother and father are both great home cooks, and they taught us the value of preparing thoughtful meals for the family. I am enjoying learning about baking bread and experimenting on Indian and other Asian cuisines.
How did you get started with this hobby? What inspired you?
As I have mentioned, the love of cooking came to me at an early age. When I was younger, my mother would ask me to help shape the naan bread, and my father would take me on trips to the local market. It is something that I grew up with and truly enjoyed, and I guess it kind of stuck to me as my creative outlet.
Tell us what you love about it.
I love cooking because not only is it a form of self-expression, but it also is a form of service. You see, I run a family business and each of them helps me to grow our company. Cooking is a way for me to say “thank you” and appreciate them for all the work they have done by my side.
Are there any groups you’re a part of or events that you attend related to your hobby?
I don’t specifically join groups because I already have a support system that enjoys my cooking! My family loves it when I cook for them on the weekends. I would usually make a really nice vegetable stew, naan and chickpea curry. It’s a traditional staple. On some days, they would request for something else, and that makes me feel motivated to learn more. I have been enjoying learning about Thai and Vietnamese cuisine too. Like Indian cuisine, the flavor profile is very diverse and my family just enjoys the variety of food that I can make for them. On random occasions, I would bring tofu and bean sprouts egg rolls to my workers to make them feel appreciated.
Have you had to invest in equipment and if so, please share some of the things you’ve bought.
I have recently invested in a food processor. I didn’t know how much convenience it can bring! I used to own a whole knife set, and cooking Asian food, I am aware that I have to cut, grind, and peel a lot of things. It was then when I was watching cooking videos online that I was enticed to invest in a heavy-duty food processor where I realized that the process of preparation became easier for me.
Where do you buy most of your supplies?
I buy most of my supplies at the local Asian store a few blocks away from our furniture shop. If I go to Walmart or Kroger, they wouldn’t usually have the ingredients I would need, most particularly the spices and vegetables. So for the complete supply, I head to Asian stores. I enjoy it because I get to find good deals for the things I have missed to eat when growing up.
Are there any good books for beginners?
There is a book that’s on our shelves for a long time and I enjoyed reading it as a kid. I would watch my mom flip the pages of that book and I would read it to her in moments her hands were busy! So I recommend the book “Classic Indian Cooking” by Julie Sahni. It’s a book that contains the most common Indian dishes that has been passed from generation to generation.
How has this changed your life?
I would say that this is a book I knew from growing up and having been able to know almost every page of it made me branch out to experiment and try other variations and fusions inspired by the classical cooking. It also made me see how rich and beautiful Indian cuisine is, and how I am proud to be a part of that culture.
What advice do you have for others starting out with this hobby?
My advice for people who want to get into cooking is to learn from others. I can say that because it’s true for me. If you can find a mentor who can help you learn the tips and tricks in the kitchen, or maybe just watch a mentor on your screen where you can follow recipes with, it will definitely help you grow your skills.
Are there any other hobbies you have?
I love reading and doing decorative woodwork! Those are the things I truly enjoy at my spare time.