Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Capp.
Hi Richard, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
The Milton & King story has passed its first decade. Launched in 2012 in Queensland, Australia, M&K entered the interiors market with our first collection of digitally printed wallpapers. Selling through retailers and interior designers, finding a niche with a design style not seen in Australia. We soon reached export status and began selling wallpaper to the US and UK via our newly developed online store. Using a direct-to-consumer business model, we forged ahead, trying our best to understand e-commerce. A positive user experience, quality products, and unique designs, accompanied with fast delivery times, all attributed to growing sales in the US interiors market. Selling to both residential and commercial users, we offer a varied collection of designs suitable for both markets.
2016 saw the opening of a sampling and customer support office in Austin, TX. In 2022, we opened a new production facility and showroom in the Dallas Design District. Localizing production has enabled us to offer new products, such as commercial-grade vinyl. With two production facilities, we can now launch collections into both markets without the need for printed stock and with lower shipping costs.
2023 will see M&K further establish our brand with very exciting product offerings! There is lots to come for a business that looks at every day as our first!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would say all small businesses experience similar growing pains. Initial ideas and grand plans come with a big list of tasks. Bryce and I have been very fortunate to have each other. While Bryce was designing, I was working out how to produce get a commercially viable product and implementing production equipment, all while trying to sell enough to pay for it! Our business has really been sales funded, so this takes time to build. The speed in which the business grows is all up how quickly the team can learn how to sell.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
Milton & King is a wallcoverings manufacturer founded by Australian brothers Richard and Bryce Capp. In 2012, the duo launched the brand in an effort to marry the classic aesthetic of the wallpaper industry with cutting-edge technology to produce on-demand, on-trend, highly curated, and globally designed products. Milton & King proudly embraces global unity by partnering with creators around the world to develop unique, artisan-inspired wallcoverings.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I think it’s vital to find a mentor for different stages in business. Originally, I had a fantastic mentor in the early stages of our business, and I learned a great deal from him during that particular phase. I haven’t had one for a few years now, but I do try and listen to as many people via podcasts as possible. You can pick up snippets of information from someone’s else’s experience that can really help you learn more. I must admit I am on the lookout for a mentor for the next stage of personnel & business growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: miltonandking.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miltonandking/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miltonandking
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/miltonandking/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/miltonandking
- Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-wall/id1672453977
Image Credits
Suzanne Hartman
Rebecca Plumb
Amber Oliver
Jo Gick
Sierra Joseph
