M id A tlantic Real Estate Journal — Women in Business — October 2024 — 11
www.marej.com
W omen in B usiness Philadelphia’s largest minority-owned furniture dealer & top MWBE MillerKnoll dealer
Amanda Chevalier drives growth and innovation at CFI Workspace
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tending my sons’ games, events, and college visits. In my down- time, I enjoy playing the piano, reading, and spending quality time with my girlfriends. What advice would you give to a young woman starting in commercial real estate or a related field? Be curious and listen more than you speak. Build authentic relationships and treat others with kindness and respect. Savor the jour- ney because time flies faster than you realize. In this field, you have the chance to cre- ate environments that shape
how people live and work— embrace that opportunity. How do you see your role as a leader in shaping the culture at CFI Workspace? Leadership is about setting a vision and creating a space where everyone feels empow- ered to contribute. At CFI, we have built a culture of team- work, innovation, diversity and integrity. My goal is to ensure our team supports each other. We practice what we preach in our own inclusive workspace through thoughtful design that balances collaboration continued on page 42
ell us how you began your career in your field and how your goals have evolved over time. After two years in Man- hattan’s fast-paced hospitality industry, I moved back to Phila- delphia to be closer to home and joined our family business. I started in the materials and product library before every- thing transitioned to a digital format. This entry-level role provided a valuable introduc- tion to the commercial furniture industry and its products. I quickly discovered the excite- ment of creating environments that make a real difference in people’s lives. This transition allowed me to grow profession- ally while staying true to my belief in work-life balance. Who or what has had the strongest influence on your career? My father, who started in the business in the 1980s, was an early advocate for wom- en in the workplace, long before it was a mainstream topic. His approach— one that centered around integrity, hard work, and supporting others—shaped my outlook from a young age. He inspired me to push bound- aries and focus on creating inclusive work environments where everyone feels empow- ered. We’re now the largest minority and women-owned furniture dealership in the Philadelphia region, and the largest MWBE MillerKnoll dealer in the country. What unique qualities make you most successful in your profession, and what challenges have you faced along the way? Integrity is central to my decision-making and a key factor in my suc- cess. One challenge I’ve faced is being naturally introverted in an industry where building strong connections is essential. Networking and social engage- ment can be draining. Over the years, I’ve learned to create space to recharge and balance my energy, which has deepened my understanding and support of different work styles. What has been your great- est professional accom- plishment and most notable project? One of my greatest ac- complishments was navigating a business acquisition in 2022. The process was complex, but it positioned our team for long- term growth. Also, I’m par- ticularly proud of transforming our Market Street office into a dynamic showroom for health-
Amanda Chevalier President CFI Workspace Years with company/firm: 23 care and higher education. It’s a space where clients can experience firsthand how our products support a range of needs, from creating spaces where people heal, like hospi- tal rooms, to respite spaces for
employees to unwind. What do you enjoy doing outside of work? I’m passion- ate about food—exploring the origins of different cuisines and learning about various cultures and traditions. I also love at-
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