Today we’d like to introduce you to Tom Konopiots and Michael Stornello.
Tom and Michael, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
We entered this industry from varied backgrounds. Mike was a prominent entertainment development executive before he launched the firm in 2007, and Tom joined in 2010 after a notable career as a C-level executive in financial services.
Creating this business was – and still is – a great passion for both of us, and we’ve been fortunate enough to experience a series of successes that propelled our firm to where it is today. Our clients have graciously been our advocates over the years, as their referrals have made up a considerable portion of our design portfolio.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The interior design marketplace in Chicago is quite mature, so any new firm faces the challenge of brand awareness and credibility. However, we were confident that we possessed the combination of creative instincts, organizational skills, and business acumen required to succeed.
Early on, it was part of our process to bring potential clients to our home to see our work firsthand. Our attention to detail and sense of style is reflected in the design of our own personal space, and clients could experience the ways in which we bring our creative visions to life.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Vincere, Ltd. is a full-service interior design firm, focused on and passionate about all aspects of the design process. Committed to providing its client’s highly personalized homes that are elegant, beautiful and livable, we focus on principles of precision, proportion, scale, and form.
Our firm stands out not only for our creative approach and careful consideration of every project component but also for our highly communicative and structured process. Vincere clients receive consistent, clear communication that allows us to collaboratively make informed decisions about the project, keeping the process on schedule and, ultimately, providing a result beyond expectations.
We pride ourselves on never allowing something that is “good enough” to become the final product for our clients. Our team approaches each design opportunity with the intent to create the most functional, comfortable and beautiful solution possible.
What were you like growing up?
Tom was an academically oriented student, very focused on school and interested in mathematics. These interests are what ultimately led to his career in finance. However, he often indulged creative hobbies that allowed him to express his artistic abilities. In his work today as an interior designer, these interests come together quite harmoniously.
Mike was interested in hard work at a young age and worked three jobs to fund his college tuition. He accepted an internship at NBC Chicago during this time, a role that shifted to full-time employment upon graduation. From those early days to his years as a development executive, he relished in putting people and products together and creating television concepts for audiences to enjoy. He draws many similarities from his former role to his current one, as he now tailors clients’ lifestyles to their home environments.
Contact Info:
- Address: 124 West Kinzie Street
Floor 2 Chicago, Illinois 60654 - Website: http://www.vincereltd.com/
- Email: Info@VincereLtd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vincereinteriors/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vincereltd/
Image Credit:
Nathan Kirkman Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
