our story
how it began
Furniture making has been a part of the Wecker family’s heritage for over 100 years. Our founder, Norman Wecker, learned the art of upholstery from his father-in-law, who owned a furniture shop at the turn of the century. After returning home from World War II, Norm began the next chapter of the family business. He opened a small factory in the South Suburbs of Chicago in 1946, and Skyline Furniture was born.
In 1971, Norm’s son, Ted, joined the business and shifted Skyline's focus to the direct-mail segment of the furniture market. Together, the father and son team innovated a model where upholstered goods could be ordered through a catalog, custom-made on demand, and shipped directly to the customer’s front door.
Norm’s granddaughter, Meganne, joined Skyline in 2001, further shaping the company’s future. Meganne had a clear vision: to infuse fashion into the already established manufacturing model and offer products through the emerging channel of e-commerce. The combination proved successful; Skyline saw rapid growth over the next decade as the world of online shopping surged. In 2016, Skyline continued its drive for innovation by becoming the first company to digitally print textiles in-house, a move that positioned the company’s supply chain as unrivaled in the industry.
Today, Skyline Furniture is still owned and operated by the Wecker family. It now boasts a female lead with Meganne at the helm and Ted at her side. Over its 75-year journey, Skyline has established a legacy of unwavering dedication to innovation, design, and craftsmanship which has solidified its place as a leader in the furniture world.
We are a third generation family business that believes in treating customers, employees, suppliers, and our community as if they are part of our family. I am so proud of the dedicated employees that have made our company one of the leaders in the furniture industry.
Our process
For over 75 years, we’ve worked with talented craftspeople and artists to hone a unique process that’s a blend of both time-honored tradition and disruptive innovation.
Each piece is made-to-order and manufactured here in Illinois. We utilize state-of-the-art technology throughout our design and manufacturing process, most of it done in-house and by our people.
Our People
Great people work at Skyline. We are proud to work alongside such dedicated and skilled artists, tradespeople, and craftspeople, some for generations within the same family. From design through fulfillment, our work is made possible by the efforts of our diverse, hardworking team here in Chicago.
Meganne Wecker
CEO
Since joining the company in her 20s, Meganne has built a reputation as a trailblazer in the furniture world. Under her leadership, Skyline has pioneered an e-commerce driven supply chain, digital printing, and fashion-forward furniture design. As a recipient of Crains Chicago 40 under 40, Home Furnishing News’ Companies on The Rise, The WithIt WOW Award, and Furniture Today’s People Issue, Meganne's entrepreneurial prowess is recognized throughout the industry.
How would you describe your design style? I love design that feels effortless yet bold. I tend to gravitate toward contrasts. I will pair striking utilitarian accent pieces with feminine patterns and dynamic color combinations to bring a room to life.
What is your favorite Skyline product? The Norm bench was designed and named after my grandfather. We originally released it in the 80's and revived it last year. It has stood the test of time.
Ted Wecker
CEO Emeritus
Ted's journey with Skyline Furniture began during his youth, working in his father's factory during the summer. As an ambitious young college grad, Ted joined Skyline and played a pivotal role in steering the company toward the burgeoning direct-mail segment of the furniture market. Together, the father and son team pioneered an innovative supply chain that custom-made furniture on demand and delivered it straight to the consumer's doorstep. This approach solidified Skyline Furniture's reputation as a trailblazer in the industry. Today, Ted continues to serve as CEO while also dedicating his time to philanthropic endeavors.
Trent Steed
President
Over 10 years ago, Trent decided to leave his 15-year career in digital marketing to join and help scale the rapidly growing family furniture business. Since joining, Trent has focused his time streamlining business operations, implementing new factory and office capabilities, and building strong teams across departments.
How long have you been at Skyline? 10 years
What part of your job do you enjoy the most? Working with people across departments and seeing our teams grow and our products come to life through amazing design paired with world-class workmanship.
What should people know about Skyline? We are here to serve our employees and our community. Everything we do is to better the lives of our workers and their families.
Arturo Lamas
VP, Factory Operations
Arturo is a proud second-generation employee at Skyline. Both of his parents started working at the factory in the 1970’s and taught him about cutting, sewing and upholstery. As a teenager, Arturo began his career at Skyline as a packager on the factory floor. He now holds a Master’s Degree from Saint Xavier University and has been key to increasing Skyline’s production by nearly 400% over the last decade. On his time off, he enjoys spending time with his wife Sarah and their four children.
What should people know about Skyline? We are a family company that values it's employees. Because of this, we often see staff that have been here for decades.
What part of your job do you enjoy the most? I like finding ways to make people's jobs easier by integrating technology into our systems.
Dan Vincenti
VP, Finance & Accounting
Dan spent the better part of the last decade working in professional sports. After deciding to hang up his soccer-themed 10-key, he made his way to Skyline. In his first year, he helped implement a new ERP system, began to build out a broader financial reporting framework, won the March Madness bracket challenge, and continues to learn from his team each day.
Unofficial Title: Dan #3
What should people know about Skyline? In a time when employee tenures continue to slide, it is beyond impressive how many people have been here for 10, 20, and 30+ years.
What part of your job do you enjoy the most? The “Ah-ha!” moment when the missing piece to the puzzle gets found.
Dan Kim
VP, Software Engineering
Dan is an Engineering Leader with a background in Android and web development. He advocates for workplace philosophies that have positively shaped his life and career: diverse and equitable teams, true work-life balance, and remote work. His career has been a non-traditional one, following a strange and winding path. But he couldn’t be prouder of what he and his teammates have created over the years, and is particularly thankful for all the friends and colleagues he’s made along the way.
Unofficial Title: Emoji Enthusiast 🫠
What part of your job do you enjoy the most? Being part of a family-owned business that actually makes something real! After many years in pure software, it’s so refreshing to be a part of something that builds and ships real, physical products that people love!
Carla Bowman, PHR, CPSP
Human Resources Director
Carla grew up with a passion for helping people. While attending college, she spent time teaching ESL and Citizenship classes at the local Adult Literacy Council. While working through school, Carla was mentored by an HR Director. Carla quickly changed her career path and never looked back. She continues to grow in her field and within her volunteer opportunities.
Unofficial Title: Avid Reader & Coffee Snob Director
What part of your job do you enjoy the most? Getting to know the team, the individuals that make Skyline successful.
Andy Doggett
VP, Information Systems
He came to fix a broken printer in late ’99 and never left. From factory production to office processes, database design, and electronic commerce, Andy has spent his career overseeing development, design and implementation of all business systems at Skyline Furniture.
How long have you been at Skyline? 23 years
Unofficial Title: Fixer of Things
What should people know about Skyline? Skyline is truly a great place to work. It has been a privilege to watch this company grow from a small furniture manufacturer with 40 employees into a thriving company of over 400 strong.
Lindsey Pelton
Associate Creative Director
Days after graduating college, Lindsey began her career with Skyline Furniture as a graphic designer and product photographer. Over her 13-year tenure she has risen the ranks, now overseeing product development, trend direction, textile sourcing, and managing our in-house and freelance creative team.
Unofficial title: Chief Karaoke Officer
How would you describe your design style? My design style is always evolving, but I am constantly inspired by thrift stores and classic cinema. I love to pull silhouette inspiration from archival documents and color palettes from my favorite films.
What part of your job do you enjoy the most? Watching the creative journey of a product from a concept to a physical piece of furniture in someone's home.
David Greco
Director, Quality Assurance
Before joining Skyline in November 2022, David served as Director of Engineering & Quality, and Director of Operations for major manufacturing organizations serving Automotive, Aerospace, Ag, and Construction & Forestry high-tech plant operations. His diverse background includes Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt coach/trainer, supply-chain, product design and process development, and project management.
What should people know about Skyline? We are an organization dedicated to kaizen (continuous improvement) in all that we do. We value our employees and recognize their efforts to make a difference.
What is your favorite Skyline product? In the right fabric, the Sylvan Armless Chair.
Nicole Hensler
Account Director
Nicole has over 8 years of experience in the home furnishings industry. After graduating, she began working on the retailer side of the business and recently joined Skyline leading the account management team.
What is your favorite Skyline product? My favorite is the Emmie Platform Bed. I love this fresh, modern take on the fully upholstered trend.
What part of your job do you enjoy the most? It is so rewarding to watch our products come to life for our customers. I have such a deep appreciation for the way Skyline's products are made and the impact our company has made on our community.
What should people know about Skyline? Skyline truly operates as a family business. We are so proud of what we produce and the way we take care of our teams.
Dan Pistello
VP, Import Operations
A few years removed from completing his MBA at DePaul University with a dual concentration in Business Strategy and International Business & Economics, Dan joined Skyline’s Import Operations team. In addition to working closely with Skyline’s overseas partners, he also oversees Skyline’s Sustainability and Compliance departments.
What part of your job do you enjoy the most? I enjoy cultivating strategies and relationships with individuals around the globe.
What should people know about Skyline? Something not talked about enough is how the foundation of Skyline is steeped in tradition and respect - not just for the company's craftsmanship, but for the industry, environment, and cultures around the world.
This is a family business
But we’re adopting
all the time.