Furniture Industry Loses an Icon

On Saturday Feb 26th the furniture world lost a giant in the industry, Fred Drechsel. Fred immigrated to Canada in the early 1960’s with just an old leather suitcase and big dreams.

After founding a bath fitting and planter box business (both which were successful in their own right) Fred and his cousins founded REFF Profiles; a furniture company that manufactured modular and contemporary wood-panel systems.

By 1989 REFF sold to Westinghouse and became part of the Knoll Group, and shortly after that Fred founded Drechsel Business Interiors, which has been a leading Knoll dealer ever since.

Those who knew Fred would describe him as kind and generous with a quirky sense of humour. In business he was strict but fair and always looked out for his employees. He created opportunities and helped launched the careers of many leaders who are still in the industry.

He was a man who worked hard for everything he had and was proud of his accomplishments. As an entrepreneur Fred had the golden touch, but of all his achievements what he was most proud of was his family. He was an adoring husband, father and grandfather and will be sorely missed by all those who loved him. Now as part of the MillerKnoll line the REFF name will forever live on and be synonymous with quality and good design. At Drechsel Business Interiors a new chapter begins as his daughter Tova takes the helm as his successor.

Thank you, Fred, for a live well lived, and all the people that you have touched along the way.

Donations in Fred’s memory can be made to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, or any charity that supports and protects the environment, which was a cause that was close to Fred’s heart and values.