Scott Willy

When and how did Ecotots start?

Ecotots evolved from our adult line of furniture, Inmodern. When we exhibited at ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair) in New York in May of 2007, we took with us one Ecotots product which "stole the show". We instantly understood that people, specifically parents, were much more likely to purchase eco-friendly products for their children than they were for themselves for reasons of health and safety, not merely for the sake of the environment/planet at large. We also learned, at ICFF, that parents (specifically young mothers) that were very in tune with the modern aesthetic were also very concerned about the recent scare of lead in children’s products coming from China and the like and that they also had a strong desire to buy products made in USA. Not only because they understood the relationship of "USA Made" to a stronger U.S. economy, but because being better educated and informed. They understood that any product that calls itself green must be sourced and sold locally.

Can you tell us more about your background?

When I co-founded Inmodern/Ecotots my simple mission was to bring affordable, well-made, modern furniture to the masses that did not require any tools or hardware to assemble and that would be made to last and not be disposable. Once my business partner suggested it also be green, things really began to gel.

Which designers inspire you?

All of the "modern" pathfinders regardless of "discipline"; past and present day included: Wright, Eames, Nelson, Haring, Dyson, Gehry.

What sets you apart from other children's furniture companies?

To the best of our knowledge, no other company can lay claim to the following combination of attributes combined with our unique, modern aesthetic:

• Wholly designed and manufactured in USA
• 100% formaldehyde-free FSC certified birch plywood
• Eco-friendly, non-toxic, water-based stains
• UV cured finishes minimize greenhouse gases
• Patented no tools assembly (no hardware required)
• Packaged flat to reduce waste and save on transportation costs
• Lifetime construction guarantee
• Independently tested

What are some of the challenges you face as a green company?

Being and seeing green in this economy is a challenge for every manufacturer whether you are an eco-friendly company or not. Getting people to understand why green products are more expensive is both difficult and costly due in large part to an economic system that has been built on obsolescence. Most American consumers are simply accustomed to paying less and disposing more. But, I am encouraged by what may be around the corner for USA made and green in the years to come. In addition, we are receiving more and more inquiries from Europe and other countries.

Did your kids have any input in the design process?

The memory of them being little does (they are both in college now). There is a universal truth that transcends generations. Kids are kids and what they aspire to be, whether through role play or interaction with products, never changes.

Where do you hope to see Ecotots in the next 5 years?

I hope to see Ecotots in "Mom and Pop" and "Modern Boutique" stores throughout the U.S. Then, we would like to take our model of locally produced and sold to other countries around the world by licensing our designs and I.P. True green is and will always be local. And, good design is universally understood.

What's your favorite material to work with?

Right now it is impossible for me to to think beyond wood because of what and how we are manufacturing. The exciting thing about our manufacturing and design process is we can make our products out of just about any material that is sheeted.

What are some of the things you have learned as a designer and sustainable materials?

I would say what tops the list as to what I have learned as a designer is that everything simply must, without exception, begin small and not forced to grow too quickly or it looses its essence, which leads to initial over start-up capitalization and under continued operational capitalization when a company most needs it. In other words... "grow slow."

The overarching single fact, which is the basis for marketing all sustainability, is that consumers will simply not embrace it (unless they have unlimited financial resources) until it becomes an issue related to their or a loved ones personal health.

To find out more about Ecotots, visit www.ecotots.com.

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