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Although attendance
was reportedly down only seven percent from last year, the 2003 Miami
International Boat Show was described by many attendees as “relatively
quiet.” Some attributed this to the uncertain economy, others to
the heightened terror alert, and still others to the unresolved situation
with Iraq. Regardless, one place that was not quiet and where business
was normal and then some was the booth of IK Yacht Design, known for furnishings
that offer style and stowage for boats of all sizes. It was here that
I met Zak Kadosh, the company’s founder, president, and design mastermind.
And an interesting meeting it was.
Roughly 20 people stopped
by during my short time there, some former clients dropping by to say
hello, others browsing Kadosh’s famous furniture-with-a-twist. Although
he says he’s completed thousands of projects, he still remembers
his clients by name and seems unfazed by his near-celebrity status. Judging
from his constant ear-to-ear smile and easygoing attitude, you’d
never suspect his perfectionist tendencies or the efficient way he attacks
all his design projects.
Kadosh says he’s
loved the water since day one, and his design background extends nearly
as far back. He recalls following his father—an architect and designer—to
various projects, where he learned how to visualize a concept and imagine
it transform from a simple drawing into a finished, aesthetically pleasing
piece. He attended the University of Tel Aviv, graduating with a degree
in interior design and, after serving three years in Israel’s navy,
was more than ready to get back into his interior design career and combine
it with his love of the water. And so, that same year, Kadosh moved to
South Florida and started his own business as an interior decorator for
yachts of all sizes.
In 2000 Kadosh moved
the company, now in its 20th-plus year of operation, to its current location
in Dania, Florida. With the surrounding Harbor Towne Marina and docking
facilities directly outside its 10,000-square-foot showroom (plus a 6,000-square-foot
workshop), IK Yacht Design has also become famous as a “drive-thru”
facility: People can literally stop, dock, and shop. Even better, people
can “test” any of the products sold on the showroom floor;
if they don’t like it or feel it doesn’t fit, they can bring
it back inside and try something else until they get a look they’re
happy with.
“I’m always
striving for the perfect, designer look,” says Kadosh, “but
most importantly I want my clients to be happy. If they are not happy,
I have not done my job right.” To get that “perfect look,”
he travels around the world, to design shows in Germany, France, Italy,
Spain, and elsewhere, looking for ideas.
Next page >
IK Yacht, Part 2 > Page 1, 2
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