As a digital nomad based in Indonesia, I manage several online businesses with a global reach. My primary venture is producing wholesale custom furniture in Indonesia, which I ship worldwide in bulk; with the Singapore, United States, England, Norway, Poland and Australia being my most active markets. In addition to furniture, I also offer website design services and resell Tiffany-style lamps by Meyda Lighting out of New York. All my businesses are operated online through dedicated websites. Beyond entrepreneurship, I’m also an author with several published books.
I may be a digital nomad, roaming the world with my laptop and a thirst for adventure, but don’t let that fool you. I’m not some disembodied voice lost in the digital ether. I believe in the power of real human connection, in forging genuine relationships with my customers. I’m a throwback to a time when business was built on handshakes and trust, not chatbots and algorithms.
The Adventurous Entrepreneur
A Journey of Furniture, Passion, and International Impact
In the world of custom furniture, there are artisans, and then there are visionaries. Among the latter stands a remarkable figure, an American-born adventurer and entrepreneur named Glenn Madden, whose passion for craftsmanship and global impact led him on an extraordinary journey from the United States to Indonesia, where he has established a thriving business building custom furniture for export worldwide. Glenn’s story begins in South Carolina, America, where he developed a deep fascination with woodworking and design from a young age. He spent countless hours in his father’s workshop, experimenting with different tools and materials, and honing his skills in crafting unique pieces. As he grew older, his passion for furniture intensified, and he began to dream of creating pieces that would not only be aesthetically pleasing but also functional and meaningful.
After graduating from college with a degree in design, Glenn embarked on a career in the furniture industry, working for various companies and gaining valuable experience in all aspects of the business, from design and production to marketing and sales. However, he soon realized that his true calling lay in creating custom furniture that would reflect his own unique vision and style. In pursuit of his dream, Glenn decided to take a leap of faith and move to Indonesia, a country renowned for its rich tradition of woodworking and craftsmanship. He was drawn to the country’s abundance of natural resources, skilled artisans, and vibrant culture, which he believed would provide the perfect environment for him to create his own brand of custom furniture.
Upon arriving in Indonesia, Glenn immersed himself in the local culture, learning the language, studying traditional woodworking techniques, and building relationships with local artisans. He spent months traveling throughout the country, visiting workshops and factories, and sourcing the finest materials for his furniture. After establishing a workshop in Jepara Indonesia, Glenn began to build his custom furniture business, focusing on creating pieces that were both innovative and timeless. He drew inspiration from a wide range of sources, from traditional Indonesian motifs and patterns to modern design trends and international styles. His pieces were characterized by their exceptional craftsmanship, attention to detail, and use of high-quality materials, such as teak, mahogany, and rattan.
As word of Glenn’s custom furniture spread, he began to receive orders from clients all over the world, including interior designers, architects, and private collectors. His pieces were featured in prestigious publications and exhibitions, and he quickly gained a reputation as one of the most talented and innovative furniture makers in the industry. Today, Glenn’s custom furniture business is thriving, with a team of skilled artisans and a global network of clients. His pieces can be found in homes, offices, hotels, and resorts around the world, and he continues to push the boundaries of design and craftsmanship with each new creation.
Glenn’s story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of one’s dreams. His journey from America to Indonesia is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and creatives everywhere, demonstrating that with hard work, dedication, and a willingness to embrace new challenges, anything is possible.