Title: Owner, founder and furniture designer

Company: SDS Designs

What was the best business advice you ever received?

When meeting my wife she told me to pursue my passion and that was designing and building furniture which I had been doing since I was 14 years old. We are now selling at over 90 retail stores across the United States. I'd say her advice worked out very well.

If you could choose another profession, what would it be?

Something in politics. I'm into changing things and making them better.

What's the biggest risk you have taken in your career?

I was a Florida State trooper in Manatee County and now I am designing and building beautiful furniture. Changing from my previous career into an artist was a big risk.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you start?

I've never been to Europe. I would start in England and from there visit all the countries of Europe to include eastern Europe. I would be eyeing the furniture to pick up any styles and designs.

-- Angie Monroe