Trent Steed

Trent Steed

Trent Steed, president of Skyline Furniture MFG, leads the company’s day-to-day operations, financial strategy, and long-term growth initiatives. Under his leadership, Skyline has expanded its manufacturing capabilities, streamlined operations, introduced new product lines, and prioritized domestic sourcing of key raw materials.

Trent has spearheaded advancements at Skyline, including acquiring a second digital printer, a digital cutting machine, and multiple CNC machines to improve in-house production efficiency. He also led the construction of a new building to expand manufacturing capacity. His focus on sustainability has driven Skyline to secure eco-certifications and establish partnerships for domestic fabric and metal sourcing.

Trent has overseen the implementation of advanced accounting, payroll, and ERP systems, launched an e-commerce platform for trade customers, and expanded Skyline’s 3D modeling and photo rendering capabilities. His commitment to team-building and company culture has helped Skyline scale its workforce to meet growing demand while avoiding labor shortages.

Before joining Skyline, Trent spent 15 years in digital marketing, culminating in his role as Vice President of Operations at Designkitchen, a WPP-owned agency. In 2013, he transitioned to the family business, bringing his expertise in operational strategy, digital transformation, and scalable growth.

Rebuilding US Manufacturing: A Furniture Manufacturer's Perspective

For decades, the upholstered furniture industry, like many others, has witnessed the U.S. manufacturing landscape shift toward cheaper labor markets abroad, driven by cost savings and profit margins. Beginning in the late 20th century, companies moved manufacturing to countries like China, Mexico, and Vietnam. While this globalization brought short-term benefits, the long-term impact has been…