The Unexpected Jobs Chuck Williams Held Before Opening Williams Sonoma

In time, Williams’ attention to product quality and exceptional customer service attracted a strong fanbase, and he opened a second location, designed a catalog to showcase the business’ wares, and expanded the first store. The rest is history. “If you love what you do, then the whole world will fall in love with you,” he once explained.

Williams’ hands-on approach could be seen in not only the selection of products available in the stores but also in the company’s logo. “When I opened the first store, I designed a logo using a woodcut illustration of a pineapple.” Not only did William’s carpentry skills come in handy, but his whimsical view of the world stepped forward. Though Williams sadly passed, his name lives on through the company and its commitment to creating experiences that would make Williams proud. Williams is remembered as a shopkeeper at heart who developed close relationships with workers at the Williams-Sonoma stores and inspired generations of foodies, celebrity chefs, and entrepreneurs to pursue culinary passions of their own.