Building Opportunity: The Story Behind Kisik Commercial Furniture

In 2003, Darrell Brown founded Kisik Commercial Furniture with a simple objective in mind : to fill a gap in the Prairie market for an Indigenous-owned commercial furniture supplier; while the objective seemed rather simple, getting there was rather complex. After noticing similar successful operations in other parts of the country, Brown spent a year researching the opportunity. By 2002, the corporation had been formed and secured agreements with two Canadian manufacturers, resulting in their first location. One year later, Kisik was open for business.

From the beginning, Kisik has focused on more than simply supplying furniture. The company works primarily with Indigenous organizations and Federal Government clients, offering cost-effective solutions for health care, education, and office environments. What sets Kisik apart is its commitment to bringing cultural understanding and Indigenous perspectives into every project. For Brown, he says it’s about ensuring that spaces reflect the communities they serve while meeting high standards for quality and value.

Building With Purpose

Kisik’s impact extends well beyond its projects. Brown is a founding member of the then Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce, the predecessor to today’s Indigenous Chamber of Commerce, and has long been an advocate for Indigenous economic development.

He currently serves on the Global Furniture Group of Companies Indigenous Advisory Committee, where he works to ensure this Canadian international corporation respects, promotes, and grows Indigenous dealers and vendors. Over the years, he has also contributed his leadership to several boards and advisory committees, consistently championing opportunities for Indigenous businesses.

One of the most significant milestones in Brown’s journey came after a decade of advocacy alongside other Indigenous business owners. In August 2021, the Federal Government launched a 5% minimum mandatory procurement requirement for all departments to purchase from Indigenous businesses, a major step forward in strengthening Indigenous participation in the economy. For Brown, it was a powerful example of what sustained advocacy can achieve.

Advocacy, Opportunity, and What Comes Next

Kisik continues to actively recruit Indigenous full-time sales representatives to join its team, says Brown; further adding that to be successful it is of vital importance to find the right fit when building a sales force. His advice to fellow Indigenous entrepreneurs and community leaders is simple but powerful, “give back.”

Brown also points to the vibrant and growing Indigenous business community in Manitoba. He encourages the Province to strengthen its Indigenous Procurement Policy and position Manitoba as a national leader in growing Indigenous business. For Kisik, the goal remains clear : build strong partnerships, create meaningful opportunities, and continue advancing Indigenous economic success across the Prairies.