About Us
Celebrating 57 Years of El Dorado Furniture
Our legacy is built on your support, and we're honored to share our story with the ones who made it all possible: you.
The story of El Dorado Furniture is about more than just furniture. It's about a 100-year dream that has traveled from pre-revolution Cuba to present-day U.S., the same dream that now lives within our homes. It all started in the 1920s when moments were simpler and dreams were just beginning.
Serving Our Communities
A Dream that Began in 1923
A Journey of Legacy
It all started in the 1920s when moments were simpler and dreams were just beginning. Among a sea of palm trees, Simón Capó and his family ran a small grocery store inside a wooden house. Every day was filled with sparks of curiosity, as they worked the fields, sold sweets and learned the ropes of trade.
When they moved to Pinar del Río, Cuba, this magical spirit followed them, and they opened their very first furniture store, Casa Capó. People would walk into their store to admire, feel and experience something new. As the years went by, Casa Capó began to build a community.
Little did Simón know that these magical feelings would grow even stronger. They would cross barriers, oceans and generations, touching the hearts of families in a place called El Dorado Furniture.
Timeline of Events
- 1920s
- 1950
- 1959
- 1966
- 1967
- 1990s
- 2000s
- 2020s
Humble Beginnings
1920s - 1950s
The origins of El Dorado Furniture date back to the 1920s in the Cuban province of Pinar del Rio. There, a young man named Simon Capó made a living trading farm products and fixing furniture. Simon eventually cultivated his trade into a chain of furniture stores called Casa Capó. By 1950, it was one of the largest furniture manufacturing and retail enterprises in Cuba. During this time, Simon's youngest son, Manuel, married his wife, Aida, and had six sons.
1960s - 1970s
Once in the U.S., Manuel and his sons worked on what they knew best: furniture. On June 27th, 1967, just seven months after their arrival, the Capós opened their first furniture store on Miami's Calle Ocho (Eighth Street) in the heart of Little Havana. They named the store after the boat they sailed to freedom: El Dorado. The small furniture store would soon flourish and take its first steps towards expansion, thanks to a $10,000 loan from the Small Business Administration.
1990s - Current
Transforming the Furniture Shopping Experience
In 1994, El Dorado Furniture introduced its first Boulevard showroom. The Boulevard is a cutting-edge concept that truly enhances the conventional shopping experience. Instead of browsing a typical furniture showroom, customers walk down a strip resembling an old-fashioned city street. Quaint benches and street lamps line the main street, which is surrounded by a range of wondrous facades ranging from 16th-century-inspired stained glass windows to ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. More than 20 individually themed storefronts open into specialized furniture shops, each showcasing the latest furniture styles for every room in the home.
And the Legacy Continues in the 2000s and 2020s
Protecting Our Planet
Our Commitment to a Greener Future
At El Dorado Furniture, we understand the importance of our planet. It's why we're committed to protecting our environment. With Project Eco, we use sustainable and eco-friendly materials, plant new trees, and more, so we can help make a difference for future generations.
We annually recycle almost 98% of all waste.
635 Trees Planted (as of 2020)
Green Worldwide Shipping plants a tree for each and every single shipment we handle - because that's the green way!
Every forest garden tree donated removes an estimated 50 pounds of pollution from the global atmosphere, replacing it with life-giving oxygen, while protecting lands and assisting the natural return of past diversity.
Compensating Emissions and Empowering Communities
We take our commitment to the environment seriously. That's why we are proud to participate in the Positive Offset program by CMA CGM, which enables us to offset our remaining carbon emissions through long-term projects. Through this initiative, we contribute to reforestation efforts and support social projects that have a positive impact on communities.
By offsetting our emissions, we actively contribute to reducing the carbon footprint associated with our operations. The Positive Offset program aligns with our sustainability goals and allows us to make a meaningful difference in the fight against climate change.
Through reforestation projects, we help restore and preserve vital ecosystems while capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Additionally, by supporting social projects, we invest in initiatives that improve the lives of individuals and communities in need.
Community Involvement
El Dorado Furniture is well known for giving back to the community, particularly to children and their families. The company's founder, Manuel Capó, always insisted on helping those less fortunate in whatever way possible.
In 2007, we celebrated our 40th anniversary with "40 Years, 40 Families", an unprecedented donation program to show appreciation to the South Florida community with the help of Neighbors 4 Neighbors and their media partners.
El Dorado Furniture helped 40 families in need by giving them new home furnishings, changing their lives for the better.
Continuing on the tradition, we also gave back to South Florida communities for its 45th and 50th year anniversaries.
The company regularly donates furniture to numerous charities and families in need. Every year, the company participates in the Amigos for Kids Toy Drive to help collect toys for underprivileged children during the holidays.
We are also active in the community, regularly participating in Career Days at elementary and middle schools throughout South Florida.
Company executives also hold entrepreneurship seminars at local colleges and universities, discussing ways to successfully run and cultivate a family business.
We've partnered with the International Red Cross to collect food, supplies, and money at every one of its stores in an effort to help earthquake victims in Haiti. The company even went one step further by matching monetary donations dollar for dollar.
Community Partners
We value our collaboration with numerous community partners. While your logo may not be listed here, we take immense pride in working with several community organizations to create a positive impact. Thank you for your support and involvement in our mission to build stronger communities.
Awards & Recognition
Pioneering Excellence and Industry Recognition
El Dorado's daring business decisions, merchandising skills, and pioneering technology have made it a leader in the furniture industry. The company serves as a showcase retailer and is host to furniture retailers from around the country. Companies from all over the world tour El Dorado's facilities to learn how they can benefit from the unparalleled technology and management systems.
Our long and dedicated commitment to the furniture industry has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades from some of the most prestigious associations and magazines in the country. In 2009, El Dorado's founder, Manuel Capó, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Awards by Furniture Today magazine and the Latin Builder's Association. In recognition of the company's success and impact on the community, two South Florida streets were named after Manuel Capó. And just recently, El Dorado Furniture ranked in the Top 50 Furniture Retailers by TempurSealy.
1999
Retailer of the Year
2003
Cutting Edge Award
2003
Spirit of Life Award
2005
Retailer of the Year
2009
Lifetime Achievement Award
2010
Lifetime Achievement Award
2011
Retail Giant Of Bedding
Board of Directors
Generations of Vision and Commitment
More than 50 years later, Manuel Capó's legacy lives on through his sons, who all make up the company's Board of Directors. His grandchildren also help run the business, and are integral to the organization and day-to-day workings of the company. These family ties ensure that El Dorado Furniture continues to uphold the values and ideals first exhibited by an ordinary man with an extraordinary vision.
Luis E. Capó
President
Luis serves as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company. In this position, he is responsible for directing and implementing new procedures and systems, as well as reviewing those already in place to maintain the culture and values of our founder, Mr. Manuél Capó, thus ensuring the growth of El Dorado Furniture and the benefit of our employees and customers.
Carlos E. Capó
Chief Merchandising Officer
Carlos heads the furniture purchasing department. He holds the position of Executive Vice President. Supported by his team of professionals he determines which furniture, mattresses and accessories will be part of the inventory, identifying the products that provide the best value and selecting the styles in collaboration with the manufacturers.
Julio Capó
Treasure & Land Development
Julio is the Director of the Family Investment Management Office, where he oversees all aspects of the rest of the family's investments, and also serves as Treasurer of El Dorado Furniture. He is in charge of all company real estate matters and is a member of the company's executive group that decides on benefits for internal clients, such as health insurance plans, retirement plans, vacations, personal days, and educational reimbursement.
Pedro A. Capó
Chief Operations Officer
Pedro serves as Corporate Secretary and Chief Operations Officer. He was the creator of the acclaimed "Boulevard" and directs the projection and design of our exhibits and buildings. In addition, he plans the expansion of new furniture stores and the training of staff. Pedro was President of the National Home Furnishings Association, the first Hispanic to hold that post.
Jesus Rene Capó
Chief Financial Officer
Jesus is Vice President and a member of the Board of Directors of El Dorado Furniture. He oversees the accounting departments and computer systems. He was the first member of his family to graduate with a college degree in the United States. He earned his Master's degree in accounting from the University of Miami. He is a Certified Public Accountant, Real Estate Agent and Computer Programmer. Jesus Rene is also the current president, for a second term in a row for the NAHFA, making him the first person to hold the post two consecutive years.
Roberto Capó
Chief Marketing Officer
Roberto is responsible for the company's advertising management, including everything related to television, radio, magazine, catalog, social and digital media ads, and is a member of the board of directors. He learned the business alongside his father and older brothers. From a very early age he worked in the warehouse when he got out of school and during summer vacations.
"Have faith. Believe in yourself. Be certain that with your knowledge you will succeed. Live life with gratitude."
-Manuel Capó, founder