AN INTERVIEW WITH CANOE HOSPITALITY'S DEBORAH HIGGINS

Deborah Higgins, President of Canoe Hospitality talks with Hotel Business on Canoe’s past, present, and future and provides insight into how the firm has evolved to maintain its status as a leader in the hospitality FF&E and OS&E procurement industry .

“Our clients receive unmatched resources and intellectual capital from our holistic approach to problem-solving and they lean heavily on our significant FF&E procurement expertise.”

— Deborah Higgins

A TRAILBLAZER IN THE FF&E PURCHASING ARENA

Deborah Higgins is an FF&E and OS&E procurement industry veteran, serving in the hospitality and healthcare businesses for the last 30 years. After working hand-in-hand with the late Steve Higgins expanding the reach of Higgins Purchasing Group International’s (HPGI) offices, Deborah established one of the first woman-owned FF&E procurement and design businesses, pioneered the use of hospitality design principles in the senior housing sector, and now leads Canoe Hospitality, one of the longest running and respected hospitality purchasing consultants in the industry. Higgins discussed her company's objectives and some industry trends with Hotel Business.

How has Canoe evolved in the past couple of years?

Canoe has concentrated on growing its staff to include FF&E project managers with a variety of professional backgrounds, including interior design, supply chain management, hotel operations, accounting and finance, and legal. Our clients receive unmatched resources and intellectual capital from our holistic approach to problem-solving and they lean heavily on our significant FF&E procurement expertise. - Deborah Higgins

You mentioned that you work with a lot of new Owners, how do you explain to them what is FF&E?

Deborah Higgins: Furniture, fixtures, and Equipment is referred to as FF&E. Essentially all the items that furnish a space, including carpet, wallcovering, decorative lighting, furniture, fabrics, draperies, mirrors, artwork and even mattresses. Every project varies slightly, and some client’s will also ask that we include televisions, mini-refrigerators, and safes in our FF&E procurement scope. As we provide fully customized hospitality purchasing services, we’re happy explore carrying other items in our procurement scope as well. - Deborah Higgins

What are some trends you’re seeing in FF&E and OS&E?

There has been growing interest in vintage over the past few years which calls for a skilled FF&E purchasing consultant who understands how to make vintage furniture adhere to commercial standards. For instance, at Santa Monica Proper Hotel, the lobby furniture, which is 75% vintage, is purchased from all around the world by design mastermind Kelly Wearstler. The overall effect has a homey, diverse vibe that is unique.

Second, project deadlines are getting shorter and FF&E budgets tighter. To guide our client through this accelerated process and prevent delays and unnecessary expenditures, a hospitality purchasing consultant must possess expertise, foresight, and be a master communicator. - Deborah Higgins

What does Canoe’s portfolio look like?

Canoe works both locally and internationally a combination of boutique properties, brand-standard hotels, and luxury resorts. We also provide FF&E procurement for senior living, multi-family housing, bars and restaurants, and commercial developments. To be honest, we enjoy and thrive on the challenging assignments we are working on. - Deborah Higgins

Do you look for specific types of hospitality properties or projects to tackle?

We have a lot of repeat customers, and we've developed some great connections with hotel owners and developers. It's difficult to match the chemistry we create with our loyal clients. However, we also tend to draw a lot of new hotel owners, and we have loved assisting them as they make their initial forays into the hospitality sector as their enthusiasm is inspiring. We welcome all challenges; first-time owners, residential designers, limited budgets, historic renovations, tight deadlines, and vintage specifications. We love to work with others who share our sincerity, enthusiasm for FF&E, and professionalism. - Deborah Higgins

What does the future look like for Canoe Hospitality?

Through continued service, we will uphold Steve's legacy of leadership. To complement our diverse approach to problem solving, we will continue make prudent investments in talent and procurement technology. There will be a rise in new leaders and, ideally, new alliances. The difficulties that lie ahead thrill us. - Deborah Higgins

What challenges are you seeing in the industry? How do you intend to get over them?

Some intriguing topics are being raised by the trade spat with China. It is unclear whether China's position in the hotel furniture market will change as new nations and areas fill the industry's need. Can such nations and areas improve their FF&E supply chains, infrastructure, and skilled workforce before tensions subside? It's remarkable to observe how quickly this issue is developing. We will keep our clients informed of new developments and provide them worldwide FF&E sourcing options that satisfy their demands for cost, timeliness, and quality. Our diverse team approaches challenges from multiple perspectives, and we share these viewpoints and knowledge with our clients. - Deborah Higgins

---

When selecting a hospitality purchasing firm, experience matters. Reach out to develop a customized purchasing program for your projects.