Home » Kevin Astala: MRL’s Star of the Month Brings Humor, Heart, and a Dash of Chaos to the Contract Furniture World

Kevin Astala: MRL’s Star of the Month Brings Humor, Heart, and a Dash of Chaos to the Contract Furniture World

by Texas Recap Team

My Resource Library’s April Delve Magazine feature highlights a figure who’s as down-to-earth as he is unexpectedly connected to design royalty. Kevin Ace Astala, owner of Ace Office Furniture in both Houston and Denver, has built his career over the past decade by combining resourcefulness, authenticity, and a deep sense of curiosity—and in the process, has managed to become one of the more colorful personalities in the commercial furniture space.

In a surprising twist, Astala learned during his early years in the industry that he shares a family tie with none other than legendary architect and designer Eero Saarinen. “I’m actually a fifth cousin on my Finnish side,” he explains. “It was such a cool thing to discover after I’d already started building my career—it made me feel more rooted in the design world, like maybe this connection had always been there and I just hadn’t known it yet.” That discovery inspired him to dive deeper into Saarinen’s legacy, studying his work, reading through books, and reflecting on how one’s influences can span generations.

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What struck him most wasn’t just Eero’s groundbreaking ideas, but the behind-the-scenes strength of his wife, Aline Saarinen. “She was an incredible support to his success,” Kevin says. “Learning about her reminded me a lot of the support I’ve had in my own life—without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” This reflection highlights Kevin’s appreciation for the essential roles people play behind the scenes in any successful journey.

His interview in Delve (which starts on page 56) reads more like a conversation with an old friend than a business profile. It covers everything from his unconventional entry into the industry to his infamous collection of office oddities, including a life-sized alligator statue and a Game of Thrones chair complete with a Conan sword. “You’d really have to visit in person to understand the quirky atmosphere,” he laughs. “But that’s kind of the point—it’s an atmosphere where creativity thrives.”

Kevin’s route to ownership wasn’t a straight line. One of his favorite stories involves an “accidental” win: 55 full 18-wheeler loads of new and used office furniture that he and his father unexpectedly acquired. “We didn’t have any formal experience in the industry,” he says, “but we decided to go for it and open a store, naming it after my dad. It was one of the best decisions of my life.”

Over the years, Kevin has found joy in watching his customers grow. He talks about the thrill of helping someone launch their business on a shoestring budget—just one desk, maybe a chair or two—and then seeing them come back a year later for an entire office’s worth of furniture. “That’s what makes this work so fulfilling. Watching someone succeed and knowing you played a small part in that—it’s the best kind of full-circle moment.”

Of course, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. One of the most significant moments of Kevin’s career came from a high-profile project that didn’t go according to plan. Despite the loss, it ended up being one of his most formative experiences. “It was humbling,” he admits. “But I live by the idea that there’s no such thing as losing—just winning or learning. That stuck with me from Jiu-Jitsu and has carried over into how I approach business.”

Beyond work, Kevin keeps things grounded. He spends his days off tending to a collection of over 200 succulents, cacti, and bonsai trees. He’s also an avid hiker, fly fisherman, and unapologetic binge-watcher. When asked how his coworkers might describe him, he quips, “Love him or hate him—but hopefully they’d say I’m funny and fun.”

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The Delve Magazine team likely agrees. In their own words: “You’re going to love getting to know our latest MRL Star.” With a story this layered—and a personality this vibrant—it’s not hard to see why.

As part of its commitment to the community, Ace Office Furniture is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), and the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). The company also supports local causes, including The 1960 Hope Center, and provides exclusive discounts to active military personnel, veterans, and first responders.

Visit the New Showroom in Greenwood Village

The new Ace Office Furniture Denver showroom is open by appointment only from Monday through Friday, 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Interested customers can schedule an appointment to explore the curated selection of business and executive office furniture available.

Contact Information:
Ace Office Furniture Denver
8400 E Crescent Parkway, Suite 654
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
📞 (719) 773-3223
🌐 www.aceofficefurnituredenver.com

Ace Office Furniture Houston
13100 Northwest Fwy, Suite 200-A
Houston, TX 77040
📞 (281) 875-9595
🌐 www.aceofficefurniturehouston.com

To read Kevin Astala’s full interview in Delve Magazine, visit the Delve Magazine April 2025 Issue.

Ace Office Furniture Denver continues to prioritize customer satisfaction by offering the most innovative office furniture solutions while supporting the Colorado business community. With its new showroom, expanded partnerships, and recognition in industry-leading publications, Ace Office Furniture is poised for continued growth and success in the years ahead.

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