DutchCrafters Amish Furniture Director of Stores and Fulfillment Kari-Jo Koshes, DBA, was chosen for Furniture Today’s 2023 40 Under 40 award winners. The awards are given to 40 up-and-coming furniture industry leaders under the age of 40, recognizing them for their career achievements and industry involvement. When Koshes joined DutchCrafters, the leading retailer of Amish furniture at dutchcrafters.com, she knew the company offered opportunities for her growth. From 2013 to today, she has grown significantly. In her current position she is responsible for leading innovations in shipping and product delivery, overseeing the warehouse and outlet store, and managing showroom experience and expansion. Making time for what’s important outside of work, Koshes created a nonprofit called Brand New Chapters. She collects and provides books for those who do not have access to reading. So far, she has collected 2,700 books. “Giving is one of our company’s core values,” she said, “and that nonprofit is my heart and soul.” Koshes also serves on the boards of the Junior League of Sarasota and Literacy Council of Sarasota. Recently she was invited to join the Sarasota County Human Services Advisory Council. Educational achievements include earning a bachelor’s degree in general business with a minor in international business from the University of Central Florida. She completed her MBA and DBA from Columbia Southern University. Koshes is a 2019 graduate of Leadership Sarasota County and a 2023 graduate of Leadership Florida.