Designing for Experience | 619 | A Conversation with EZ Gonzalez of Pacific Sales

Today, I sit down with EZ Gonzalez of Pacific Sales about how retail, design, and customer experience intersect in today’s market. Gonzalez shares how Pacific Sales’ culture of continuous learning and a customer first sales model has helped establish the company as the West Coast’s leading appliance retailer.  Designer Resources Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise. Design Hardware – A stunning and vast collection of jewelry for the home! TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep LOME-AI.com, simple, inexpensive, text to video harnessing the power of AI to grow your firm, beautifully. EZ and I explore long-term partnerships, wellness-focused design, and the importance of storytelling in shaping client experiences and how the brand’s people-first approach to retail sets it apart in the design industry. With immersive showrooms, a strong emphasis on education, and community partnerships that extend beyond the showroom floor, Pacific Sales is redefining what it means to support both trade professionals and homeowners. Gonzalez also unpacks timely challenges facing designers and clients—from navigating project uncertainty to incorporating wellness as a fundamental design principle. Topics and Ideas Pacific Sales’ Culture & Philosophy How a non-commissioned, education-driven model creates trust and long-term value for customers and trade partners. Partnerships & Community Engagement Building meaningful relationships across KBIS, CEDIA, West Edge, and supporting organizations like Saint Jude. Wellness as a Design Standard From circadian lighting to functional home workspaces, why wellness is no longer a luxury but an essential part of design. Design in Uncertain Times Why informed decision-making, collaboration, and storytelling help clients and designers navigate long projects. Mentorship & Professional Growth Supporting the next generation of design professionals through education, rewards programs, and a culture of learning. Retail Meets Design How immersive showrooms and Pacific Sales’ connection to Best Buy combine to deliver expertise, installation, and ongoing support. Thank you, EZ for the time and conversation. Thank you for listening. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend or colleague who loves design and architecture like you do, subscribe to Convo By Design wherever you get your podcasts. And continue the conversation on Instagram @convo x design with an “x”. Keep those emails coming with guest suggestions, show ideas and locations where you’d like to see the show. Convo by design at outlook.com. Thank you to my partner sponsors, TimberTech, The AZEK Company, Pacific Sales, Best Buy, LOME-AI and Design Hardware. These companies support the shelter industry so give them an opportunity on your next project. Thanks again for listening. Until next time, be well, stay focused and rise about the chaos. -CXD