Today we’d like to introduce you to Ilya Kushnirskiy.
Hi Ilya, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I have always had a deep connection to the arts, which was heavily influenced by my father’s passion for collecting. I was exposed to art from a very young age, which very much shaped me. When I turned 15, I was fortunate enough to land my first job as an art handler for Showplace Antiques Center, where I assisted dealers with installations, packing, and moving art pieces. With time, I became highly skilled in this. At that point, however, I did not think I would eventually end up running an art shipping company. While my father was a successful gallerist and antique dealer at first, he eventually transitioned into art logistics, and I joined him in 2015.
Before, I had operated a thriving online business in luxury sales. However, in my mid-thirties, I decided to pursue an MBA to consider other potential ventures. During my studies, I had a discussion with one of my professors, an expert in product marketing, about business opportunities worth exploring. Her insightful response played a significant role in my decision to fully invest in the art shipping industry. She said that due to technological advancements, many jobs would be replaced by robots in the upcoming decades, except for hands-on businesses that still require human intervention. After all, you need a person to install a painting or an antique mirror, don’t you?
Her advice resonated with me, and I chose to focus on marketing and business development in the fine art shipping industry, which I had previous experience in thanks to my background. I concentrated on the marketing aspect of the business, which, of course, has undergone significant changes over the nearly three decades that Fine Art Shippers has been in operation and needed to be adjusted to the current realities.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It all depends on what you consider “smooth.” Over the past five or six years, we have not had a single claim, which indicates that we are doing something right. We maintain an excellent relationship with one of the world’s best insurance companies, Lloyd’s of London. So, I believe we are doing extremely well.
I did encounter challenges when learning about the transportation business beyond art handling, which is one aspect of the business. Apart from it, there are many regulations, rules, and various transportation components that have to be considered.
Covid was also a challenge, as we had to adjust our operations. In the beginning, it was hard, but we were able to adapt quickly. Overall, every business has its struggles, and it is crucial to anticipate and prepare for difficulties.
Whatever the struggle is, at the end of the day, it always turns out rewarding.
As you know, we’re big fans of Fine Art Shippers. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
One thing that really sets us apart is our headquarters in New York, the world capital of the arts. Being right in the middle of the best galleries and auction houses gives us an insider’s knowledge of the industry that is invaluable.
But what really makes us different is our hands-on experience. We’re not just managers; we know how to handle delicate items from the inside out. None in our team needs supervisors or middlemen, we all can handle all aspects of the job.
Our strong relationships with the world’s best auction houses, some of which have authorized us as official shippers, means we’re fully equipped to handle any job. Our clients can trust us to deliver their art pieces safely and efficiently.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I wouldn’t say there’s such a thing. As I mentioned, there are specific competencies that one must learn, and it takes time to acquire them. You cannot expect to learn everything in a single day.
My only piece of advice would not be original but that’s a universal recommendation for any field: just love what you do. If you are not sure about what you love, just keep trying different things until you find yours. I was lucky enough to know it right from the start, so no regrets at all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fineartshippers.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fineartshippers
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com//fineartshippers
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fine-art-shippers/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/fineartshippers
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/FineArtShippers
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/fine-art-shippers-new-york
