As a young man, Michael Amini left home to travel and learn about new places, new ideas, cultures, art and architecture, and to pursue a better education. He first went to Greece and Paris, then finally to London where he studied English for a year. Next came the United States, where he attended college in Southern California, graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering.
Through his passion, and love of the furniture industry, Michael opened his own company in 1988. The Amini Innovation Corporation of today, better known as AICO®, is much different than the 220 square feet of warehouse space Michael had in 1988. Michael's perseverance, vision, innovation and design creativity has turned AICO® into one of the leading furniture importers, with hundreds of employees in the United States, over 20,000 employees in Asia, and a 400,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility in Pico Rivera, California that boasts 86 shipping and receiving docks. Also, AICO® use of three exclusive factories in China, a new upholstery factory, and the currently under construction mega-warehouse for mixing and quick shipping from China, has made Michael one of the world's leading suppliers of dramatic and creative furniture designs.
AICO® product lines now include complete case goods collections, high-fashion upholstery, the creation of a commercial and contract division called AICO® Office Systems, and a complete line of correlated decorative accent rugs and top-of-bed fashions. The development of Michael Amini Homescapes (a Gallery concept) is currently underway, as well as other product categories to the AICO® line-up.
Michael is also extremely devoted to his community, and the people within. His humanitarian side was honored in 2004 with the Lifetime Achievement Award by City of Hope, a Comprehensive Cancer Center, working to treat and cure cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Michael believes in 'giving back' for his good fortune, and recently, City of Hope broke ground on the Michael Amini Transfusion Medicine Center. The 3 story, 60,000 square foot facility is being built to consolidate all blood collection and processing programs to benefit patients and donors, as well as supporting leading research programs.
At the annual Leadership Conference in 2005, Furniture/Today presented Michael Amini with the Furniture Supplier of the Year Award, and in 2007, the International Home Furnishings Rep Association honored him with the "Pillar of the Industry" award for his commitment to the furnishings industry, his community, and mankind. Michael is a creative person who loves fashion, design and innovation. Also, he is a sensitive and caring person who is deeply devoted to his family, his employees, his customers, and the ability to make a difference in today's world through both his beautiful furniture designs, and his compassionate philanthropic efforts. He hopes to continue his work in the years to come, and together with his wife Lily, whom he met in 1988, and married in 1995, are raising two future businessmen, ages 8 and 11, who undoubtedly will follow the kindhearted example set forth by their father.