Vince Nikolov said acquiring Design Center of Rehoboth from its original founders, Ed Albers and Michael Cusumano, after 12 years with the company, has been an incredible and rewarding milestone.
Earlier this month, Vince assumed full ownership of DCOR, a well-regarded local interior design firm he has been an integral part of since 2013. With a strong educational foundation and extensive experience in the design industry, Vince has long aspired to own and lead an interior design studio.
“I am deeply grateful for everything I’ve learned from Ed and Michael,” he said. “In this business, we remain focused on solutions, not obstacles. That mindset has shaped our culture and continued success.”
Vince was born in Bulgaria, where his passion for design first took root. He began his formal education in furniture design and interior space planning, later advancing his studies at Sofia Technical University with a continued focus on the design arts. During his academic years, Vince participated in a popular student exchange program, which brought him to Rehoboth Beach. At 21 years old, he quickly fell in love with the vibrant coastal lifestyle and charm of our community. While gaining experience through various retail positions, Vince sought opportunities to immerse himself in the local design industry. It was during this time he interviewed with DCOR, which marked the beginning of a meaningful professional journey and solidified his vision for a future rooted in the Rehoboth Beach design community.
As a new business owner, Vince recognizes the importance of being actively involved in every aspect of his company’s growth, especially within a highly competitive industry. In addition to delivering exceptional design services to his clients, he is deeply committed to the strategic expansion of DCOR. Vince is passionate about fostering meaningful connections and collaborations with like-minded professionals across the design and business communities. He also places a strong emphasis on building a dynamic and engaging social media presence, showcasing DCOR’s distinctive design work through client projects from concept to completion.
When asked about the impact of AI on the interior design industry, Vince expresses a forward-thinking perspective. He embraces its potential and believes it can serve as a valuable tool enhancing the design process by helping clients better visualize and refine their aesthetic preferences for both residential and commercial spaces. For Vince, the integration of technology represents an opportunity to elevate client engagement and enrich the overall design experience.
Vince understands that local demographics play a pivotal role in shaping the preferences, priorities and spending habits of residents. In communities where a significant portion of properties serve as second or vacation homes, clients often approach interior design and furnishing investments with a different mindset than they would for their primary residences. Consequently, businesses operating in such markets must develop a nuanced understanding of their clientele, recognizing not only what they value, but also how they prefer to allocate resources to tailor their services effectively.
Having been a member of the community for over 10 years, Vince deeply appreciates the significance of cultivating meaningful relationships with individuals and organizations alike. He values the opportunity to contribute to a community that consistently supports its residents and local businesses. In previous years, the Rehoboth Beach Village Improvement Association undertook the distinguished Designer Showhouse project. This event invited various interior designers from the region to transform one or two rooms within a selected home, leveraging their creativity and industry expertise to showcase their talents. DCOR has proudly participated in this event for many years. The firm contributes similarly to the Rehoboth Art League Cottage Tour, further demonstrating its commitment to community engagement and the arts. Vince remains dedicated to fostering these collaborative efforts and looks forward to continuing DCOR’s active role in enriching the cultural fabric of the Rehoboth Beach community.
One of the rewarding moments in Vince’s life was when he became a United States citizen in 2017. This achievement represented a profound moment of pride and personal accomplishment. For Vince, becoming an official citizen was not only a symbolic affirmation of his commitment to the country but also a treasured status. “Growing up, the United States embodied the ideal of freedom and opportunity,” Vince says. He was deeply inspired by the notion that, through hard work and determination, anyone in this country could achieve genuine success.
If Vince were to offer guidance to his 18-year-old self, he would emphasize the importance of remaining fully present and focused, recognizing that life passes swiftly. He advises, “Prioritize your time on pursuits that genuinely fulfill you and bring true happiness.” Clients of DCOR can take confidence in Vince’s unwavering commitment to this philosophy, as he consistently dedicates himself to ensuring their satisfaction and delivering exceptional results.
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This column provides an opportunity for readers to connect with the personal side of business leaders in area communities. Many of our local business owners and CEOs are thought leaders in their community, and they can provide valuable insights and ideas on issues of common interest to all of us. Successful businesses are essential for a healthy and growing society, especially as people continue to move to this area looking for employment opportunities. This column will highlight leaders who are not only successful, but also making a difference in our communities.
Jeffrey Fried was an executive in the healthcare industry for over 40 years, including serving as the president/CEO of Beebe Healthcare for 24 years. After leaving Beebe Healthcare, Jeff started his own consulting and executive coaching business and has coached other executive in a wide variety of industries. In addition, Jeff has partnered with a company called Vistage, the oldest executive development and coaching company in the country. He serves as a Vistage chair on the Delmarva Peninsula, where he supports a local group of business owners and CEOs. Jeff and his wife Sherry reside outside Lewes and have three children, six grandchildren and two rescue dogs.
