Catching up with Joe Ruggiero

Posted by Linda Merrill on April 19, 2011

This week, we sat down with Joe Ruggiero, a man who has done it all in the design industry. From broadcaster to pitchman, marketing guru and product designer, Joe's career has touched on all facets of the industry and it was fascinating to hear how he was always ready to seize the opportunities as they presented themselves. We discussed his beautiful collections of furnishings, casegoods, outdoor furniture and Sunbrella fabrics (which he uses indoors and out).

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Comments

Joe Ruggiero said…

I thought you did a great job of digging for the story. Thank you all and now let's get this on television.

April 19, 2011 at 6:32 PM

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said…

Enjoyed this roundtable with Joe. I've always enjoyed watching him on TV. Love his enthusiasm!

April 20, 2011 at 12:13 AM

Chris LeGoff said…

I've always admired Joe Ruggiero's work so seeing it here with such terrific examples has made my day. Thanks!

April 20, 2011 at 8:09 AM

Scot Meacham Wood said…

and yet another great interview - isn't Joe just the best!?!??! Such style, so well-spoken, and such amazing enthusiasm for design.

Cheers,
Scot

April 20, 2011 at 8:23 AM

cindy hattersley design said…

Another great interview ladies. Our house was featured many years ago on Homes Acrosss America. He was so kind and approachable! A pleasure to work with and a consumate pro.

April 20, 2011 at 11:52 AM

Laura Davidson said…

Joe is a pleasure to meet, and an inspiration! His designs with fabrics and frames are impeccable, as usual!

April 20, 2011 at 2:25 PM

Anonymous said…

Yes, please do a pop up store on Montana! This was a great interview. I miss real designers on HGTV, and Joe had the best show. Maddie

April 20, 2011 at 3:56 PM

Dianne said…

What a lovely gentleman!!! I miss real designers on HGTV, especially him. He is the best of the best!!! A dinner conversation with him would be a dream come true! Great interview girls....get it on TV!

April 20, 2011 at 6:28 PM

Terry said…

Thanks so much, there is still nothing like this. To Mr. Ruggiero, thanks so much for taking the time to talk with us via the Great Skirted Ones.

April 20, 2011 at 10:04 PM

ANNiE Hall said…

Love Mr. Ruggiero's sense of style. It's not only timeless and classic, but gorgeous. It seems achievable and easy to live with. I'd love to occupy the space between his ears for a day. There's something about his voice that I find ever so comforting as well. When I've seen him on the tele, I'm transported.
Cheers, ANNiE (Artist & Author of Oddnia)

April 21, 2011 at 2:19 PM

Kare said…

I have two dog earred copies of Traditional Home Sept 2006featuring his home and garden. His backyard is a slice of heaven!!!!

Karen

April 22, 2011 at 2:07 AM

Anonymous said…

What a pleasure! Homes Across America was my favorite show on HGTV for a long time . . . I wish he could bring it back!

What a gentleman.

Jennifer

April 22, 2011 at 1:23 PM

Anonymous said…

Please bring the Joe Ruggieros and Kitty Bartholomews back to HGTV. Cannot even watch HGTV anymore with all the silly, tacky makeover shows. Miss oogling over the beautiful homes and gardens that were so graciously introduced by the likes of Mr. Ruggiero. Great interview, ladies!

April 25, 2011 at 8:16 PM

Regine said…

Wow, what fun this morning to hear you all sharing this design pioneer with us.
It was great to conjure up my early HGTV memories of he, Bartholomew, Chris Madden. Lordy, the show with Leslie Uggams I had totally forgotten about!
What is most interesting to me is his constant moving ahead and innovative attitude!
His closing comments were great. Encouraging you three to take it up a notch and for everyone to follow opportunities.

April 26, 2011 at 6:46 AM

Karena said…

A great interview! Really enjoyed listening to Joe and all of his ventures!

I agree with Joni The Sunbrella fabrics are just amazing for indoor lines, the look of silk etc.

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

April 26, 2011 at 10:00 AM

Teacats said…

Fantastic interview! What a charming man! He MUST do another book! And I just adored Homes Across America -- and I certainly wish that HGTV would bring this who back -- the whole channel has suffered without such wonderful shows!

Jan at Rosemary Cottage

April 27, 2011 at 6:54 AM

Anonymous said…

Loved the interview! Please forward these comments to HGTV! I might actually watch again if they would get more shows like Homes Across America! I would even like to see the reruns. A few years back I contacted HGTV to see if I could buy Copies of HAA and was told they are not available. I emailed Joe and he responded and called me!
Tina Ramer

April 27, 2011 at 11:26 PM

Savvy in the Suburbs said…

I've always loved Joe Ruggiero! Great post!

April 28, 2011 at 2:38 PM

Unknown said…

Wonderful interview!
I remember many years ago, when I first came to the States in 1994, it all just started and Architectural Digest was the magazine which kicked off my interest in Interior Design. I have watched his show from the start.
He is so charming, down to earth! I miss his presence at HGTV! He has such background in everything! Talk of multitasking!
I really hate how HGTV is now down to sales shows at prime time.
(My prime time anyway!)
Reinventing is Joe's middle name!
Just fabulous!
Keep following your dream!

Thank you ladies of SRT!

April 28, 2011 at 6:45 PM