At age 25, Susan Pilato and her business partner, Donna Counts, created what is now known as PC&A Business Environments. With a focus on corporate environments, they began with an office in Norfolk, Virginia, and have expanded to Richmond. When one of their largest clients made the use of solid wood desks the standard for its offices, PC&A quickly came to appreciate the sustainability and longevity of solid wood furniture. These were the early-stage values which would vault Susan’s next business venture.

In 2018, Mantra Inspired Furniture (MIF) was born. MIF is named for a simple code of ethics - 8 Mantras - passed down from Susan’s father. As a further tribute to her father’s legacy, MIF incorporates the mantras into the design and foundation of solid wood furniture that is crafted by the Amish community in Ohio. Responsibility towards others and our earth are themes throughout MIF, its code, and its family of employees. Education is an important part of the philosophy, so that consumers understand the true differences between MDF, particle board and real solid wood and their effects on the environment. With a mission never to have MIF furniture end up in landfills, the products are built to last for generations. MIF was created by designers, for designers – to give them the opportunity to explore their creativity within the MIF innovative product suite.

Currently Susan serves on the Bon Secours Hampton Roads Foundation Board, is an Advisory Board Member for Radford University’s Design Program, is Commissioner and Vice Chair for the Norfolk Airport Authority, a Board Member of the Greater Norfolk Corporation, a board member of Envision Lead Grow, the Chairperson for the Give Back 2 Da Block board, and a TowneBank Norfolk Regional Board member.