Less than a decade ago, the Felbers were both busy with their own careers. Richard, a contractor, needed space for paperwork, while Nancy, involved with real estate investment, wanted to avoid cluttered paperwork around the house.

Richard went to the drawing board and came up with a design for a computer desk unit that could be folded and closed up like an armoire. He began building the desks for others, working from his garage. The idea was a success -- at a local home show, the couple sold nine units in one weekend.

By 1994, the Felbers had secured a patent and started their own business, Pocket Office. They also moved out of the garage and into a Taylor Road complex containing offices, a showroom and a manufacturing warehouse.

The Pocket Office found a very comfortable market in Southwest Florida's part-time residents, who are low on space but still need somewhere to put their computers. "I think one of the most important aspects of this business is we're a niche business," Nancy says. "I think that's what has made us so successful."

The flood of local sales also enabled the business to position for growth. The Felbers made a substantial investment in state-of the-art equipment and hired an in-house production team to ensure quick turnover time. They traveled to national trade shows, winning the New Product of the Year Award from the Business Products Industry Association and a NeoCon silver medal.

In 1995, the first full year of operation, Pocket Office had a volume of about $200,000. The number has climbed to more than $1 million.

The Felbers have established contacts with furniture stores, mostly in Florida. Thirty-five retailers presently carry the Pocket Office system, although direct sales through the showroom still make up a good portion of sales. The company is also beginning to test the water in the market for pullout beds and entertainment centers.

Family members often take part in the business, and Richard's brother Ted heads the shop. The company has indeed become a way of life for the Felber clan and the "very loyal" Pocket Office staff of about 10. "We talk Pocket Office all the time," Nancy laughs.

And if the orders continue to come in as they have, the Felbers can expect to keep talking Pocket Office for quite some time.