From 1988 to 2001, Friedman operated for Williams-Sonoma, Inc., where he acted in different capabilities, including as the chief operating officer and president from May 2000 to March 2001, and as a chief merchandising officer and Director of Retail Stores for both Williams-Sonoma and Pottery Barn brands from 1992 to 2000.
However, he was nominated president and chief executive officer of Restoration Hardware in June 2011 and acted as a co-chief executive officer since 2001. On August 16, 2012, he stepped down after an apparent relationship with a 26-year-old female subordinate employee. Friedman was reappointed chairman and co-CEO of the board for Restoration Hardware in July 2013.
