The Trend Report - Insights on Office Furniture, Contract Interiors & Workplace Design

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So often when a company talks about the good deeds they’re doing in the world, the goal is to boost their marketing efforts and expand their bottom line. It’s a gimmick. This is not the case at Special-T. Listen as Brandon Rayburn, the new president of Special-T, shares all about the little table company with a BIG mission. 

Early on in his life Brandon found himself traveling down a dark and scary path. He was abusing alcohol and drugs and he was spiraling down a path of no return. Finally his wife told him that he needed to clean up his act or he needed to leave. 

It was her acknowledgement of his problems that made him realize how far he’d fallen. He found an in-person rehab facility and program called No Longer Bound and committed 12 months of his life to finding his way back from his addictions so he could be the husband and father he needed to be. 

Before he’d even left the program, the then president of Special-T came on property and offered him a job at the company. He started in the warehouse making tables and eventually moved up through design, into sales and marketing, then into dealer relationships. Now he’s the president of the company.

Listen in to hear all about his story and how Special-T has made waves in their community and in our industry. These are the stories I love to highlight because we should all be looking for ways to reach back and pull up the person behind us. Special-T delivers on that mission!

In this episode:

[02:05] Brandon Rayburn talks a little about Special T and the work he does there.
[03:57] Learn about the mission behind the company.
[07:26] Listen as Brandon shares the biggest benefits of working with independent reps.
[11:13] Brandon shares the story behind his introduction to the industry and Special-T.
[15:31] “Acknowledging that you need help is the hardest first step anyone makes.”
[19:32] He realized that his way ended up in a 12 month rehab so he started listening to other people and allowed himself to accept help.
[22:25] Learn about the culture they’ve built at Special-T.
[24:38] Over 100 people have gone through the recovery program that Special-T offers.
[27:18] What’s coming up in Special-T’s future? 
[30:12] Brandon’s final thoughts for the listeners.
[33:13] Connect with Brandon.

Links & Resources:

INDEAL University
Support The Trend Report Podcast
No Longer Bound
Win In The Dark by Joshua Medcalf

Connect with Brandon:

Special-T
Email | LinkedIN

Connect with Sid:

www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows

The Trend Report is proudly sponsored by INDEAL U. Partners in progress in the commercial interiors industry. To learn more about INDEAL U, please visit their website athttps://www.indeal.org/

The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link:https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License:http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired.

Connect with Sid:

Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com
Podcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast

Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube

The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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When you’ve spent years in the industry, you get a handle on the ins and outs, good and bad, and figure out how we can make lasting and impactful changes in how we do business. But for many of us in the US, the status quo is perfectly fine. Not so for Jeff Thompson, which is why he’s ecstatic to introduce the US to Schiavello and all the ways they’re breaking the rules. 

Jeff, like many of us, fell into the furniture industry by accident… and then never left. He initially sold ad space for Apartment Guide and worked on selling ad space to CORT Furniture. This was back when they were renting furniture to Hermann Miller and other dealers who needed short-term solutions.

He continued on his journey working with dealers, brands, and various product lines until he made his way to Schiavello. They are an Australian brand looking to go-to-market here in the United States and they enlisted his help to launch since he’s done it successfully for other brands. 

It’s interesting though. The owners and contributing principals of Schiavello did NOT want to change their way of doing business to fit the US model. They pride themselves on creating solutions specific to each customer. 

What’s the point of cookie cutter, one-size fits all solutions, when you can own the process from top to bottom each and every time? 

Listen as Jeff shares more about Schiavello, their goals here in the US, and why they have no intention of shifting their model to fit the US mold. They are truly breaking the rules and I’m excited to see how their philosophy, along with other changes in the industry, transforms the way we do business. 

In this episode:

[02:21] Jeff Thompson shares his journey in the furniture industry.

[06:29] Who is Schiavello and what do they offer?

[09:24] The sales structure in Australia is completely different than in the US.

[12:33] What makes Schiavello different?

[22:02] How Schiavello is disrupting the industry.

[24:44] I believe we as an industry don’t want to break the rules, but we should!

[28:49] Why Schiavello decided to bring their products to North America.

[31:03] Their go-to-market strategy.

[36:38] Learn about the companies Schiavello owns and their Winery.

[38:27] Connect with Jeff.

Links & Resources:

INDEAL University

Support The Trend Report Podcast

Connect with Jeff:

Email | LinkedIn

Schiavello

Facebook | Twitter

Connect with Sid:

www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows

The Trend Report is proudly sponsored by INDEAL U. Partners in progress in the commercial interiors industry. To learn more about INDEAL U, please visit their website athttps://www.indeal.org/

The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link:https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License:http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired.

Connect with Sid:

Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com
Podcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast

Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube

The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Sometimes those clients who seem like they’re too good to be true, really are just that amazing. When Barbara and Anthony Brandt, a mom and son team, came to Bill Grant to help them build a new brand, he didn’t think they were real. 

Together they were able to build and launch an entirely new brand all while exclusively using Zoom to communicate.

They believe in creating real, handmade furniture that’s crafted here in the United States. They’re also decentralizing manufacturing to better serve the local areas where they sell. Additionally, they are doing all of their sales in house. 

Growing a business organically by cultivating long-lasting relationships and solving their customers' problems is the key to their marketing efforts. In their mind, they don’t sell furniture, they sell solutions. 

Listen in to hear all about their journey, their brand, and how it’s all come together in just a couple short years, despite the pandemic.

In this episode:

[01:45] Welcome to the show, Anthony Brandt and Bill Grant!

[03:41] Listen as Anthony discusses the start of the company and the journey to what is now Plural.

[09:45] The process behind their marketing.

[13:04] How relationships are the foundation of the industry.

[14:46] Where the name Plural came from.

[19:44] Plural’s approach to manufacturing.

[22:56] The huge advantage Plural see’s with their way of manufacturing.

[28:11] The different ways Plural approaches sales.

[32:49] “When you start doing the right things for the right reasons you will attract the right customers.” 

[39:11] Their philosophy behind product creation.

[39:44] Why their customer base has grown so quickly.

[45:51] Connect with Anthony and Bill.

Links & Resources:

INDEAL University

Support The Trend Report Podcast

Episode 52 - A Conversation About Product Design with Brian Graham

Episode 57 - The Power of Color with Laura Guido-Clark

Connect with Anthony:

Plural Studios

Email | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook

Connect with Bill:

Grant Design Collaborative

Email | Instagram

Connect with Sid:

www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows

The Trend Report is proudly sponsored by INDEAL U. Partners in progress in the commercial interiors industry. To learn more about INDEAL U, please visit their website athttps://www.indeal.org/

The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link:https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License:http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired.

Connect with Sid:

Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com
Podcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast

Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube

The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Welcome back to the Trevor Report. This is the final installment of this podcast takeover and I hope you’ve taken away some fantastic insights about the next generation of the industry from our second, third, and fourth generation converts. 

This week Trevor is chatting with Justin Wendholt, owner and president of Stemle. Not only is he sharing how he came to acquire Stemle, he’s also providing fantastic insights into how he’s changing the company and impacting the industry. 

One of the most beneficial things about the contract interiors per Justin is the amazing breadth of opportunity to be had. No matter what specialty you’re in, there are so many avenues for growth, development, and advancement that it should be easy to bring a new generation in. 

But as we all know, that’s not been the case. 

It’s important that the industry continues to develop and change along with newfound sentiments. For instance, companies need to have a higher level of flexibility with their employees because of the focus on creating a better work/life balance. 

Listen in as Justin discusses the changes he’s seen, what we still need to work on, and his advice to anyone looking to join our industry. 

Have you enjoyed The Trevor Report? 

In this episode:

[02:29] Welcome to the show, Justin!

[03:22] He shares his journey through the industry and how he got to where he is today.

[06:40] He talks about the challenges and opportunities he found being the owner of Stemle.

[08:58] Justin believes it’s smart to take things slow when making changes in an established company.

[10:36] The changes he’d like to see in the industry going forward.

[13:31] Hear his advice for anyone coming into the industry and some hiring practices he’s had success with.

[17:31] Why the opportunity for growth is one of the pros of the industry. 

[19:52] Ways he’s been able to generate visibility in the last few months.

[23:25] Trevor and Justin chat about the challenges of Zoom calls when working from home.

[25:15] How Justin explains what a rep group is to people who have no idea about the industry.

[27:48] Justin’s goals for the future.

[29:47] His last bit of advice for the listeners.

Links & Resources:

INDEAL

INDEAL University

Support the Trend Report

Connect with Justin:

Stemle & Associates Inc.

LinkedIn

Connect with Trevor:

LinkedIn | Email

Connect with Sid:

www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows

The Trend Report is proudly sponsored by INDEAL U. Partners in progress in the commercial interiors industry. To learn more about INDEAL U, please visit their website athttps://www.indeal.org/

The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link:https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License:http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired.

Connect with Sid:

Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com
Podcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast

Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube

The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Trevor continues his takeover with a discussion about the sales and dealer community. Will Dvorak is a second generation industry employee who is making waves in his niche. Listen as he shares his thoughts and insights on the industry as a whole and how we can attract new blood. 

Will’s family owns Workscapes, but knew that it would be better for him to experience the industry outside of their business before coming back. He left to go work and sell in California and he did an amazing job. 

When they decided to open a new location in Tampa, he had a hard decision to make. Stay and keep making some amazing money, or come back and develop a whole new area of business for his family’s business. 

He decided to come back and he’s done an amazing job building out their business in Florida. 

One of the things that he’s adamant about in bringing the next generation into the industry is the use of technology. The current process is long and complicated for reasons that don’t make sense anymore. The next generation isn’t just going to come into the industry, they’re also going to become our buyers. 

They want a faster process!

Listen in to hear his thoughts and learn more about what he thinks it will take to make the industry more visible and desirable for the next generation. 

In this episode:

[02:11] Welcome to the show, Will!

[02:25] He shares who he is and what he does.

[08:43] He discusses joining the family business.

[11:25] Listen as Will shares some great opportunities he sees in the industry.

[14:09] His thoughts on why coming into this industry has so many possibilities and a message for new recruits.

[17:18] He speaks about some of the changes that are exciting.

[20:30] There are many people in the industry who are still doing things the way they did 15 years ago.

[22:18] He talks about the KISS method, keep it simple, stupid.

[24:57] Will shares his insights into starting out in the industry.

[27:26] The industry is very small and he says to never burn any bridges.

[29:40] His goals over the next 15 to 20 years.

[31:18] He shares a piece of advice for the listeners.

[33:20] Thank you so much for being on the show!

Links & Resources:

INDEAL

INDEAL University

Support the Trend Report

Connect with Will:

Workscapes - Orlando

LinkedIn

Connect with Trevor:

LinkedIn | Email

Connect with Sid:

www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows

The Trend Report is proudly sponsored by INDEAL U. Partners in progress in the commercial interiors industry. To learn more about INDEAL U, please visit their website athttps://www.indeal.org/

The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link:https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License:http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired.

Connect with Sid:

Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com
Podcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast

Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube

The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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We’re back with another Trevor Report. Trevor planned to focus on second generation contract interiors employees, but his next guest recently found out that his lineage goes back even further. Liam Kirkbride is a fourth generation in the industry and has some amazing insights to share about the manufacturing side of the business. 

He is extremely excited about the direction technology is going in the industry and has lots of ideas on how it can enhance the buyer and manufacturing experience even more. One of his favorite things about his roles is how creative he gets to be. 

For instance, as compared with the automotive industry which is also big in his area, he’s able to see a project through from start to finish. Rather than building the one car, you get to see how the design of a space impacts mood, emotion, productivity and more. 

Liam's thoughts on how to bring young people into the industry are spot on. We need to get out there and talk about the industry more. Start showing kids in high school and college why the contract interiors industry is the place to be. Listen in to hear all about his story and the direction he sees the industry going in the future. 

In this episode:

[02:31] Welcome to the show, Liam!
[02:52] He shares his role with Davis Furniture.
[04:50] Learn about his journey and growing up in the industry as a 4th generation.
[08:36] The advantages and disadvantages of being a 4th generation.
[10:39] He talks about what stands out in the industry.
[12:51] What he loves about the industry.
[16:01] He discusses the huge opportunities he sees in the contract furniture industry.
[17:58] Other technologies he believes could be beneficial to the industry.
[20:07] Ways to bring younger individuals into the industry and how to keep them engaged.
[26:11] Liam's perspective on supply chain issues.
[29:19] Listen as Liam gives his ideas on ways to get younger people into the manufacturing side.
[33:25] He challenges leaders to go out and build trust with the younger generation and expose them to the industry.
[34:52] Thank you for being on the show! 

Links & Resources:

INDEAL

INDEAL University

Support the Trend Report

Connect with Liam:

Davis Furniture

LinkedIn

Connect with Trevor:

LinkedIn | Email

Connect with Sid:

www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows

The Trend Report is proudly sponsored by INDEAL U. Partners in progress in the commercial interiors industry. To learn more about INDEAL U, please visit their website athttps://www.indeal.org/

The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link:https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License:http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired.

Connect with Sid:

Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com
Podcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast

Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube

The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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The Trend Report is no more! Just kidding. Trevor Bloch of INDEAL University is taking over for the month of March to bring a new perspective to the show and about the industry. He’s going to be chatting with second generation newcomers in various specialties of contract interiors. 

To start it all off, Trevor is chatting with Chelsea King of King Business Interiors. They’re a family and female owned and operated design firm changing the way we create spaces. 

It’s amazing to hear Chelsea’s take on ways dealers can take advantage of the time that we’re in. In some areas of the world, it seems like things are still locked down tight, but in others things are back to “normal” but with a twist. 

There’s a definite focus on switching the 8 to 5 mindset for a productive and efficient one. Instead of creating spaces designed for maximum occupancy, we need to focus on crafting areas that people want to be in. 

Chelsea’s thoughts and insights are extremely interesting and I believe they speak to the new direction the world is going in as a whole. What do you think? Is there going to be a true “new normal” in the contract interiors industry? Or will we go back to pre-pandemic business as usual? 

In this episode:

[02:57] Welcome to the show, Chelsea!

[03:34] She shares her role at King Business Interiors.

[04:37] Listen as Chelsea discusses her journey in the industry.

[06:17] She shares her perspective of coming up as a 2nd generation in the industry.

[09:04] She gives some tips for others who are experimenting with live design.

[11:30] Chelsea talks about what she would encourage 2nd generations to get involved with when entering the industry.

[13:46] She discusses the inspirations and goals she has as a 2nd generation in contract furniture.

[16:19] She shares some of the biggest opportunities she sees for the industry in the future.

[19:10] She talks about opportunities for dealers in the industry as a whole.

[21:22] Chelsea speaks about the three top things she thinks new employees should surround themselves within the industry.

[28:02] “It’s easy to get stuck in your day-to-day.” 

[29:36] Thank you so much for being on the show!

Links & Resources:

INDEAL

INDEAL University

Support the Trend Report

Connect with Chelsea:

King Business Interiors

LinkedIn

Connect with Trevor:

LinkedIn | Email

Connect with Sid:

www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows

The Trend Report is proudly sponsored by INDEAL U. Partners in progress in the commercial interiors industry. To learn more about INDEAL U, please visit their website athttps://www.indeal.org/

The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link:https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License:http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired.

Connect with Sid:

Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com
Podcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast

Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube

The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us Fan Mail

As an industry, we need to start finding ways to attract new blood. Many of us fell into our careers by accident and some have come in through their parents. The journey of the second generation is one to watch so that we can figure out how to bring in the younger crowd. 

Trevor Bloch is one such second generation newcomer and he is making waves. His father has been in the industry for many years, and Trevor had no clue what he did. Prior to joining the contract interiors space, he was involved in sports and didn’t intend to work with his dad. 

He has become the face of INDEAL U and has worked hard to learn the industry inside and out. With INDEAL he is helping to develop training and overall support for all areas of contract interiors and to do that, he had to dive deep. 

It hasn’t been easy though. Inherent in being associated with someone so well known in the industry is the belief that he hasn’t had to work for the position he has. Trevor doesn’t let the negativity get him down though. Instead he faces it head on and just keeps doing the best work that he can.

Listen as he shares more of his story and why he’s so happy he’s decided to join the contract interiors industry. Also, get ready to hear more of his voice as Trevor will be taking over The Trend Report for the month of March! 

What are your thoughts on the 2nd generation? Are they the key to breathing new life into our industry? 

In this episode:

[02:36] Welcome to the show, Trevor!

[02:47] He shares his position with INDEAL.

[03:44] Learn about his background and how he got into the industry.

[05:23] Listen as Trevor discusses the first things he did when he started with INDEAL.

[08:20] He shares his very first job with INDEAL.

[11:22] He talks about the different things he hosts on INDEAL.

[15:17] He explains the live virtual sessions they have.

[19:27] He talks about what it’s like to work with his dad.

[21:22] How he made his place in the company and how he fought the stigma of being 2nd generation.

[24:29] Listen as Trevor gives some advice for a 2nd generation coming into the industry.

[26:28] Trevor is going to take over The Trend Report for the month of March and it will be called The Trevor Report.

[31:29] He talks about the future of the industry.

[34:48] Find out how to connect with Trevor.

[35:21] Thank you for listening!

Links & Resources:

INDEAL

INDEAL University

Support the Trend Report

Connect with Trevor:

LinkedIn | Email

Connect with Sid:

www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows

The Trend Report is proudly sponsored by INDEAL U. Partners in progress in the commercial interiors industry. To learn more about INDEAL U, please visit their website athttps://www.indeal.org/

The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link:https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License:http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired.

Connect with Sid:

Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com
Podcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast

Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube

The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us Fan Mail

You might not think personal branding, yoga, and the contract interiors space go together, but Danika Leeks approaches our industry in a very unique way. Listen as we chat about her career and why her personal brand has made all the difference in the world for her growth and longevity. 

Danika, like most of us, fell into this industry by accident, but she’s loved it from day one. When she was finally given the chance to sell, everything just got better. She’s now a multi-line rep who is well known throughout the industry as a whole due to her amazing personality and her signature color. 

She has cultivated her personal brand to be a true representation of her personality, style, and values and people love her for it. She lives to love on those in her sphere which is why she now offers yoga sessions for people in the industry as well. 

Who needs a stuffy lunch and learn when you can have a yoga session instead? 

Danika is full of amazing advice and insights into the industry. You won’t want to miss out on this conversation. Especially as we discuss ways we can diversify our industry and why it’s up to all of us to bring the next generation into the fold.

In this episode:

[02:22] Welcome to the show, Danika!
[03:45] How she got into the industry.
[09:12] Her thoughts on why there are so few minorities in their industry.
[11:50] I share my first experience working with a designer.
[13:11] “When you design a space you are affecting someone’s life.”
[15:32] What she’s doing to keep connected with people in all areas of the furniture industry.
[18:51] How she stays top of mind so that when someone needs furniture she is the first call.
[20:17] She shares about an ashram she loves to go to in the Bahamas.
[22:06] She even teaches virtual yoga twice a month for designers and others.
[23:00] How she implements education about her products through her yoga.
[25:32] “At the end of the day, people do business with people.”
[28:04] She speaks about what she thinks the industry will look like going forward.
[31:49] Listen as Danika shares some final words with the listeners.
[33:18] Thank you for being on the show!

Links & Resources:

INDEAL University
REACH Regulations

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Episode 73 - Creative A+D Strategies with Christian Jones

Connect with Danika:

Danika & Co

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Connect with Sid:

www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows

The Trend Report is proudly sponsored by INDEAL U. Partners in progress in the commercial interiors industry. To learn more about INDEAL U, please visit their website athttps://www.indeal.org/

The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link:https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License:http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired.

Connect with Sid:

Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com
Podcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast

Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube

The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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When you hear the word leather, what’s your first thought? For so many, the belief is that leather is a dying textile because it’s environmentally unsustainable and contributes to cruelty to animals. Simone and Keith of Green Hides join me to share about the innovative products they create and to clear up some misconceptions about the industry as a whole. 

First, let’s clear up some misconceptions.

Leather honors the life of an animal whose hide would otherwise be discarded. Collectively, the leather industry reduces landfill waste by 2.9 billion pounds annually by diverting a natural byproduct of the meat industry. 

More importantly, Green Hides has created leather products that are able to be disinfected with chemical cleaners and retain their look. 

Listen in to hear the story behind Green Hides and why they work directly with the dealer community. 

In this episode:

[02:38] Welcome to the show, Keith and Simone!
[02:58] Keith shares what Green Hides is all about.
[03:47] Simone speaks about starting Green Hides and moving to the US from Italy.
[07:02] Keith talks about his background before working with Simone.
[09:58] They discuss the benefits of being in shared ownership with a tannery.
[13:30] Simone speaks about the trends in leather and how Green Hides is usually ahead of the design community.
[15:21] Keith discusses the types of leather they offer.
[17:43] They talk about aggressively getting involved with the dealer community.
[19:22] They discuss the top-secret bleach cleanable leathers they offer.
[24:38] Keith shares how many bleach-cleanable leathers they provide.
[30:04] Listen as they discuss the dealer community’s benefits by dealing directly with Green Hides.
[34:00] They talk about what they see coming in the future for textiles.
[38:01] 2.9 billion pounds of waste by-product is generated by the furniture industry.
[41:18] Thank you both for being on the show!

Links & Resources:

INDEAL University
REACH Regulations

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Connect with Keith & Simone

Simone Lagnerini LinkedIn
Keith Hill LinkedIn
Green Hides Leather Studio
Bleach Cleanable Leathers
Chicago Merchandise Mart Showroom 11-114
Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Connect with Sid:

www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows

The Trend Report is proudly sponsored by INDEAL U. Partners in progress in the commercial interiors industry. To learn more about INDEAL U, please visit their website athttps://www.indeal.org/

The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link:https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License:http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired.

Connect with Sid:

Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com
Podcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast

Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube

The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/