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

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The office furniture industry, as you likely know, is an amazing industry with a wide range of job opportunities. However, we’ve struggled with diversifying our workforce and leadership teams. Michelle Warren of Catalyst Consulting Group joins me to chat about women and diversity in the office furniture industry. Listen in to learn more!

Michelle and I have known each other and worked around and with each other for many years. Even now, we don’t work together but we’ve both started our own businesses that support others in the contract interiors space. 

It’s so important to invest in taking the time to diversify and make inclusion intentional. 

Listen in to hear all of Michelle’s tips. 

In this episode: 

[02:28] Welcome to the show, Michelle! 

[03:09] Learn more about Michelle and her background in the contract interiors industry. 

[05:59] The relationships you develop in this industry are the most powerful part about it. 

[07:31] What does she do with Catalyst Consulting? 

[10:05] She’s found and learned about so many different businesses through Catalyst. 

[11:15] Why has she moved into the government space? 

[14:18] How the public sector differs from the private sector. 

[16:11] Learn more about her experience in this industry as a woman. 

[19:37] Ways bringing diverse voices to the table elevates the industry. 

[20:57] Which is her favorite personality assessment? 

[23:23] What advice would she give to leaders in the industry when working towards inclusion? 

[26:30] Why Michelle thinks Dovetail is important? 

[30:16] Common misconceptions about the office furniture industry. 

[31:26] Hear some of the changes Michelle has been seeing in the industry. 

[36:41] Michelle is now a writer. Learn more!

[39:37] I have a new podcast coming out! Check out The Amazing Entrepreneurs Club.

[41:25] Connect with Michelle.

Links & Resources: 

INDEAL University

Episode 64 - Introducing Dovetail with Stefani Ince

DISC Personality Assessment

Working Genius Assessment

The Amazing Entrepreneurs Club

Connect with Michelle:

Catalyst Consulting Group

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 furniture industry is filled with family businesses. But what happens when one of our amazing colleagues passes? Evan Lagueruela and I are talking about the transition of his family business, Trinity Furniture.

Evan and I met at Spring Breakout. I was fascinated by the story of his family business and asked if he’d be willing to come on the podcast. Instead he recommended that his dad join me. We had a wonderful discovery call but before we could actually sit down and record for the show, Mr. Lagueruela passed away from cancer. 

Rather than let their story go untold, Evan took to the mic to share his family’s story and let us know how Trinity Furniture is evolving with the changes. 

Listen as Evan shares the direction of the company, how they’re making waves in the renewables space, and what they’re doing to combat their image as traditional furniture makers. I know I say it often, but this truly was a powerful conversation that you won’t want to miss. 

In this episode: 

[02:20] Welcome to the show, Evan!
[04:40] He shares his background and his role with Trinity Furniture today.
[05:34] He talks about when he came back to the family business.
[07:22] Listen as Evan shares a story about his father’s journey from Cuba to the United States.
[10:57] He discusses how his father got into the furniture business.
[12:36] With $1000 they started Trinity Furniture in 1984.
[14:08] Evan speaks about the first piece of furniture they made.
[17:19] He shares what he believes was the pivotal moment his father had that boosted Trinity Furniture to where they are today.
[19:45] He talks about the Facelift product and the success they’ve had with this renewable product.
[23:42] Listen as Evan discusses the steps that led to him taking over the family business.
[27:50] He shares where the company is going in the future.
[30:00] He speaks about the legacy collection that they are still producing.
[31:47] He talks about the vision he has for Trinity in the next 5 to 10 years.
[34:30] Trinity Furniture leads by example and remains made in America with all American parts.
[35:30] He gives us a glimpse into the new product development Trinity is working on.
[38:50] “There is so much to be said about the power of small businesses.”
[40:41] Thank you for being on the show! 

Links & Resources:
INDEAL University

Connect with Evan:
Trinity Furniture
LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
Evan’s 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 hear the word “networking” what goes through your mind? What does networking mean to you? This topic has been on my mind as the networking process changes with the times. Listen in to hear tips and strategies for networking in a hybrid world. 

To me, networking is about creating long term professional relationships. When you build them and cultivate them the right way, you’ll see the results in all areas of your professional life. But how can you network in this landscape? 

What we’re seeing are three different models, in-person, virtual, and a hybrid version. In-person seems to be unsustainable, virtual is great but harder to follow through, but what about this hybrid model? Having the option of in-person or virtual allows so many more people to attend which means you have the benefit of meeting so many more people.

So what are the best practices for networking in a hybrid world? 

First, have a plan. Know what you want to get out of the event and who you’d like to meet. Second, you need to know your business and offers inside and out. Next you’ll need to shift your focus and set your goals. 

Listen in to learn more about the Bs of networking and why it’s essential that you shift your views on networking as the world continues to evolve in a post-pandemic world.

In this episode: 

[01:41] Welcome to this solo episode on Networking!

[03:19] I want to give some tips and ideas on solving the issue of networking in this changing world.

[05:55] I believe it’s going to be harder to have in-person networking events.

[06:39] Virtual networking has many benefits, even if you are tired of Zoom calls.

[07:41] People are starting to embrace hybrid networking events.

[09:20] Social networking creates an amazing opportunity to connect with people.

[10:02] Listen as I discuss what I call the Bs of networking.

[11:09] I now share the four best practices I believe you need to be thinking about when networking in a hybrid world.

[11:15] #1 Have a plan.

[12:30] #2 Know thyself, your pitch needs to be rehearsed and practiced.

[14:57] #3 Shift your focus.

[16:59] #4 Set goals.

[19:00] Listen as I share some places I believe you should go to for networking.

[19:10] LinkedIn is my favorite tool for networking with people.

[20:38] Clubhouse is where I hang out every day.

[23:56] Eventbrite is another great tool.

[26:23] I share a few others that I’m hearing good things about.

[27:47] I hope you found this episode beneficial.

Links & Resources: 

INDEAL University

The Business of Furniture

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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It’s amazing how the stars align when you find a solution to a problem and then set out to help other people. This is a fundamental part of entrepreneurship and building successful businesses, but Nora Fenlon genuinely just wanted to help others. Listen as she shares why seating is the center of the universe and how she’s helping to change industry overall. 

Nora incidentally found herself drawn to the world of seating after being involved with a product designed to help posture. She suffers from scoliosis and low back pain, and the product dramatically reduced her pain. 

She joined Via Seating and is now helping to change the world of seating with new and innovative designs that solve problems in all industries. 

Listen as she shares several stories about creating innovative textiles and designs that revolutionized seating in healthcare. She also dives deep into the ethos of Via Seating and why she’s proud to be a part of the team. 

In this episode: 

[03:28] Listen as Nora shares her background and how she got started in the industry.

[08:24] She discusses Via Seating and what sets them apart from other manufacturers in the industry.

[11:08] She speaks about the innovative method and lead time the owner of Via created and the changes they have made in the last eight years.

[14:19] Nora discusses the innovations that have come out of listening to their customers.

[16:14] She talks about copper and why they integrated it into their designs.

[18:28] They just launched their all mesh seating solution called Onda.

[21:37] She shares the challenges she sees in the industry.

[24:30] Ergonomics is important no matter what you do or where you work.

[26:15] Listen as Nora talks about how millennials have impacted the industry.

[33:17] “If you are not on Pinterest to position your product, you need to be.”

[36:47] She shares what you can expect to see from Via Seating at NeoCon.

Links & Resources: 

INDEAL University
Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim

Connect with Nora:

Via Seating

Email | LinkedIn | YouTube

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 at https://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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Christian Jones has made his way into the furniture industry as a legacy from both his father and grandfather. He tried his hand at several different things, but made his way back to the known. Listen as we chat about the realities of doing business today and creative A&D strategies he is using to invite better conversations. 

Connecting with all the players in the industry has become increasingly more difficult. Zoom fatigue is real and finding ways to connect with designers in productive conversations is limited. This fatigue however has led to better conversations when they’re had. 

The challenges don’t stop at the Zoom issue. Their presentations have been condensed, very few people are allowed in their showrooms, and yet design choices still need to be made to finish out projects. These challenges have really spurred greater communication and collaboration. 

Listen as Christian shares more about what has changed in the industry and how he’s working to overcome the challenges presented by those changes. He’s also sharing his strategies for creatively approaching A&D teams and why flexibility is key.

In this episode: 

[02:32] Welcome to the show, Christian!

[02:41] Who he is and what he does.

[05:25] He talks about all the hats he wears at Linked Reps.

[06:55] Listen as Christian discusses the challenges he faces as an independent rep communicating with the design community.

[09:42] The dealer community is a little easier to communicate with and work with.

[13:38] Challenges he faces with the A&D community and the time he gets for presentations.

[17:19] “There is absolutely no way we can communicate who we are, what we do, and the products we sell to a very important community in 15 minutes.”

[18:41] Christian talks about some Zoom call meetings he had scheduled with design firms that no one attended and the impact it had on him.

[22:02] I give my thoughts on not showing up on calls that are on your calendar.

[26:54] Listen as Christian discusses the things he has done to connect with the A&D community.

[27:38] He talks about the Instagram videos they posted.

[36:42] “I believe this is the pinnacle of relationship marketing.”

[38:52] Christian shares the next big experience he is working on.

[42:31] Thank you so much for sharing your insights and stories!

Links & Resources: 

INDEAL University

Connect with Christian:

Linked Reps

Email | LinkedIn | 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 at https://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 biggest challenge to business owners today is the mind shift needed to think about projects and business in a new way. Rex Miller is a futurist who helps business owners look at complex problems in a new way and breakthrough the blocks their team is experiencing. He joins me to chat about the impact of stress on workplace design and how to approach it. 

Rex started his career at Southwestern Bell as a project manager and then quickly moved into the contract interiors space. He’s now combining his knowledge of the contract interiors industry and futurism to propel businesses forward rather than staying stagnant.

Step one is altering our mindset about business and what is possible. Especially lately with the increase in overall stress and stress in the workplace. Rex even notes that prior to the pandemic, work was the number one source of stress. 

That stress leads us into unhealthy coping mechanisms like using alcohol, eating less healthfully, and limiting our sleep. All of these coping mechanisms have led to what we now see as chronic illness. It all starts in the workplace. 

The future is here. Listen to see how you can start making a positive difference.

In this episode: 

[02:32] Welcome to the show, Rex!

[02:49] He shares his background and what he is doing now.

[05:35] He discusses the books he has written.

[08:49] Listen as Rex shares why he believes the industry isn’t moving forward.

[11:15] He talks about the things that cause stress and how stress contributes to unhealthy coping behaviors.

[14:20] Rex discusses how design can relieve stress in the workplace.

[17:25] He shares three other ways you can relieve stress in the workplace using GoDaddy as an example.

[19:54] He describes Legible Design.

[22:18] He shares his experience while working at a GoDaddy facility.

[25:08] “Every space has a voice and tells a story.”

[30:00] “We do a lot more than sell furniture and once we understand that paradigm shift we sell more than furniture, will be the beginning of an amazing transformation in our industry.”

[33:28] He gives a free offer to the listeners of this episode.

[34:56] Thank you for being on the show!

Links & Resources: 

INDEAL University

Connect with Rex:

Rex Miller
Rex Miller’s Books
Blog
LinkedIn | YouTube

**For a free copy of A Strategy For Rebuilding, click here and use coupon code PODCAST**

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 at https://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 communicate effectively you increase your earning potential by up to 50%. Did you know that? Neither did LeAnn Pashina until she started implementing her communications research and training in her own career. Listen in to hear all about her journey and why she’s passionate about developing powerful communication skills. 

She’s been in sales for most of her career and what she realized was that when she started investing in her personal development, she started earning more. 

Not just any personal development though. Specifically, the more she became interested in public speaking and increasing her communications ability, the most efficiently she closed sales. 

She now owns her own business called Creatively Communicate and she’s even written books on the topic. Listen in to learn how you can invest in yourself and raise your earning potential. She is truly an expert on this topic and I am so excited for you to get to learn from her.

In this episode: 

[03:32] Welcome to the show, LeAnn!
[04:40] She shares her background and about her company.
[07:30] Investing in yourself is very important and each individual's responsibility.
[08:42] Listen as LeAnn shares three ways she invests in herself.
[13:10] She talks about some sales trainers she learned from.
[15:35] She speaks about what prompted her to start Creatively Communicate.
[17:25] LeAnn discusses the books she has written.
[20:06] Sitting to the left of your prospect gives you a greater probability for closing a sale.
[23:27] She talks about what they do at Creatively Communicate.
[27:20] You want your pitch to feel natural and to lead with intrigue.
[28:40] She shares what she teaches in her programs.
[32:17] Every presentation should be about your prospect, not about you.
[33:32] LeAnn speaks about some exciting things she is doing now.
[36:00] Using a pause is a great tool.
[38:18] Thank you for being on the show!

Links & Resources: 

INDEAL University
Episode 69 - CEO Chat with Max Verkamp of Indiana Furniture
Episode 67 - New Ideas, New Brand + More with Alexandra Tseffos

Connect with LeAnn:

Creatively Communicate
Sit Your Way to Success: From Sales Meetings to Dinner Parties, Where You Sit Matters
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 podcast is proudly sponsored by INDEAL University – INDEAL’s exclusive platform for learning within the commercial interiors industry.  To learn more about INDEAL U, visit their website at https://learning.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

If you’ve been in the contract interiors industry for any amount of time, you know that it sucks you in. Rob Langejans and I worked at the same company but in different capacities and now we are both coaches. He’s helping his clients go from common to compelling through executive coaching. Listen to learn more. 

Rob has been in the industry for many years. He has even been known to say that if he was going to leave his previous employer, he’d leave the industry as a whole. Instead, he went into coaching and realized that the contract interiors industry needed him. 

As coaches we ask a lot of questions. One of Rob’s most important training philosophies is that we need to ask more insightful questions. If your customer already has the answer ready and available, then the question is likely not insightful. 

Additionally, he helps his clients prepare for various engagements. People buy from people, so he walks his clients through their sales process in a way to make their interactions more engaging and compelling and less transactional. 

Rob is a fount of knowledge. He’s been in the industry long enough to understand the nuances of the client and vendor relationships and how to help each party interact more meaningfully. Listen in to learn more and maybe see if he can help you and your team.

In this episode: 

[02:47] Welcome to the show, Rob!

[04:52] He shares his background and talks about the new company he created.

[07:24] Listen as Rob discusses his philosophy on asking questions.

[09:45] “When you ask a question and the customer has the answer already, it’s probably not an insightful question.”

[12:09] He speaks about using your showroom as a selling tool.

[13:13] Rob discusses the types of services he provides.

[15:42] If you want to be different,“You have to go from common to compelling.” 

[18:56] He shares what his company does around training and selling skills.

[21:09] He talks about his process called LADDER.

[22:43] I share a story from my past about knowing your client.

[23:59] The first question should always be, who’s the customer?

[26:22] Listen as Rob shares how he got into the industry and the catalyst for launching Always Strategic.

[29:48] He speaks about the mentors he’s had in his life.

[35:15] Thank you for being on the show!

Links & Resources: 

INDEAL U

The Business of Furniture Magazine

Connect with Rob:

AlwaysStrategic: Sales Coaching

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 podcast is proudly sponsored by INDEAL University – INDEAL’s exclusive platform for learning within the commercial interiors industry.  To learn more about INDEAL U, visit their website at https://learning.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/license

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

We’re back with another amazing CEO Chat. Max Verkamp started his career out in the kitchen and bath industry but when the head job at Indiana Furniture opened up he decided to put his hat in the ring. He got the job and has since been bringing his expertise from kitchen and bath into the office furniture industry. 

Indiana Furniture, formerly known as Indiana Desk, has been operating in the contract interiors space for decades. They are a well known player in our industry and it was one of the reasons that Max decided he’d like to work there. 

We chat all about Max’s journey in the industry, how he thinks our industry is changing, and where we’re headed next. He also shares what to expect from Indiana Furniture at NeoCon and why he’s excited to be a part of the INDEAL platform. 

This was truly a fantastic conversation that covers so much ground both for the industry and for Indiana Furniture in particular. You definitely won’t want to miss this one. 

In this episode: 

[02:19] Welcome to the show, Max!
[02:52] He shares his background and his journey in the industry.
[05:30] Listen as Max discusses some best practices he brought with him from the kitchen and bath industry.
[09:28] Max believes the key is listening to the customer.
[13:15] He talks about how important it is to give your employees a voice and then let them know you heard them.
[14:35] Listen as Max shares his insights into the future of the industry.
[17:58] As a manufacturer, he believes it’s their job to listen and give the customers what they really need as quickly as possible.
[20:08] He speaks about their partnership with Edge Design.
[24:08] They discuss how seating can define areas in businesses.
[25:51] Max shares what’s ahead for Indiana Furniture.
[28:35] He talks about the benefits he’s found in being a part of the INDEAL platform.
[30:42] Three things that allow Indiana Furniture to stand out in the industry.
[32:01] PITCH is an acronym for the traits they look for in ideal employees.
[34:36] Max shares what you will see from Indiana Furniture at NeoCon2021.
[38:10] Thank you for being on the show!

Links & Resources: 

INDEAL
NeoCon 2021
Edge Design

Connect with Max:

Indiana Furniture
LinkedIn

Connect with Sid:

www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
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The Trend Report is proudly sponsored by INDEAL. Partners in progress in the commercial interiors industry. To learn more about INDEAL, please visit their website at https://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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You have to know and understand your customers, but that mentality and culture needs to bleed through your organization. Rob Day of Fellowes Contract Interiors is dedicated to creating amazing customer experiences and he starts with the culture in his organization. 

Rob and I have known each other for many years and it has been fun for both of us to see how we’ve grown, connected, and evolved in this industry. We both have seen many sides of the industry but Rob has truly done it all. This overall view of the industry gives him the ability to recognize the challenges each person faces. 

The difference Rob brings to customer experience culture is how he defines the customer. Every single person in an organization is a customer. Each with their own challenges and needs and none more important than the next. 

All of his employees know to treat each and every person as if they are the singular customer and in this way he has built a true culture of customer experience. Listen in to hear more and how he thinks culture will impact the industry as we move forward post-Covid plus so much more.

In this episode: 

[02:26] Welcome to the show, Rob!

[03:49] He shares his role at Fellowes and what he does.

[07:41] He believes that it’s important to know who your customer is.

[11:31] Rob discusses his journey in the industry.

[13:13] He has seen the business from every side and given him the ability to recognize the challenges each person faces in the industry.

[17:37] It’s about the customer experience. 

[20:48] He shares what he believes the future of the industry looks like.

[23:00] The challenges will be labor, supplies and logistics.

[26:17] People like to connect with people face to face, which the pandemic has proven.

[29:41] Rob discusses the challenges of building relationships when everything is virtual.

[32:28] I believe it’s time to take big bold moves in our industry.

[34:10] Listen as he gives a sneak peek into what they are bringing to NeoCon.

[37:47] Thank you for being on the show!

Links & Resources: 

INDEAL
NeoCon 2021
Think Again by Adam Grant
The Trend Report Episode 58
The Business of Furniture

Connect with Rob:

Email
LinkedIn
Fellowes Contract Interiors
Trendway
ESI

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. Partners in progress in the commercial interiors industry. To learn more about INDEAL, please visit their website at https://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/