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

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Ever wondered how to tap into specialized vertical markets that offer substantial growth opportunities? Sara Marberry, a healthcare and senior living design knowledge expert, shares explore the untapped potential these sectors hold for furniture dealers and manufacturers. Listen as she shares her story as well as:

• Healthcare environments contain diverse spaces including clinical areas, administrative offices, and lobbies
• Telehealth is creating demand for acoustically private pods and technology-enabled furniture
• Senior living communities span from independent living to skilled nursing with varying furniture needs
• $300 billion shortfall in senior living construction expected by 2030 creates renovation opportunities
• Terminology matters – these are "communities where people live" not "facilities where people are placed"
• Educate yourself through industry resources, continuing education, and attending healthcare conferences

Connect with Sara:

Sara Marberry LLC - https://www.saramarberry.com/
Email - [email protected]
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/saramarberry/

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 make nearly 35,000 remotely conscious decisions each day—that's one choice every 1.6 seconds during our waking hours. Each of these decisions has the potential to impact our lives and the lives of those around us in both positive and negative ways.

Feel like you've been in a rut? Use some of these tips, tricks, and tactics to help train your brain to see the positive things rather than the negative.

• Different decision-making methods include impulsive, intuitive, instinctive, and emotional choices
• Reframing negative thoughts by changing "I have to" to "I get to" creates a powerful mindset shift
• Walking 3-4 miles each morning has been a transformative health choice
• Positive affirmations replace limiting beliefs with empowering thoughts
• Try Mel Robbins' tip of giving yourself a high five in the mirror
• View failures as learning opportunities and data points rather than setbacks
• Be the energy you want to experience—choose positivity and lift others up
• Respond to "How are you?" with enthusiasm that lifts others up

Complete our listener survey to help shape Season 7 by visiting SidMeadows.com/connect or clicking the link in the show notes. You can also send me a text directly through the podcast player—I'd love to hear from you!

Resources:

The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About by Mel Robbins - https://www.amazon.com/Let-Them-Theory-Life-Changing-Millions/dp/1401971369

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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Kelly Colón shares her expertise in neurodivergent-friendly design and shows how designing with all brain types in mind can improve spaces for everyone. She challenges the traditional ways our industry approaches built environments, pointing out how standard designs often overlook neurodivergent individuals—and offers practical solutions for creating more inclusive spaces.

Listen to learn more about:

• Executive functioning - it includes skills like planning, problem solving, organizing, and working memory
• The skills neurodivergent individuals often struggle with
• Why designing for neurodivergent individuals requires a basic understanding about how different brains function
• Why small design choices (like glass staircases without visual reference points) can make spaces unusable for some
• How creating neuro-inclusive environments accommodates the needs of all
• Understanding that there are no codified protections for neurodivergent individuals
• Why the contract interiors industry can make a huge impact for the neurodivergent community through education and considering of their needs

Visit Kelly's website or connect with her on social media to learn more about executive function coaching and creating neuro-affirming environments.

Connect with Kelly:

Eledex Coaching & Consulting - https://www.eledexconsulting.com/|
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellycolon/
Email - [email protected]
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/eledexllc/

Life Interrupted: When life has to pivot overnight; how will you navigate the uncertainty of what's next? by Kelly Colón

https://www.amazon.com/Life-Interrupted-overnight-navigate-uncertainty/dp/B0BFTMJHGM

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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What does it take to thrive in the office furniture industry during these turbulent times? Shelley Rosetta, Principal at Solomon Coyle, brings a wealth of knowledge from her journey from bedroom space-planner to dealership principal to industry consultant. 

Our conversation reveals how flexibility, operational excellence, and authentic leadership have become non-negotiable qualities for success in 2025. Shelley shares her perspective on why our industry must engage with educational institutions earlier - helping students understand the diverse career paths within office furniture beyond the traditional design role glorified in academic settings.

As we explore Solomon Coyle's work, Shelley unpacks how their financial benchmarking, compensation surveys, and leadership development programs provide crucial insights for dealers navigating an evolving marketplace. Their transition to blended learning models reflects broader industry shifts toward adaptability and innovation.

Whether you're a dealer principal, manufacturer, designer, or involved elsewhere in the industry ecosystem, this episode offers practical wisdom for navigating uncertainty while building a sustainable business for whatever comes next.

Resources

Episode 40 - How the Office Furniture Industry is Changing with Paul Holland - https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode40

Episode 151 - Love What You Do with Doug Shapiro - https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode151

Build Like A Woman: The Blueprint for Creating a Business and Life You Love by Kathleen Griffith - https://www.amazon.com/Build-Like-Woman-Blueprint-Creating-ebook/dp/B0CG4KWFD2

Trust and Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others by Stephen M.R. Covey - https://www.amazon.com/Trust-Inspire-Leaders-Unleash-Greatness/dp/198214372X

Connect with Shelley:

Email - [email protected]
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleyrosetta/

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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What happens when you combine cutting-edge technology with the restorative power of nature? Collin Cavote, founder and CEO of Biome, joins us to share how his company is revolutionizing biophilic design with self-sustaining living walls that require almost no maintenance.

From the outside, Biome's products look like beautiful living plant walls. But beneath the greenery lies sophisticated technology that's transforming how we bring nature into commercial spaces. Unlike traditional living walls that demand constant professional maintenance, Biome's modular, soil-free systems use smart technology to monitor conditions and self-water, reducing maintenance costs by up to 95%. Their newest innovation—moisture harvesting directly from ambient air—promises to create the world's first truly autonomous living walls that never need refilling.

Collin's journey to founding Biome is as fascinating as the technology itself. After spending time living off-grid and foraging in the Pacific Northwest, he returned to society with a mission: to scale nature's benefits through sustainable business. Ten years of development has resulted in products designed for 15-year lifecycles with comprehensive take-back programs that ensure nothing ends up in landfills.

For furniture dealers, manufacturers, and workspace designers, Biome represents an exciting opportunity to differentiate offerings while addressing the growing demand for biophilic elements in commercial spaces. As Collin explains, their technology has "furnitureized" living walls into a product that can be installed anywhere from lobbies to conference rooms, bringing nature's benefits directly to where people spend their time.

Ready to explore how technology-enabled nature could transform your spaces? Connect with Collin and the Biome team to discover how their innovative approach to biophilia could help you create healthier, more inspiring environments that practically maintain themselves.

.Resources:

Episode 110: CEO Chat with Brandi Susewitz of RESEAT https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode110

Connect with Collin:

BIOME.US - http://biome.us/
Email - [email protected]
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/collincavote/

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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James Strole, founder of Workspace Resources, shares his journey from bank teller to leader in the office furniture industry, discussing pivotal moments, the importance of customer experience, and the integration of AI in business. Listen as he shares valuable insights into how passion, discipline, and effective systems can lead to success in a rapidly evolving market.

We discuss:

• James's journey into the office furniture industry from banking 
• The founding story and vision behind Workspace Resources 
• Current operations and focus on the upper mid-market 
• Importance of building strong customer relationships 
• Pivotal moments that shaped James's business growth 
• The impact of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) 
• Elevating customer experience as a key business strategy 
• Embracing AI and technology for increased efficiency 
• Advice for new professionals in the office furniture industry

Resources:

Doing CX Right Podcast with Stacy Sherman - https://doingcxright.com/podcasts/

How Leaders Learn: Master the Habits of the World's Most Successful People by David Novak - https://www.amazon.com/How-Leaders-Learn-Master-Successful-ebook/dp/B0CN9SRW8L

Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman - https://www.amazon.com/Traction-Get-Grip-Your-Business/dp/1936661837

Customers for Life: How to Turn That One-Time Buyer Into a Lifetime Customer by Carl Sewell - https://www.amazon.com/Customers-Life-One-Time-Lifetime-Customer/dp/0385504454

Connect James Strole:

Workspace Resource - https://www.workspace-resource.com/
Email - [email protected]
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-strole-a746a55/

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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Doug Shapiro, the VP of Sales at JSI, discusses the evolution of sales in the office furniture industry, emphasizing the importance of listening and asking the right questions to understand client needs better. 

Learn all about his thoughts on the balance of time management in sales, the role of AI tools, and the necessity of being a resource for clients, all while navigating the hybrid future of work. 

Listen as he shares:

• The journey from product development to sales and the importance of enthusiasm 
• Why active listening as a key differentiator in client interactions 
• The impact of emotional intelligence and understanding needs 
• Time management challenges in a multifaceted sales environment 
• The future of work and the necessity of flexible workplace solutions 
• How to utilize AI to augment problem-solving and research capabilities 
• Ways to create genuine relationships by positioning oneself as a resource

Resources

A More Beautiful Question: The Power of Inquiry to Spark Breakthrough Ideas By Warren Berger - https://www.amazon.com/More-Beautiful-Question-Inquiry-Breakthrough/dp/1620401452

One  Percent Better Podcast with Joe Ferraro - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/one-percent-better/id1254121785

Connect with Doug Shapiro:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/doshapiro/
JSI Furniture - https://www.jsifurniture.com/
Imagine a Place Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/pl/podcast/imagine-a-place/id1506501256

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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Experience the transformative power of habits. We're exploring four key practices—exercise, reading, journaling, and celebrating daily wins—that propel personal and professional success and why small, sustainable changes can lead to significant outcomes over time. 

Join us to:

• Explore the impact of habits on personal growth 
• Learn the 21/90 Rule for building lasting habits 
• Exercise as a catalyst for physical and mental health 
• Use reading as a tool for knowledge acquisition and personal development 
• Explore the benefits of journaling for emotional clarity and gratitude 
• Learn the importance of celebrating small successes to boost motivation 
• Determine accountability measures for maintaining commitment to habits 

Please head over to Apple Podcasts and leave me a rating or review. I would love it to see that come in. It really helps our show get discovered. Thanks again for joining me.

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

Ever felt like life's commitments were pulling you in all different directions?

That's exactly where I found myself last year. I was overwhelmed and on the verge of "pod fade." 

But now, I’m back, rejuvenated and ready to kick off Season 6 of The Trend Report! Join me as I reflect on our journey since 2020, sharing pivotal moments and memorable conversations from Season 5 with industry leaders like Rex Miller, Stacey Sherman, and David Stella. 

Amid these reflections, I'll open up about some personal changes, including a move to a tranquil lakeside home in North Fort Worth and an upcoming anniversary trip to Europe. 

This season opener is not just about looking back; it's about embracing new beginnings with renewed energy. After a much-needed break to navigate personal challenges, including supporting my mother through her battle with dementia, I'm grateful for the support and encouragement that kept me grounded. Your unwavering support has been a beacon, and together, we’ll embark on this new chapter with enthusiasm and a commitment to making every day a great one. 

Let’s dive into this new season and uncover more insights and discussions that make the Trend Report a journey worth taking.

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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What if building meaningful relationships could revolutionize your sales strategy? Join me, Sid Meadows, and my guest Marianne Hewitt from SalesStar, as we explore the profound impact of relationship-driven sales in the office furniture industry. In this episode, we highlight the mutual benefits of the "give, give, ask" philosophy, emphasizing the importance of understanding clients on a personal level to foster genuine connections. Our conversation touches on the pitfalls of one-sided relationships and reveals how slowing down to truly connect can lead to more successful and fulfilling sales outcomes.

Navigating the post-COVID sales landscape poses unique challenges, especially with limited in-person interactions. Hear Marianne’s journey from designer to a sales consultant, and how her diverse experiences have shaped her approach to building relationships with A&D firms today. Despite the constraints of virtual meetings, Marianne offers actionable insights to effectively engage with clients and navigate the evolving dynamics of the sales environment.

Visibility and authenticity have never been more crucial. From leveraging LinkedIn to attending industry events, we discuss strategies to stand out and be remembered. Marianne and I also delve into the importance of lifelong learning, avoiding perfectionism, and using tools like the effort vs. impact graph for productivity. If you're looking to elevate your sales game and build meaningful relationships, this episode is packed with invaluable advice to help you succeed.


Resources

Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek https://www.amazon.com/Start-Why-Leaders-Inspire-Everyone/dp/1591846447

15 Minutes of Fame by Sid Meadows -  https://www.sidmeadows.com/blog/15-minutes-of-fame

Episode 106 - Leveraging LinkedIn with Joshua B. Lee https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode106

Episode 99 - Leveraging Personal Branding and Yoga with Danika Leeks https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode89

Connect with Maryanne

SalesStar - https://salesstar.com/teams/maryanne-hewitt/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryanne-hewitt-47a10726/
Email - [email protected]

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/