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

Send us Fan Mail

Join Sid for a heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation about the evolving role of the independent rep with Jason Levy, a veteran in the office furniture industry. Jason's journey is a compelling tale of resilience and adaptability - from being a culinary student to stepping up to the demands of the family business after his mother's cancer diagnosis. You'll hear his profound insights into the shifting business landscape, his creative marketing strategies, and why he believes building sincere and engaging relationships within the A&D community is essential.

Jason also opens up about his inventive approach to marketing. Wondering how cupcakes, donuts, and his last name fit into his business strategy? You're in for a fascinating set of ideas. He'll also talk about the value of making connections at real-life events and his digital engagement tactics that have helped him grow in an industry that has seen many changes, especially amidst the pandemic.

Get ready to tune in to an episode that's more than just office furniture talk. Jason's passion for Apple products, his belief in the importance of reading physical books to his children, and his insightful thoughts on the blurring lines between residential and commercial industries offer an engaging mix of personal anecdotes and professional advice. Whether you're in the furniture industry or not, Jason's story is sure to inspire, educate, and entertain.


In this episode:

[00:00] Learn all about Jason Levy and his experience in the office furniture industry.

[09:27] Customer-Centric Tools in Business

[21:31] Marketing Strategies for A&D Community

[31:21] Leveraging Digital Platforms to Grow

Links & Resources: 

Support the Trend Report

Connect with Jason:
Jason Levy & Associates

LinkedIn | Instagram | Email

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

What would your life look like if you dared to color outside the lines? If you defied norms and embraced your uniqueness? Let's journey together down the path less traveled, challenging the status quo and disrupting norms. This week we're stirring up insightful conversations about the art of nonconformity in business and personal growth. We draw parallels between childhood coloring books and adult conformity, sparking a vital question - What if you decided to be brave and color outside the lines?

Get ready to learn about the power and impact of breaking away from your comfort zone. Be inspired by industry disruptors such as Florence Knoll, Charles and Ray Eames, and Mario Bellini, as we underscore the significance of bravery and vision in shaping our world.

You'll hear the stories of people and companies that dared to be different, the courage it takes to share your ideas, and the rewarding process of challenging conventional wisdom. It's time for you to step up, embrace your greatness, and color outside the lines. Let's dare to be different together.


Links & Resources: 

Support the Trend Report

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 wondered what the world of contract furniture holds? Our guest today, Aaron Estabrook, the Director of Digital Marketing at OFS reveals it all in a vibrant conversation. Aaron found his path to this industry through an exciting journey that took him from the music business to marketing and advertising, and helped him clinch a role that brings him joy.

Get ready to hear some powerful insights on leveraging digital marketing to create engaging content, and the magic of consistency in personal branding. Aaron shares his experiences from New York and Washington DC, where he honed his skills in personal branding, right down to training politicians for TV appearances. We also delve into how his time in the music industry has shaped his people-focused approach to marketing.

What makes people hesitate to share their voice? We tackle this, along with practical advice on overcoming barriers to personal branding, and the importance of quality information over visuals. The episode wraps up with Aaron offering his perspective on the power of consistency in personal branding, and how small, consistent efforts over time can weave a compelling narrative of who you are. Join us for this captivating discussion on digital marketing, personal branding, and the unexplored world of contract furniture with Aaron Estabrook.

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

Join Sid for a riveting conversation with Sam Richardson, President and CEO of the Identity Group. Sam's journey to the top is an intriguing cocktail of sports, international living, and a deep dive into the paper and print industry. Prepare to be engrossed as he takes us from his time on the college sports field, to the aroma of paper plants in the southern United States, and his international experience in Brussels, Belgium. Listen as he articulates how these experiences shaped his approach to the contract interiors industry.

Sam shares valuable insights into the evolution of the Identity Group, honed through years of hard work and strategic decisions. A rich narrative unfolds as he details the company's transformation in providing signage services, experiential graphics, and branded environments. This is an opportunity to learn from a seasoned CEO about the importance of seizing opportunities, learning from experiences, and the delicate balance required between personal growth and family commitments when making career decisions.

Finally, Sam unravels the intersection between experiential graphics, furniture, and the disruption in the industry. Revealing the role of SEGD and how the Identity Group is leading the way in transitioning from analog to digital. We also get a sneak peek into a major upcoming revelation from the Identity Group. Be sure to join Sid for this enlightening conversation with Sam Richardson, who continues to shape the future of the contract interiors industry.


Connect with Sam:

The Identity Group

LinkedIn | Email

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

My guest, Alexandra Tseffos, is a return interview for The Trend Report from a couple of years back. The Design POP was just a few months old the last time Alexandra was on the show, and she has grown to over 500 videos on her platform with updated partnerships with other technologies in the industry. 

The Design POP aims to offer three main points, to have content that is searchable, provide professional development for designers, and provide sales courses for CET. Having searchable content allows users to find resources or courses on specific topics, bringing better utilization of products. The Design POP is also heavily invested in designers and wants to stimulate the professional development of designers everywhere. 

With more and more platforms, technologies, and AI interfaces coming online and being used in the field, The Design POP offers training and plans for these industry pivots, leveraging the knowledge of the experts. While working with several manufacturers, The Design POP offers a wealth of information for the contract interiors industry and the materials and technology that we are commonly using. 

In addition to the booming growth of The Design POP, Alexandra has been busy starting her own podcast! The podcast centers around dealer designers and the struggles they encounter in the industry. She provides awareness of the challenges that the position faces and provides a voice for them while providing them the anonymity they need to provide solutions to their issues in confidence.

There is so much information in this episode, and I guarantee that you will want to hear more about the success of The Design POP, what it can offer, and how Alexandra’s podcast is opening the eyes to the industry with an inside look at the responsibilities of the designer. 

In this episode:
[01:10] Welcome back to The Trend Report, Alexandra Tseffos!
[02:00] Alexandra’s background for those who haven’t heard Episode 67. 
[05:02] The growth of The Design POP over the last couple of years.
[08:50] How The Design POP collaborates with other manufacturers and provides training.
[11:23] Keeping up with technology in our industry.
[13:55] AI’s impact on our industry’s technology.
[19:47] Alexandra’s desire to focus on the professional development of interior designers.
[25:02] What was the deciding factor in Alexandra starting her own podcast?
[29:04] What is Alexandra’s podcast about?
[35:27] Thanks for joining us today!

Links & Resources: 

Support the Trend Report

Episode 67: The Design POP with Alexandra Tseffos

Connect with Alexandra:

The Design POP

The Design POP Podcast

LinkedIn

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

Matthew Negron is the president of Dauphin, a prestigious furniture manufacturer based out of Germany with a focus on ergonomics. Beginning from the position of design engineer and developing his own department, Matthew expanded into project management and catalog build-outs. 

Matthew speaks to the benefits of "intrapreneurship" and mentorship and how both of those have provided him with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the industry today. Listen in to hear more about how he is driving change in the contract interiors industry and the big things that can be expected to come from Dauphin in the years to come. 

In this episode:
[01:08] Welcome to The Trend Report!
[01:33] Meet my guest, Matthew Negron, and learn about how he got started in the furniture industry.
[04:52] Matthew’s draw to teaching.
[08:47] How Matthew approaches sustainability in his lectures.
[10:13] The history of Dauphin and where it is today.
[15:10] Matthew’s history at Dauphin and how he became one of the youngest presidents in the company’s history.
[21:22] The big takeaways from Matthew’s journey with Dauphin.
[24:18] What lead to Matthew becoming a HiP finalist at NeoCon 2023.
[28:34] The importance that mentorship has played in Matthew’s life and how he pays it forward.
[35:17] We are always growing and evolving as professionals and as people.
[36:03] How Matthew grows and develops while managing everything.
[39:10] What is Matthew reading right now?
[41:05] What is Matthew listening to for education and inspiration?
[42:36] Final thoughts from Matthew.
[43:52] Thanks for joining us today!

Links & Resources: 

Support the Trend Report
Think Like A Monk by Jay Shetty
HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS AND INFLUENCE PEOPLE: A Comprehensive Guide to Making Friends, Building Connections, and Achieving Success by Michael Lones

Connect with Matthew:

Dauphin
LinkedIn | Instagram | Pinterest

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

One thing that we didn’t really dive into in our last episode is the topic of how to use these technologies in the most effective way to benefit our business.

For instance, if we have real-time metrics integrated into our website, we provide our consumers with the convenience of checking our lead times in a time frame that is convenient for them. 

We also talked about the way that AI platforms like ChatGPT can carry the load of some of the day-to-day mundane tasks, such as writing emails or social media captions. While ChatGPT is useful in this way, it is not perfect. Marc and Nick advise you to take the material generated by ChatGPT and make it your own. Put your own words and voice into what it gives you to make sure that your message maintains your personal flair.

 AI also, has the ability to take business performance metrics and compile them into a comprehensive report to show you where you were successful, where growth occurred, and what is possible for the future based on historical performance.

Marc and Nick are full of so much useful information on how to leverage these technologies and how they can make us more efficient in the work that we do. You won’t want to miss this episode to hear more about how you can apply AI in your business.

In this episode:

[01:39] What is the customer experience of artificial intelligence?
[03:29] AI provides ease of access and ease of use for our clients as well as an ability to upsell.
[05:16] Different ways you can use AI to increase your revenue.
[08:15] How to use AI to understand how your products solve the business problems of your clients. 
[12:46] How many different AI tools are available for us to use?
[16:11] The implications of AI and Social Media. 
[18:30] A word of caution from Marc and Nick while using ChatGPT.
[19:35] Legal, ethical, and moral considerations to take into account when using AI for business.
[22:17] Using ChatGPT to jog your memory for personal stories to generate more effective captions.
[24:30] The 80/20 rule and how ChatGPT can save 80% of your time.
[25:52] ChatGPT is an effective tool that can rewrite emotional responses into professional responses.
[27:03] AI integrations and plug-ins and how they impact your business. 
[30:20] Main takeaways for using AI in your business.
 

Links & Resources:

Support the Trend Report

Episode 58: Creating A Great Customer Experience with Stacy Sherman

Connect with Marc:

iRonick Media
NextGen Podcaster
Facebook | Instagram

Connect with Nick:
NextGen Podcaster
Instagram | YouTube | Twitter

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

Artificial Intelligence and its impact on how we do business is something I like to talk about any time I’m given the opportunity. With the way AI is integrating into our everyday life, it is inevitable that we start facing the different ways that it will impact our roles in our industries.

When we are faced with a program that interacts and behaves as a human, taking over basic administrative tasks and conversational needs while being very accessible and providing answers and results that feel real and tangible – it opens so many doors in our personal lives and our businesses and changes the way we interact with technology.

Continuously growing in popularity, AI is generating a huge following, and the ultimate reason is that it takes care of the tedious, mundane things that we often find ourselves dreading. Writing that introduction email for a job interview? Creating that budget policy? Need a recipe for chicken teriyaki? Ask an AI platform, and you’ve got an answer at your fingertips within seconds. 

The first part of this series is full of so much expertise and information surrounding AI platforms and the role they play in the workplace. If you’re considering incorporating an AI platform into your business to streamline your work processes, you’ll want to tune in to this episode to hear more about the ways that Marc and Nick see AI changing the future of how we do business.

In this episode:

[03:03] Welcome, Marc and Nick.
[03:50] Marc Ronick shares his background and experience.
[06:30] Nick Nalbach shares his background and experience.
[08:53] Marc and Nick share their definitions of AI and what it means in everyday life.
[10:47] How long has AI been used by people regularly?
[12:05] Why did ChatGPT generate so much attention compared to other AI platforms?
[13:34] How does AI actually work?
[16:13] Why is AI growing in popularity?
[18:20] What was the catalyst that caused such an interest in AI?
[21:50] What is the relationship between OpenAI and ChatGPT?
[22:33] Why should businesses consider taking advantage of an AI tool?
[26:35] Real-life use cases for AI platforms such as ChatGPT.
[27:23] How can AI automate your workflows?
[28:56] A workflow automation example for the contract interiors industry.
[31:44] How to train ChatGPT on your specific processes to gain more specific responses.
[33:05] Thanks for joining us today! Stay tuned for Part 2.

Links & Resources:

Support the Trend Report

Join us at NeoCon

Connect with Marc:

iRonick Media

NextGen Podcaster

Facebook | Instagram

Connect with Nick:

NextGen Podcaster

Instagram | YouTube | 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 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/

 &l

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/

So many business owners believe that a brand is developed once and that’s what it always is, but in reality, all brands are changing and evolving. This evolution is extremely important because it means that the business is growing. Listen as Anjul and Erin of Thinkspace discuss the brand’s evolution and what it means for the future. 

Anjul started in the furniture industry after spending years in the beauty space. Erin left behind marketing “large refrigerator boxes on mountains” for the fun and complexity of furniture. Both of these women have come together to help Thinkspace change the way companies create beautiful and functional spaces for collaboration and focused work. 

Since they started, Thinkspace has evolved from a one-product brand, to a suite of products all designed with productivity in mind, no matter how big or small the space.

Which is why it was time to refresh the brand. The evolution in the business created a need for an evolution in the brand itself. Now they have their own dedicated space at The Mart and are frantically prepping for NeoCon 2023. 

Erin and Anjul have some amazing takeaways on why business growth begets the need for brand evolution and how even small changes can make a huge impact. Listen in to hear their thoughts and learn all about what’s coming up next for Thinkspace. 

In this episode:

[01:50] Anjul and Erin share a bit about themselves, their roles at Thinkspace, and how they got into the furniture business.

[07:07] Erin and Anjul let us know what they love about the furniture business. 

[09:43] Who is Thinkspace? 

[13:18] Anjul talks about how she and Mark got the business started and why. 

[15:36] Is there any one thing that they did that felt like a pivotal moment in building the business? 

[17:49] What is a brand? 

[20:39] How does Anjul want people to think of Thinkspace when they think of the brand? 

[21:45] Why is brand evolution so important to growth? 

[22:51] How is Thinkspace’s brand evolving? 

[26:37] Erin shares how the brand evolution was represented in Thinkspace’s logo.

[28:42] How does Anjul identify product and brand partners?

[30:34] What you can expect when you visit the Thinkspace area at the Mart.

[33:56] Erin and Anjul share their final thoughts as we wrap up.

Links & Resources:

Support the Trend Report

Join us at NeoCon

Episode 117 - Customer Experience with the Coaches Roundtable

Connect with Anjul Chandi:

Thinkspace

LinkedIn | Instagram

Connect with Erin Torres:

Thinkspace 

LinkedIn

Connect with Sid:

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 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

Byron Morton is the VP and co head of leasing of the Merchandise Mart. The Mart has evolved over the many years that it has been hosting showroom businesses and NeoCon conventions and they are excited to announce new amenities offered by the facility at NeoCon this year.

Bringing commercial companies into a space that had mostly been used for showroom purposes in the commercial interiors industry has shifted the industry of the merchandise mart. Now known as the center of tech in Chicago, the Mart is truly multifaceted. 

NeoCon continues to grow, expecting around 400 vendors and 300 of those being in the office interiors industry. The excitement coming to NeoCon 2023 is not only the new amenities offered by the Merchandise Mart but the trending growth that is beginning to feel more like pre-pandemic events that came before.

Byron and I talk about some of the best ways to encourage return-to-work rates in the commercial interiors industry. By offering amenities and more inclusive hybrid work options, we can cater to the post-pandemic way of life while returning to a sense of normalcy.

There is no substitute for in-person work in our industry and the community and collaboration that NeoCon brings to our industry pushes us to evolve for the future. Listen in to this episode to hear more about NeoCon 2023 and the wonderful things you can expect to see this year. 

In this episode:

[01:38] Welcome to the show, Byron!
[02:50] Byron shares his background
[04:12] What are some of the things we can expect to see in The Mart this year at NeoCon?
[07:18] Details about cab pickup and drop-off locations for NeoCon.
[08:30] New Restaurants on the second floor
[09:44] Bringing tenants into the showroom space transformed the Mart
[12:14] The tradeshows that The Mart does throughout the year.
[13:04] What is causing some brands to leave The Mart?
[16:10] How many vendors will be present at NeoCon this year?
[17:11] Some of the things that Byron is most excited about for NeoCon this year.
[19:59] The seventh floor is a hidden gem that is less traveled. It has been redesigned this year.
[23:12] The most important things to keep in mind about NeoCon 2023.
[25:02] The future of NeoCon.
[27:26] Amenities in the workplace are key to encouraging return to work as well as increased inclusion of hybrid workers. 
[30:16] The best way to get in touch with Byron

Links & Resources:

The Insider
Support the Trend Report

Join us at NeoCon

Connect with Byron:

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 the Insider, a weekly newsletter delivering a quick dose of insight to get your Monday off to a well-informed start. To learn more or to subscribe for free, please visit https://indeal.org/the-insider/

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/