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We are spending more time than ever on social media and, as business owners, there is an untapped potential that can be unlocked by promoting your business on social media platforms to bring awareness to you and your brand.

I got the opportunity to chat with Jonathan Howard this week specifically about Instagram and how it can be such a useful tool for promoting your business if you’re using it correctly. Unfortunately, there are so many business strategies out there that go straight into the direct messages of strangers and there is nothing more alienating to your ideal client than cold DMs. 

Think about it, direct messages with sales at the forefront are similar to the door-to-door vacuum salesman of the 90s. They rang your doorbell, interrupted your dinner, and started shoving a product that you didn’t even ask about in your face.

You know what might get you closer to buying that vacuum from the guy on your front doorstep? A relationship. If you knew who he was, how his product worked, and what problems his product has solved in his personal life - you might be 100% more inclined to buy his product. 

It’s a proven fact that people are more likely to buy a product or a service from people that they know and like. Tune in to this week’s episode to learn about all of the best ways to build your following and make genuine connections with your audience on Instagram.

In this episode:

[02:35] Welcome to the show, Jonathan!
[03:04] Jonathan shares his background and expertise in social media platforms.
[06:14] Instagram is about building connections and relationships, not direct sales. 
[08:31] What can reels do for your business on Instagram?
[10:26] The magic of managing direct messages with personal connections. 
[11:55] Big reasons why businesses are underutilizing Instagram.
[14:20] People buy people, and that is why video is important to making connections.
[20:19] Using short-form video to show how your product solves a problem for your customer.
[22:37] Hosting interviews on Instagram Live and offering valuable spontaneous conversation.
[25:57] Are trends beneficial for your business?
[27:06] Engaging with your audience on Instagram.
[31:08] Keeping Instagram and other platforms easy to build your following. 

Links & Resources:

The Insider
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Connect with Jonathan:

Success On .Social

Twitter |

The Trend Report explores 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 pandemic presented the contract interior industry with many challenges as it shifted the way we do business with our clients and end consumers. 

I had the opportunity to talk with Amanda Schneider of ThinkLab who hit me with a ton of insight on the best ways our businesses can shift to meet the challenges that we are faced with. By developing personas for our consumers that are generated by research, we can still be successful and lean into the future of our industry. 

Along with knowing your audience and speaking to them in their language, we want to create the best client experience for them as well. One of the best ways to accomplish this is by digging through your content, your website, and your advertisements and looking at them through the lens of the customer. 

Listen as we discuss why being in touch with your business through consumer research is the best way to know where to invest, where to improve, and see areas that will allow you to succeed.

In this episode:

[01:56] Welcome back to the show, Amanda!
[02:52] Amanda is the founder and president at ThinkLab.
[08:57] What do personas look like in the B2B world?
[14:29] The three phases to a Hackathon.
[16:15] The big takeaways from previous Hackathons.
[19:13] Age demographics of personas are changing.
[23:08] How the pandemic has shifted business operations from relationships to information.
[27:57] Getting an outsider's viewpoint can provide amazing takeaways for improvement.
[31:18] The struggle to invest for the future.
[32:21] The ‘Rule of Thirds’ has shifted the future of the industry.
[37:08] The value of a persona takes marketing and strategy tools to the next level for your business.

Links & Resources:

The future of B2B sales is hybrid

The Insider
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Connect with Amanda:

ThinkLab
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
Amanda’s LinkedIn

Podcasts:

Design Nerds Anonymous

The Trend Report explores 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
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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 we look at glass manufacturing in commercial business spaces, we often don’t realize the process that happens behind the scenes to bring a beautiful, functional piece of architectural glass into a business or healthcare space.

I had an awesome interview with Vipul Bhagat, the COO of Skyline Design glass manufacturing, who shed a fantastic amount of light on an industry that many of us know very little about. 

Using manufacturing equipment from across the globe and high-quality starting materials, the pieces that are produced by Skyline Design, such as writable surfaces, are custom-made for multiple industries. Skyline manufactures glass pieces for the majority of healthcare facilities nationwide due to the cleanability of glass surfaces.

With their team of artists, designers, and architects, Skyline Design manufactures customized, branded glass that can fit the aesthetic of any company. With the highest quality starting materials and low-iron glass, they are able to capture the clearest, most vibrant colors in architectural glass. 

Skyline has also made intentional shifts to its manufacturing process to ensure that its processes are sustainable and eco-friendly. Tune in to this week's episode to hear more about how Skyline is using and re-using as much of its materials as possible to intentionally invest in the future of our industry.

In this episode:

[01:47] Welcome to the show Vipul!
[02:09] Skyline Design celebrates 40 years in business!
[05:30] The strict focus of Skyline Design is on architectural glass.
[07:40] Glass is a cleanable, nonporous surface.
[09:23] Equipment is shipped from around the world to manufacture glass in their 1920s Chicago building.
[12:29] Skyline Design captures the clearest colors in their glass.
[16:57 ] How Skyline Design is sustainable and committed to keeping the planet safe.
[18:05] An additional investment to promote water conservation during Skyline’s manufacturing process.
[21:43] Using as much of the product as they can to minimize waste.
[26:25] Maintaining relationships with local vendors and sourcing materials domestically
[29:58] The future of glass manufacturing and Skyline Design.
[32:04] Get in touch with Skyline Design!

Links & Resources:

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Connect with Vipul:

Skyline Design

Phone: 888-278-4660

Instagram |

The Trend Report explores 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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I'm speaking with the Dopamine Dealer of Linked In - Joshua B. Lee who is well seasoned in online advertising. He currently owns Standout Authority which brings human components back to the face of marketing. They specialize in personal branding and success utilizing LinkedIn

Despite the fact that LinkedIn has been in use for over 15 years, current data shows that the platform is on the up and providing the next great space for business connections. 

Building relationships with your audience on LinkedIn may seem like a daunting task, but it’s really no different from building real-world relationships. Engaging in the content of your audience is easily achieved by leaving comments that show that you value what they have to say and by sending messages as they relate to content posted. 

The future of sales and the opportunity to be a thought leader on LinkedIn is happening right now and you’ll want to be on the bus before the platform takes the next leap that Josh insists will blow your mind. 

In this episode:

[01:47] Welcome to the show Joshua!
[02:16] Joshua B. Lee and the Standout Authority.
[06:14] The standard LinkedIn Audience falls into a higher income and education bracket than other platforms.
[07:58] Why creating content on LinkedIn is valuable.
[09:33] How to shift your perspective on LinkedIn to see more things that you want to see.
[10:38] Who is using research for Linked in?
[12:47] LinkedIn is the most trusted social media platform.
[13:07] Businesses are missing out by not allowing their sales representatives to utilize LinkedIn.
[15:06] The shift of brand advocacy and the value of developing your personal brand online.
[18:15] How to optimize your profile and your content with the 10/20/70 rule.
[24:47] People make decisions based on some facet of emotions and that needs to be incorporated into your content on LinkedIn.
[29:11] Why sending direct messages to strangers on LinkedIn (or any platform) doesn’t work. 
[36:50] Asking relevant questions on LinkedIn that can help you provide value to your audience. 
[39:06] Dopamine is key to building relationships and here is how you can bring it to your engagement.

Links & Resources:

The Insider
Support the Trend Report

Connect with Joshua

Standout Authority 
Standout Authority Community
Roc

The Trend Report explores 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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One of the things I love most about having a podcast is the amazing connections I make because of it. I met Matt Spaulding of Spaulding Communications at NeoCon this past year and it was because of this podcast. Listen as he shares his story and why thought leadership is so important to building a brand and business that people trust. 

As with most of us, Matt happened into the contract interiors industry. He was working for a PR and Marketing firm and a couple of his really good clients were companies within the industry. After 9/11 happened, the firm decided they needed to shut down one of their branches and cut ties with the clients that those branches were serving. 

He reached out to the heads of some of the companies he was working with and let them know that he’d be happy to take them on in his own business. They agreed and several of them are still with him today. 

When building a brand, it’s important to realize that thought leadership is the key to client and customer trust. In order to build trust you have to have written communications that show your potential clients and customers what it would be like to work with you. This is exactly what Matt does. 

Listen in to hear his thoughts about the importance of thought leadership, why the words you use in relation to your brand are more important than your logo, and examples of how he’s helped his clients reach new heights. Such great nuggets of information were shared during this conversation and you won’t want to miss out.

In this episode:

[01:47] Welcome to the show Matt Spaulding!
[04:30] How he ended up in the industry.
[07:34] Learn what a marketing communications company does.
[15:12] Matt gives us his definition of thought leadership and why he believes it’s so important.
[18:22] When people give you their email address they are saying that it’s okay to talk to them.
[22:31] People want to connect with people which is another key to thought leadership.
[26:00] There are two sides to marketing communications, the promotion side and the company values side.
[29:38] What he believes companies need to do differently with their marketing.
[34:40] Share the story behind your product, whose idea it was, why is the design important or what materials are you using to help the environment.

Links & Resources:

The Insider
Support the Trend Report

Connect with Matt:

Spaulding Communications

The Trend Report explores 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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Before Covid happened, there was a major push toward open-concept, collaborative workspaces that increased teamwork and transparency. The problem then became, what do you do when you’re taking an important phone call and need a private space? Enter Pillar Booth, the leading manufacturer of freestanding phone booths designed to create private areas in open office spaces. 

Ryan Leavitt’s good friend Sam Matthew was a frequent traveler and spent a great deal of time in communal co-working spaces all over the world. He’d had the idea for sound insulated phone booths for years, but it wasn’t until they were together that things started to move forward. 

What they’ve done is to provide private workspaces that are easily assembled, nice to look at, and space saving. Rather than having to run into a hallway or a car to take an important call, you can now sit, stand, or lean into those conversations while still maintaining a communal work environment.

As Ryan says, they’re not the first to make phone booths, they just make better phone booths with a greater purpose. Listen as he shares more about the company’s history, why their product is even more important post-Covid, and what makes their go-to-market strategy so innovative. 

This was a fantastic conversation filled with invaluable insights and I cannot wait for you to listen.
 

 In this episode:

[01:47] Welcome to the show Ryan!

[02:12] He shares about his background, company and what they do.

[03:22] Listen as Ryan discusses what led him to the furniture industry.

[06:26] He explains what problem phone booths solve.

[09:16] Ryan talks about why the industry doesn’t embrace sales enablement.

[12:50] “I want you to hit the pause button and re-listen to what Ryan just said.”

[15:17] He shares Pillar Booth’s go to market strategy.

[21:26] Ryan discusses locally sourcing products and being American made.

[23:29] I share my opinion on why the industry isn’t post sale focused.

[26:22] Pillar Booth is set up to be a lead generating source for dealers.

[28:05] He gives us a peek into what is coming up for Pillar Booth.

[31:07] Thank you so much for being on the show!

 

Links & Resources:

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Connect with Ryan:

PIllar Booth

Email | Facebook | Instagram

The Trend Report explores 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 truly mean to build a post-Covid company? Chris Smith of KFI Studios is the perfect person to ask. Listen as he shares how he got into the furniture industry and what he’s done with KFI Studios to prepare for the future despite the uncertain present. 

Chris started his career in the medical supplies industry. He was selling medical supplies when an opportunity presented itself to purchase a little chair company. After some deliberation, he decided this was the right move for him and his family.

They purchased the chair company in order to better manage their time and opportunities. 

Then Covid happened. But rather than focus on how they could shift their model in the short-term, they delved deeper into their long-term plans and goals. What could they do to prepare for a post-Covid world? 

They invested in their products, they invested in their warehouses, they invested time and money on rebranding, not simply to rebrand, but to reconnect with their ongoing purpose. 

Listen in as he talks about the struggles the industry is facing, what they’re doing to mitigate those struggles, and his thoughts on what others can and should be doing to enter the next few fiscal years from a place of strength rather than fear.

In this episode:

[01:49] Welcome to the show Chris!

[02:16] Chris shares how he got into the office furniture industry.

[05:34] Learn who KFI Studios are and where they are going.

[06:30] His definition of disruption.

[10:49] They showed off the unique design of their Jade chair at NeoCon and received rave reviews.

[13:11] Hear the story of how they went from being a commodity to a design driven brand.

[16:18] Design, quality, comfort and sustainability are the four things they focus on.

[19:57] Chris talks about the big changes they made to be a post-COVID company.

[21:48] KFI Studios has introduced 15 new products in the last 2 years.

[25:30] They are back to the normal pace of lead times unlike many companies.

[27:46] My outlook on the challenges every manufacturer is facing.

[29:43] Why would a dealer want to do business with KFI?

[32:55] He believes that business is all about trust and doing what you say you are going to do.

[35:22] Here is how to get in contact with him or KFI.

[36:11] Thank you for being on the show!

Links & Resources:

The Insider
Support the Trend Report

Connect with Chris:

KFI Studios

The Trend Report explores 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 show Rob Kirkbride. Rob joins me to chat about NeoCon 2022, Fulton Market, industry trends, and most importantly, the new ventures he has started in the past few months. As usual, Rob and I had an amazing conversation full of fantastic insights you won’t want to miss. 

Rob and I both attended NeoCon this year but he got to experience more of the show. What it really showed to him after having several conversations with others in the industry was that the contract interiors industry is booming. 

But an area that we are all falling short in is developing solutions for the hybrid workplace. Very few companies are still entertaining the idea of completely abandoning the office space but they have leaned into the hybrid workplace model. But what is the solution? 

Listen as Rob shares what he’s doing to help others in the industry to reclaim their content and continue to attract new customers and clients with Write Office. That’s not his only new venture though. Listen to the end to hear all about his foray into NFTs and why he thinks it’s the right investment for the future.  

In this episode:

[01:35] Welcome back to the show Rob!
[03:01] Listen as Rob discusses NeoCon 2022 and the new products being shown.
[05:33] He shares which international designs caught his eye.
[07:13] We lived through a tornado during NeoCon 2022.
[08:21] My thoughts on Fulton Market.
[11:18] Rob talks about Design Days at Fulton Market.
[13:47] Learn about the Frovi product and a couple of Australian and Canadian companies.[19:01] He doesn’t believe that work from home customers were very well represented by companies at NeoCon.
[20:38] “The hybrid workplace is the greatest opportunity and the greatest challenge for our industry.”
[23:22] Why the industry isn’t coming up with a plan on what the hybrid workplace should be.
[28:18] He talks about a new venture he has started and why he created, Write Office.
[37:00] Who in the industry and outside the industry can use his experience.
[39:47] The industry needs more people to stand up and share their voice. 

Links & Resources:

INDEAL University
Support the Trend Report

Frovi
Fulton Market
Episode 31: Celebrating 5 Years of Publishing with Rob Kirkbride

The Trend Report explores 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 office furniture industry desperately needs more e-commerce solutions. We need to break down the lines of competition and start collaborating in a way that benefits not only us and our businesses, but also our customers. Both Kurt and Matt of No Mondays are working to do that with their innovative platform and solution. 

Kurt and Matt both entered the office furniture space through the lens of marketing rather than sales. Through helping brands to reinvent themselves, they realized that one of the issues within the industry is how much we compete against each other rather than unite to elevate. 

After years of working together and the challenges of the pandemic, they both realized that one of the most crucial pieces missing from the industry is a reliable e-commerce platform that connects the consumer, the dealer, the designer, and the independent rep. 

So they sought to create it themselves. 

No Mondays will revolutionize the way we interact with our customers and with our partners within the industry. Are you ready to step into the future of the contract interiors industry? Then listen in to learn more. 

In this episode: 

[01:32] Welcome to the show Kurt and Matt!
[01:54] Kurt introduces himself and shares his background.
[02:31] Learn about Matt’s company MG Marketing and how he got involved with Kurt.
[03:37] How Kurt got started in the office furniture industry.
[06:44] What led Matt to the industry.
[10:32] What No Mondays is and what it does, from Matt’s perspective.
[15:18] How they are making e-commerce different.
[18:15] Learn what affiliate marketing is and how they are using it with No Mondays.
[22:00] Why cookies are used when you search something on the internet.
[24:00] The office furniture desperately needs an e-commerce marketplace. Learn why.
[33:35] Why they want the No Mondays name to be well known in the e-commerce marketplace.
[39:01] Their overall vision is providing the opportunity for people to benefit from their site.
[41:31] How affiliate commission gets parceled out.
[44:28] Independent reps have one more tool in their arsenal with No Mondays.
[48:21] “People are shopping or buying when it’s convenient to them.”

Links & Resources: 

INDEAL University   

Support the Trend Report

Connect with Matt:

MG Marketing

No Mond

The Trend Report explores 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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I cannot believe that we’ve made it to episode 100. In many ways it seems like it has taken forever to reach this point but in others, it was just yesterday that I released that very first episode.

Rather than simply share my thoughts on the state of this podcast and the industry, I decided it would be more fun to have Trevor Bloch ask the questions for a change. 

Honestly, it has been a privilege and an honor to share my voice with all of our listeners but more importantly to share the stories of others in the industry. 

If we’re looking to avoid fading into obscurity, we must continue to grow. This podcast has been an example of this principle that has impacted my own life and my career and business. 

Trevor did an amazing job of asking questions to help illuminate things about this podcast, but most importantly about the impact raising your voice has. 

I’m not an industry expert. But I do love having experts share their thoughts and knowledge. Stay tuned for the next 100 episodes!

 

In this episode:

[01:30] Welcome to the 100th Episode of The Trend Report!

[02:06] In a change of pace, Trevor Bloch, of the Trevor Report, will interview me.

[02:48] Trevor shares who he is and what he does.

[03:58] Why I started the podcast.

[06:31] The things I’ve taken away from the conversations I’ve had.

[08:04] How The Trend Report has humbled me.

[12:44] Why clothing changes are necessary when batch recording.

[19:06] What I would do differently if I was starting the podcast today.

[22:06] There is always opportunity for growth in this industry no matter where you are in your career.

[24:04] Hear some of the most memorable bloopers from the podcast.

[33:55] My goal has always been to help bolster the voices of the professionals in this industry.

[37:52] Are podcasts a daily part of your life? 

[41:56] My final thoughts.

[43:07] Thank you for being part of The Trend Report Community!

 

Links & Resources:

INDEAL University

Support the Trend Report

Episode 37 - The Voice of The Office Furniture Dealer with Melissa + Julie + Aileen of CBRE

Episode 54 - The A+D Yogini with Megan Mazzocco

Episode 76 - The Transition of a Family Business with Evan Lagueruela

Episode 97 - The Little Table Co

The Trend Report explores 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/