Business of Furniture - See you next week!

Business of Furniture - August 2, 2026 & August 9, 2026

•   ASK STEPHEN - "The Best Sales Interview Question I've Heard in Years—And Most Candidates Can't Answer It" - Stephen Viscusi - Anyone can walk into an interview and say they know Gensler, HOK, SOM, Perkins+Will, Rockwell Group, or whichever firms matter in that territory. Name-dropping is free, and any reasonably intelligent salesperson already knows the names you expect to hear. The real question is not whether the salesperson knows Gensler. The real question is whether anyone at Gensler knows the salesperson.
•   What Three Days in Copenhagen Says About the American Workplace - Global design festivals are giving our industry a richer vocabulary, and that is a good thing. Copenhagen, Milan, and Chicago are widening what people expect a workplace to feel like. by Jon Leach, Vice President of Business Development, Tangram Interiors
•   Beyond the Buzz: What NeoCon and Fulton Market Design Days revealed about the future of commercial design. - NeoCon and Fulton Market Design Days have always debuted new collections, but this year's show suggested the industry's priorities are changing. by Stefanie Schwalb
•   PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Allseating Introduces Gemelli™ - Designed in Collaboration with Carl Gustav Magnusson, the Refined Seating Collection Balances Sculpted Comfort with Quiet Sophistication Inspired by evolving commercial interiors, Gemelli balances sculpted comfort, elevated detailing, and versatile performance.
•   Running Out of Office Space? VersaDesk Has a New Solution Built from Shipping Containers - New Studio Mobile Office gives businesses a faster, more affordable way to add offices, meeting rooms, and training space. Since founding VersaDesk in 2000, Chris Laudadio has built the company around one idea: reimagining the workplace.
•   AROUND THE INDUSTRY - Office Revolution Announces Strategic Partnership with Haworth, Marking the Next Chapter in 25 Years of Evolution / Stellar Works Unveils Extensions to the Atelier Collection by Space Copenhagen / NeoKen Recap Tradeshow by Day. Continuing Education in the Evening. Party by Night. / CIFF Shanghai 2026. Design · Digital Intelligence · Sustainability / Nassimi, a Leader in Sustainable Upholstery Materials, Champions Environmental & Social Philanthropic Initiatives / Knoll Unveils Perron Pillo Bed by Willo Perron, a Bold New Expression of Rest / Ultraleather by Ultrafabrics Partners with Kravet to Launch the Ultraleather VI Book
•   Shaw Contract Hospitality Launches Untitled - Every detail of a space should tell a story, and with Axminster, the narrative is one of unparalleled luxury and performance. Thanks to its unique weaving process, Axminster has superior durability, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. The stable construction retains design definition, color and structural integrity over a long lifespan.
•   Choosing an Ergonomic Office Chair: What Really Matters - Whether employees are working from home full-time, splitting their week between home and the office, or returning to more structured workplace environments, the chair they sit in has a meaningful impact on comfort, productivity and long-term wellbeing.
•   UPFRONT: Jasper Group Honors the Life and Legacy of Ashley Sendelweck - Jasper Group is mourning the loss of Vice President of Marketing Ashley Sendelweck, a beloved colleague, leader, and friend whose creativity, humility, and heart helped shape both the company and the people around her. For 17 years, Ashley helped guide Jasper Group's evolution from a respected regional manufacturer into one of the furniture industry's leading brands.
•   How Offices Can Have It All: The End of An Either/Or Design Dilemma - The HON Company's showing during Chicago Design Week last month revealed how offices can leverage design to meet the multi-faceted demands of today's workforce and create a truly "all-inclusive office." The brand's new flagship (located at 320 N Sangamon St) showcased a comprehensive suite of high-performing products that excel in fostering modularity, holistic wellness, employee health, and team productivity.
•   Award-winning Education-focused Collection, Newton, is Available Now from SurfaceWorks - The Newton Collection is designed for learning and training spaces that transition naturally between instruction, collaboration, and everyday use, pairing adaptable functionality and durable materials with a warm and inviting design. While being previewed at NeoCon, the Newton Collection won both the Best of NeoCon Gold for Education Solutions and the Best of NeoCon People's Choice awards.
•   Now Available to Order: NaughtOne's Lotti by Keiji Takeuchi & Pullman Modular - NaughtOne introduces a cleverly designed chair and an architectural seating collection. A simple yet ingenious café chair, Lotti has a strong circular design rooted in easy disassembly and considered material choices.
•   PLACES - OXIA WorkHub Coworking Offices – Sofia | A carefully curated palette of natural textures, warm finishes, and refined detailing creates an environment that feels professional yet welcoming.
•   INDUSTRY PULSE & FIRST LOOKS - Bentley Joins Ecomedes Platform, Launching Dedicated Sustainability Portal for Architects and Designers / LightCorp Launches CET Extension to Streamline Specification Workflows / Lesro Welcomes New Manufacturer Representative / //3877 Expands New York Presence with Trio of Strategic Hires / Corgan Wins Sustainable Leadership Award from CoreNet Global / Herman Miller Unveils New Patterns for the Iconic Girard Throw Blanket
•   New In Classifieds - Your Next Career Move May Be Closer Than You Think | The Viscusi Group is recruiting accomplished sales professionals and leaders for opportunities with leading, commercial furniture and interiors manufacturers across the U.S. You don't need to be actively "looking," to consider an exceptional opportunity. The best career moves are often explored before a change becomes necessary. Read more on page 111.
•   New In Classifieds - Independent Reps Wanted | Ergonomic Comfort Design is an established ergonomic seating company with a strong base of business in Southern California for over 32 years. Known for high quality, high performance ergonomics, exceptional service and competitive pricing, we are expanding our presence in Northern California and the west coast. Read more on page 110.
•   New In Classifieds - President - Cincinnati, Ohio | Centennial is partnering with Loth, Inc. who is seeking a visionary, enterprise‑minded President to lead a diversified portfolio of companies, including two multi‑location commercial furniture dealerships, a related service company and an ATM installation company. This executive will shape strategy, elevate operational excellence, strengthen culture, and drive long‑term enterprise value across all business units. The President provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and cultural direction—ensuring each company thrives in its market while leveraging shared systems, leadership standards, financial discipline, and enterprise‑wide initiatives. Please click on the link to learn more and apply: President Role. Read more on page 110.
•   So Much More Every Week - Industry Moments, Industry Portfolio, Industry Events, Industry Classifieds & Careers