Introducing OpenSquare, formerly B&OI + BarclayDean. Better Together!

BANK & OFFICE, BARCLAYDEAN JOIN AS OPENSQUARE
Premier Seattle Office Furniture Dealership Announces New Brand Name

SEATTLE – August 13, 2013 – Bank & Office Interiors and BarclayDean Environments are pleased to announce their new official business name, OpenSquare, and company slogan, “Your workspace. Your workstyle.”

OpenSquare offers integrated services, inspired workplace solutions and high-quality office furniture supporting diverse workstyles for a wide variety of businesses across the Pacific Northwest.
The new name was selected to signify advancement beyond the cube with a focus on exceeding client expectations.

The words convey the following:

Open

• Open-minded support of a variety of clients and workstyles
• Opening up an array of possibilities for innovative workspaces
• Open dialogue by sharing new ideas and solutions for the future

Square

• A foundational shape in architecture and art, opens to innovation
• A town square symbolizes engagement and collaboration within the community
• “Squared” represents the exponential value of providing extraordinary client experiences

The top two commercial furnishing dealerships, Bank & Office Interiors and BarclayDean Environments, united in November 2012. The company’s official brand launched as OpenSquare on Tuesday, August 13, 2013.

The companies' combined leadership and workforce remain intact. Tim Jones will remain President and CEO, while Bank & Office Interiors’ Jeff Rospond and Kristi Jones, are joined by Scott Harrison and Valarie Schmidt of BarclayDean, as the executive leadership team of OpenSquare.

“Both organizations’ focus has always been on providing excellent customer service,” said Tim Jones. “United we have a depth and breadth of skill and resources that can take our customer service to an extraordinary level.”

“This new alliance is very exciting,” said Scott Harrison, OpenSquare Executive Director. “We are bringing together 140 years of expertise to inspire workspace innovation and provide clients with an extraordinary experience. Together we renew our unwavering commitment to supporting the communities in which we live and work.”

As a proud Steelcase Platinum Partner, OpenSquare engages Steelcase, customers and the community, to deliver exceptional value to the people and places they touch. Through Steelcase’s state-of-the-art products, vast research and knowledge about work environments and the ways people work, OpenSquare is armed with the tools to deliver extraordinary client experiences. OpenSquare establishes the highest industry standards for quality and performance in the Pacific Northwest.

About Bank & Office Interiors
Established in 1934, Bank & Office Interiors (B&OI) has grown to be the largest full-service office furnishings dealership in the region, providing innovative workspace solutions and office furnishings while maintaining a firm commitment to sustainability and community. B&OI cultivates a longstanding, integrated relationship with Steelcase, its primary manufacturer, which supports the vision of serving as a dynamic provider of effective space solutions.

About BarclayDean Environments
Since 1949, BarclayDean Environments has delivered quality office furniture and services founded on a value-centric corporate philosophy that includes good corporate citizenship, protecting the environment and supporting the Pacific Northwest business community. The company’s founder set out with a goal of helping regional companies create and furnish offices with quality building and specialty products. Today, this hallmark is realized and empowered through an investment in its people, technologies, tools and infrastructure.

Naming, Renaming, or Rebranding Your Company - Things to Think About!

As part of the planning team for B&OI/BarclayDean, I have been neck deep in the process of renaming our company. I feel it's one of the cooler parts of marketing - your brand image speaks volumes. And your name, if not supported properly, can be a dud. However, with the right amount of planning and care, naming or renaming your company can be a positive and successful experience. I searched the web for some expert  advice when it comes to naming your brand and thought these sites were beneficial.

I found this good resource from risingabovethenoise.com  on questions to ask yourself before rebranding: Why do we want to rebrand? What do we want to convey? Are we leading with our brand direction? Check out the full article here.

Learning from other's mistakes is also a great way to watch out for possible pitfalls. This article from rebrand.com looked at 20 mistakes marketers make when rebranding. Hint: It's not just about the logo. Click here to read the full article.

 And finally, this article from econsultancy.com offers 5 good tips for branding - and one I really stand behind. Plan early! This is not an easy process or something that occurs overnight. You can not plan too much for this event. And it is universal. Start-up looking for a new name or 75 year old company trying to get a refresh...plan! Click here for the full article.

After months and months of hard work and going back and forth with teams and thoughts and ideas...I am truly excited to start talking about our new brand (having brand advocates is important!!!). But what I learned from my experience is being prepared and knowing the full scope will make this effort a little less stressful.

Kendal

Start Up Companies and Office Furniture

 

Yesterday, I found an interesting infographic on twitter. It is a map of the USA with the top 7 locations for start-ups highlighted with costs (taken from Entrepreneur.com - check out the article!):



First - I love seeing Seattle on the map. We have such a great culture and innovative epicenter that the fact we're not number one is a little surprising...except that we're a little pricey. So I get it. I like Austin, too - it's just very, very hot.

Second, I happened to find a Steelcase article in their new 360 magazine called "Small Companies, Big Ideas" that looks at the structure of the small business and the need to create a culture.

Taken from Steelcase 360

Small businesses need to fight harder to get momentum and recognition in the beginning. Being involved in the community and identifying with their company is key to pushing forward from that small struggling start-up to that successful small company. So how does furniture enter into this?

'Space reinforces what makes each firm unique. “You really want your space to reflect who you are,” says Mueller. “You want clients to walk into the space and think, ‘Hey, this is really cool. I’m working with smart, interesting people.’ Everyone wants to feel good about the firm they hired, and your office can reinforce that feeling."' (taken from Steelcase 360)

Choosing pieces that are functional and fit the businesses personality can help achieve success. Your employees want to come to work - giving them the tools to excel will only add up in the log run. Turnstone is a great line for start-up businesses to consider. They love the spirit of the startup entrepreneur and aim to create furniture that fits their work style. Though there is nothing wrong with Ikea...there are better options that you can afford. Do not underestimate the power of pre-owned! You can score great pieces at more than half off that are merely "gently loved".

Post NeoCon Thoughts

Regard by Nurture featured at NeoCon

Hi Everyone!

As the excitement of NeoCon starts to die down and attendees take hours scrolling through notes and photos trying to remember the exhibits and people they met, I wanted to get some quick thoughts from the four B&OI/BD associates we had attend. Two were veterans. Two were newbies. All four had great things to say.

Lauren: A+D Specialist, first timer.
Describe NeoCon in one word: Debut
What was your favorite part of this year's NeoCon: The interesting shapes and ways to reclaim private space. Also, the heat formed felted panels!
What is one tip/words of wisdom you would give someone going on their first trip: Keep your eyes and ears open. Get tours from as many reps as possible. They speak great language giving you the highlights and "meat" up front.

Todd: Contract Sales Manager, veteran.
Describe NeoCon in one word: Interactions
What was your favorite part of this year's NeoCon: Connecting with customers, other dealers, Steelcase, and manufacturer reps.
What is one tip/words of wisdom you would give someone going on their first trip: You won’t be able to see/do everything, so you’ll need to be strategic and plan ahead.

Jack: Sales Representative, first timer
Describe NeoCon in one word: Innovative
What was your favorite part of this year's NeoCon: Of the show, it really was V.I.A. from Steelcase. Of the trip, it was filling an item on my bucket list by attending a Cubs game at Wrigley Field.
What is one tip/words of wisdom you would give someone going on their first trip: Plan, plan, plan. Make sure you talk to someone with a lot of Neocon experience about how to get the most out of it.

Hal: Sales Team, veteran
Describe NeoCon in one word: Inspirational
What was your favorite part of this year's NeoCon: Seeing the various interpretations of the future workplace.
What is one tip/words of wisdom you would give someone going on their first trip: Wear comfortable shoes.

Lauren taking a moment to test out some furniture

NEOCON 2013 - Here We Come!

B&OI/BD are NEOCON veterans...but that doesn't mean it doesn't help to brush up on the do's and don'ts from time to time. I'm pulling out an old blog from the archive to help refresh those attending, both new and old, on how to handle this amazing event!

NEOCON 2013 is being held at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago from June 10th - 12th. This is the premier tradeshow to go to if you're in the interior design / furniture industry for office, healthcare, educational, hospitality, GSA/gov, and retail. With amazing vendors showcasing their latest wares, this is the place to be to see the latest and greatest designs and schmooze with clients and vendors alike.

Check out NEOCON's official website here.
And follow them on twitter: @NeoCon

The bonus, of course, is that this is being held in an amazing city that offers a variety of shows, restaurants, and extra-curricular activities to attend. Besides the parties the vendors are throwing, you can catch an act at The House of Blues. Or, if you're in town for the weekend (10-12th), hit up the FREE Blues Festival.

And don't forget your restaurants!!!

The thing to remember with NEOCON is that it is a 3 day marathon of your senses. You're going to be meeting people, seeing tons of new designs, entertaining clients, being entertained, and you need to do it all in 72 hours (don't forget to sleep!). It sounds like enough time, right? It isn't. B&OI has been going to NEOCON for the past 15 years and every year they schedule as much as humanly possible in...it's an amazing feat.

Newbie tips
1. Research! Don't go in without knowing what you're coming up against. The show is on multiple floors and you're going to want to know where the vendors you're going to see are located
2. Start reserving restaurants now. Really? Yes. I tried to make reservations last year around this time and couldn't get into 2 popular restuarants...you can not just show up with 5 people on Tuesday night.
3. Prepare! There are a lot of parties and special events going on. Know which ones you can get to if they're off site of the Mart. Check with your reps and vendors - they should know!
4. If something falls through, don't stress! A lot can go right at this event, but sometimes, things go a little haywire. Being prepared and knowing back up plans is a great way to avoid stress and frustration.
5. Have fun! This is an amazing event and enjoy it and Chicago while you're there!

Enjoy!

~ Kendal

B&OI / BarclayDean 4th Floor Installation

With the merger and continued growth of our company, B&OI/BD had to expand. We chose a space in the Seattle Design Center one floor down from our current location. This new space holds our design team, coordinators, and accountants. Check out some fun pictures and great products!

This is a great collaboration space featuring Coalesse

Our "phone booth" space - privacy with room for flexibility

 

The artwork we received from Ghana fully framed!

 

Look at this fun space! Modern industrial at its finest!

 

Designer's station



Coordinator's Space

 

Not the best shot of the furniture, but look at that view! Hello Seattle!!!

Better, more professional photos are in the works. But I am so excited about how great this space has come together!

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The New IIDA VP of Campus Centers

CONGRATULATIONS JAYNE LEIGHTY!

B&OI/BarclayDean associate Jayne Leighty has received this prestigious honor: the VP of Campus Centers. According to the IIDA website, "Campus Centers provide an environment for the development and exchange of knowledge among students, educators, administration and design professionals. Participation in a Campus Center adds further value to your student membership because it involves working closely with your local IIDA Chapter or City Center to develop programs and events." Bella, a coworker of Jayne's, noted "Jayne is 1 of 2 design students chosen in four years to be honored in the Art Institutes Hall of Fame (graduating with honors). Past honorees include the guy who designed the Iron Man costumes, a culinary student who won Iron Chef, and a fashion student who was on Project Runway."

We completely agree with that statement. Congrats again!!!