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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
I had the opportunity to interview Marshall Tate, owner of Midwest Office, located in Salt Lake City, and he told me a most interesting story about one of their clients. This client just happened to be AOL, whose employees were complaining about their desk chairs. Legs were numb, backs were sore and employees were constantly getting up to stretch and unintentionally waste time. Well, Midwest Office came in and AOL's productivity went up 18 percent.
You see, Midwest Office is much more than just an office furniture store. Sure, you can find Steelcase products, office flooring, carpet and furniture in the showroom, but more importantly, Midwest Office develops strategies to help employers improve efficiency, employee morale, productivity and the overall business environment. Marshall tells me Midwest Office has established a commitment to meet and exceed clients' expectations by not just selling office furniture, but by focusing on improving a business overall.
I found it interesting to know Marshall used to be CEO of a trucking company that used Midwest Office, and saw an overall improvement to its company environment. Marshall says he was so impressed with Midwest Office's reputation and company culture that he decided to buy it the moment the opportunity presented itself in 2000. Keep in mind ... Marshall had no previous experience with office furniture.
But, that hasn't stopped Marshall. He's worked hard to maintain Midwest Office's longevity as a reliable company that uses furniture to overcome business challenges. And, he's enjoying it. In his short time as president, he has brought depth of management and leadership skills to Midwest Office.
If there is one thing I've learned about Midwest Office, it's that there is more than one use for office furniture. It's also about improving business.
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
