The Trend Report - Insights on Office Furniture, Contract Interiors & Workplace Design
Sid Meadows
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Sid Meadows
▶ WebplayerWelcome to The Trend Report, your inside look at the people, products, and ideas shaping the future of workplace design. This podcast takes you behind the scenes of the office furniture industry and the broader interior design community. Hosted by industry veteran Sid Meadows, each episode dives deep into the conversations, trends, and strategies shaping the future of our industry. From insightful interviews with industry innovators, brand builders, design leaders, CEOs, and changemakers to real-world discussions on workplace trends, sales strategies, and furniture design, The Trend Report delivers the knowledge and inspiration you need to stay ahead. Whether it’s expl...
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Oct 5, 2026 · 53:50
Send us Fan Mail Have you felt the friction hiding in early-stage furniture projects? Joining Sid to discuss this and why copy-paste workflows slow down creativity, budgets, and…
Sep 28, 2026 · 16:05
Send us Fan Mail A casual text can hide a real request for help, and we often miss it because it looks like everyday conversation. Join Sid in this exploration of how an…
Sep 21, 2026 · 49:12
Send us Fan Mail Listen as Sid sits down with Steven Searer, founder of Office Snapshots, about how a side project built from pure curiosity turned into one of the most trusted…
Sep 14, 2026 · 30:09
Send us Fan Mail Joining Sid on this Hot Takes episode is Janeen Waddell of Navitas Credit. Together they challenge a few “normal” habits in the contract furniture world that…
Sep 7, 2026 · 49:57
Send us Fan Mail Listen as Sid sits down with Sadig and Vanessa from Greenmood to unpack why nature belongs inside the spaces where we work, heal, and gather. They break down…
Aug 31, 2026 · 12:16
Send us Fan Mail The most expensive business and leadership mistakes often come from a lack of awareness, not a lack of intelligence. Sid breaks down three simple habits that…
Aug 27, 2026 · 20:08
Send us Fan Mail Continue with The Trend Report Episode 200 celebration with bonus content that gets personal, as our guests share their favorite Trend Report episodes and…
Aug 24, 2026 · 1:11:30
Send us Fan Mail Listen as Sid celebrates Episode 200 of The Trend Report by handing the mic to four longtime listeners for an honest roundtable on how all the players in…
Aug 17, 2026 · 56:36
Send us Fan Mail Sid talks with Justin Beitzel and Fernando Ramirez about building OkaTerra by starting with farmers, waste streams, and regenerative materials rather than a…
Aug 10, 2026 · 31:39
Send us Fan Mail Sid spins the wheel with Avanto CEO Matt Danyliw and trade honest hot takes on leadership, AI, and what customers value now. The through-line is simple: stop…
Aug 3, 2026 · 48:34
Send us Fan Mail Join Sid as he chats with Erica Jaffe, known online as the Office Furniture Girl, about turning visibility into service and using content to build trust before a…
Jul 27, 2026 · 11:35
Send us Fan Mail Sid explores why fear often keeps us from making the very moves that would create growth, and why the better question is not “what if it doesn’t work?” but “what…
Jul 20, 2026 · 52:27
Send us Fan Mail Join Sid as he chats with Tim Carroll, CEO of Lyric Workplace, about how contract interiors dealers can stay relevant as technology, AI, and buyer expectations…
Jul 13, 2026 · 28:36
Send us Fan Mail Sid trades unscripted hot takes with Clint Winn of Loftwall on what moves the contract interiors industry forward, from workplace privacy and modular “room in…
Jul 6, 2026 · 52:46
Send us Fan Mail We talk with Jon Strassner about why sustainability in contract interiors is misunderstood, and why “planet health” is a clearer target than chasing labels. We…
Jun 29, 2026 · 47:11
Send us Fan Mail Susan Pilato and Michelle Warren join Sid to challenge the idea that more activity automatically creates growth, and they lay out what a true strategic plan…
Jun 22, 2026 · 12:37
Send us Fan Mail Sid looks past the celebrity and fame and identifies practical business lessons from Taylor Swift’s strategic playbook: turn adversity into fuel, build customer…
Jun 15, 2026 · 47:23
Send us Fan Mail Simona Constantini of Volt Productions joins Sid to talk about why business owners need to stop treating podcasting like a marketing extra and explain how it…
Jun 8, 2026 · 30:12
Send us Fan Mail We're back with another Hot Takes episode. Sid spins the wheel with Rob Kirkbride from officeinsight, discussing topics on selling, marketing, and trust in the…
Jun 1, 2026 · 46:39
Send us Fan Mail Join Sid as he chats with Anika Jackson about using Delphi to clone her voice and expertise so people can get real answers 24/7 without demanding more hours from…
May 25, 2026 · 15:10
Send us Fan Mail This week, challenge yourself with one sharp question: if your content disappeared, would your customers even notice? Sid is breaking down what “adding value”…
May 18, 2026 · 52:49
Send us Fan Mail Sid is digging into why the future of learning deserves as much attention as the future of work with Dr. Lennie Scott-Webber and Libby Ferin of Marco. They…
May 11, 2026 · 36:13
Send us Fan Mail The Hot Takes Wheel is spinning again! This time Kay Sargent from HOK joins Sid to discuss what is breaking, what is evolving, and what needs to get simpler in…
May 4, 2026 · 47:39
Send us Fan Mail Sid talks with Officeworks CEO Chris Hanes about leading through consolidation while stepping into a bigger role and keeping the dealer business grounded in…
Apr 27, 2026 · 21:56
Send us Fan Mail Sid spins the Hot Takes Wheel with Michelle Warren of The Collaborative Network and Catalyst Consulting. They unpack the questions that keep the contract…
Apr 20, 2026 · 52:24
Send us Fan Mail Sid is digging into what it looks like when AI moves from headlines to real workflow inside a contract interiors manufacturer. Karli Slocum and Cosmo Kramer…
Apr 13, 2026 · 26:32
Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to another Hot Takes episode, this time with Larry Lee of KISP. Sid and Larry trade honest exchanges on what moves the contract furniture industry…
Apr 6, 2026 · 39:59
Send us Fan Mail Ed Eisaman joins Sid to talk about how the independent rep model is evolving into a capital-intensive, service-heavy business that still runs on a backbone of…
Mar 30, 2026 · 49:08
Send us Fan Mail We talk with Avanto leaders Matt Danyliw and Leonardo Vargas about what “operationalised innovation” looks like when AI moves from talk to execution across the…
Mar 23, 2026 · 8:41
Send us Fan Mail What would change in your business if you truly put your customers first? Sid explores how the Savannah Bananas used courage and a fans-first mindset to turn a…
Mar 16, 2026 · 38:33
Send us Fan Mail Sid connects sustainability, design, and the future of work with Todd Bracher of Humanscale, tracing his craft-first roots in Europe to a clear framework: form…
Mar 9, 2026 · 24:12
Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to the new Trend Report segment called Hot Takes. Join Sid along with Amanda Schneider as they challenge the idea that our industry sells products…
Mar 2, 2026 · 48:43
Send us Fan Mail Senior Interior Designer, Krystal Lucero, and Sid explore how to earn trust and build durable relationships between product sellers and the design community.…
Feb 23, 2026 · 11:42
Send us Fan Mail Sid explores why gratitude is a performance multiplier and how simple daily habits can raise trust, engagement, and results without adding more work. Learn four…
Feb 16, 2026 · 42:44
Send us Fan Mail Hunter Jensen of Barefoot Solutions, and Sid unpack why AI is moving so fast and the important basics leaders skip during implementation and use: data quality,…
Feb 9, 2026 · 21:49
Send us Fan Mail Join Doug Shapiro and Sid as they tackle the biggest sales and showroom challenges in the contract interiors industry — from outdated cold calling and bid-driven…
Feb 2, 2026 · 51:30
Send us Fan Mail We kick off season seven with Bryce Stuckenschneider, CEO of Loftwall, to explore how privacy-first design, flexible architecture, and AI-forward practices can…
Jan 19, 2026 · 11:06
Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Season 7 of The Trend Report. This opens with a clear plan and a sharper purpose: weekly episodes that blend deep interviews, fast Hot Takes, and…
Nov 10, 2025 · 20:18
Send us Fan Mail We're doing things a bit differently today. In an effort to show you practical uses for AI, I've put all of the transcripts from Season 6 in and AI platform…
Oct 27, 2025 · 46:52
Send us Fan Mail We explore how design moves beyond aesthetics into systems, platforms, and policies, and how iF Design advances that mission through a global award, a new…
Oct 13, 2025 · 40:41
Send us Fan Mail We sit down with Heartwork founder Karen John to explore how travel, Italian design culture, and a love of craft shaped a U.S. manufacturing brand that treats…
Sep 29, 2025 · 1:02:39
Send us Fan Mail Adrian Leal returns to discuss practical steps for starting or improving your content strategy and focusing on authenticity and impact rather than perfection.…
Sep 15, 2025 · 11:56
Send us Fan Mail Professional development is your responsibility, not your employer's. People who take ownership of their personal growth receive salary increases 2.5 times…
Sep 1, 2025 · 37:10
Send us Fan Mail Public sector sales represent a third of the furniture industry's market at approximately $4-6 billion annually, offering recession-proof opportunities with…
Aug 18, 2025 · 40:52
Send us Fan Mail Join Sid as he and Adrian Leal explore how creating authentic content and establishing thought leadership can transform sales success in the office furniture…
Aug 4, 2025 · 40:01
Send us Fan Mail Kari Anderson, of the Techbox Creative, joins Sid to dive into the complex world of technology in the office furniture industry, exploring challenges, solutions,…
Jul 21, 2025 · 11:54
Send us Fan Mail We are exploring the power of everyday innovation in business, looking at how small, thoughtful touches can transform customer experiences and create lasting…
Jul 7, 2025 · 36:03
Send us Fan Mail Walter Craven created Kabin during lockdown to solve his desperate need for personal space, transforming a cardboard prototype into a revolutionary office…
Jun 26, 2025 · 41:10
Send us Fan Mail Get ready for a different kind of episode. Rex Miller takes the mic and interviews Sid and three other industry veterans who have united to create The…
Jun 23, 2025 · 45:07
Send us Fan Mail Natalie Hartkopf, CEO of Hightower, shares her journey in the furniture industry and how this family-founded business evolved from importing European designs to…
Jun 9, 2025 · 47:26
Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how to tap into specialized vertical markets that offer substantial growth opportunities? Sara Marberry, a healthcare and senior living design…
May 12, 2025 · 14:19
Send us Fan Mail We make nearly 35,000 remotely conscious decisions each day—that's one choice every 1.6 seconds during our waking hours. Each of these decisions has the…
Apr 28, 2025 · 49:39
Send us Fan Mail Kelly Colón shares her expertise in neurodivergent-friendly design and shows how designing with all brain types in mind can improve spaces for everyone. She…
Apr 14, 2025 · 48:47
Send us Fan Mail What does it take to thrive in the office furniture industry during these turbulent times? Shelley Rosetta, Principal at Solomon Coyle, brings a wealth of…
Mar 31, 2025 · 38:17
Send us Fan Mail What happens when you combine cutting-edge technology with the restorative power of nature? Collin Cavote, founder and CEO of Biome, joins us to share how his…
Mar 17, 2025 · 46:16
Send us Fan Mail James Strole, founder of Workspace Resources, shares his journey from bank teller to leader in the office furniture industry, discussing pivotal moments, the…
Mar 3, 2025 · 54:43
Send us Fan Mail Doug Shapiro, the VP of Sales at JSI, discusses the evolution of sales in the office furniture industry, emphasizing the importance of listening and asking the…
Feb 17, 2025 · 16:01
Send us Fan Mail Experience the transformative power of habits. We're exploring four key practices—exercise, reading, journaling, and celebrating daily wins—that propel personal…
Feb 3, 2025 · 10:50
Send us Fan Mail Ever felt like life's commitments were pulling you in all different directions? That's exactly where I found myself last year. I was overwhelmed and on the verge…
Jul 29, 2024 · 51:29
Send us Fan Mail What if building meaningful relationships could revolutionize your sales strategy? Join me, Sid Meadows, and my guest Marianne Hewitt from SalesStar, as we…
Jul 22, 2024 · 38:56
Send us Fan Mail What if merging two industry giants could revolutionize an entire market? Join us as we chat with Amy Edington, Product Manager for Commercial at Cyncly, who…
Jul 15, 2024 · 10:06
Send us Fan Mail What if your ability to understand your customers could make or break your career? Today, we uncover a transformative experience from over 20 years ago that…
Jul 8, 2024 · 40:06
Send us Fan Mail Can technology revolutionize the office furniture industry? Join us on the Trend Report as we explore this question with Katherine D'Zmura Friedman, Co-Founder…
Jun 17, 2024 · 7:55
Send us Fan Mail Ever feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of decisions you face each day? I'm here to help you navigate the labyrinth of choices with ease and precision. In our…
Jun 10, 2024 · 14:47
Send us Fan Mail Have you ever considered the silent tales an office chair might tell if given a voice? This episode welcomes the incomparable Dominic Lawson, a maestro of the…
Jun 3, 2024 · 1:02:00
Send us Fan Mail Embark with me on a transformative exploration of workplace strategy and design with the insightful David Stella from Cresa Real Estate.. Together, we unravel…
May 20, 2024 · 38:29
Send us Fan Mail Stepping into the studio with Susan Pilato of Mantra Inspired Furniture was like opening a treasure chest of wisdom on the enduring value of solid wood…
May 13, 2024 · 9:10
Send us Fan Mail Ready to revolutionize your approach in the office furniture industry? I'm here to guide you down the path from being another furniture supplier to becoming a…
May 6, 2024 · 51:26
Send us Fan Mail Do you ever find yourself wondering what happened to that childhood spark, the one that made you curious and bold? Join us as we sit down with Rex Miller to…
Apr 22, 2024 · 36:34
Send us Fan Mail Discover the transformative power of mindful design as Jen Levisen, director of communications at Mindful Materials, joins us to shed light on the sustainable…
Apr 8, 2024 · 13:10
Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets to transformative conversations with my deep dive into the art of the follow-up question. In our latest episode, I share the underrated power…
Apr 1, 2024 · 41:11
Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets to transforming every customer interaction into a golden opportunity as Stacy Sherman, a maven of CX excellence, joins us to pick apart the…
Mar 18, 2024 · 42:57
Send us Fan Mail Lance Amato from Canoa and Sid, navigate the transformative currents reshaping the office furniture procurement landscape. Discover how Canoa's browser-based…
Mar 11, 2024 · 12:40
Send us Fan Mail Remember the thrill of seeing something evolve from its simple origins to something spectacularly modern? That's the journey I've been on with the office…
Mar 4, 2024 · 45:32
Send us Fan Mail Have you ever found yourself at a career crossroads, contemplating a leap into the unknown? That's precisely where Jonathan Johnson stood before he took the helm…
Feb 19, 2024 · 14:24
Send us Fan Mail Get ready to revolutionize the way you think about networking! Learn the key to turning shallow handshakes into deep-rooted partnerships. Say goodbye to the…
Feb 12, 2024 · 45:24
Send us Fan Mail Join me and Rex Miller as we uncover his transformation of a historic ranch into a tranquil retreat and delve into the inception of his cutting-edge software,…
Feb 5, 2024 · 31:39
Send us Fan Mail Celebrating the launch of season five of The Trend Report podcast feels like commemorating a personal milestone, one filled with the voices and stories that have…
Oct 23, 2023 · 38:51
Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how a visionary and an integrator can shape the success story of a business? Dianne Murata, the interior designer and founding principal of Kimiko…
Oct 9, 2023 · 14:33
Send us Fan Mail Can you imagine becoming the best version of yourself, both personally and professionally? How would that impact your life, your career, your relationships? I'm…
Sep 25, 2023 · 39:30
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…
Sep 11, 2023 · 10:33
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…
Aug 28, 2023 · 45:07
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…
Aug 14, 2023 · 42:41
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,…
Jul 31, 2023 · 35:42
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…
Jul 17, 2023 · 44:38
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…
Jul 3, 2023 · 36:39
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.…
Jun 19, 2023 · 33:12
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…
May 29, 2023 · 31:34
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…
May 1, 2023 · 36:20
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I share a discussion that I had with my Coaches Roundtable. Jonathan Howard, Russell Eubanks, Loubna Zarrou, and I speak about an impactful book…
Apr 17, 2023 · 37:53
Send us Fan Mail Content is all around us, and we are consuming it nearly every second of every day. For those of us who don’t know exactly what content is, it is the concept of…
Apr 3, 2023 · 20:41
Send us Fan Mail So much about our growth and development within the industry hinges on the relationships that we build and the mentors that we have. I have had the opportunity…
Mar 20, 2023 · 34:42
Send us Fan Mail The world as we know it has changed so much in the past several years. With the evolution of technology and the curveball of the pandemic, the culture of how our…
Mar 6, 2023 · 41:57
Send us Fan Mail The age of the independent rep is changing. The role that an independent rep played that we were familiar with up to the year 2015 doesn’t really exist anymore.…
Feb 20, 2023 · 45:21
Send us Fan Mail Social media and other digital marketing tools play a significant role in the commercial interiors industry. By developing a key strategy to show up for our…
Feb 6, 2023 · 39:31
Send us Fan Mail Staying ahead of market trends by educating yourself is key to providing an outstanding customer experience and achieving success in the office interiors…
Nov 14, 2022 · 33:03
Send us Fan Mail There is a dirty little secret in the contract interiors industry and it is how much waste our industry contributes to landfills. Over 50% of landfill waste…
Oct 31, 2022 · 37:49
Send us Fan Mail 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…
Oct 17, 2022 · 43:37
Send us Fan Mail 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…
Oct 3, 2022 · 33:10
Send us Fan Mail 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,…
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