The Trend Report

Sid Meadows
  • 5.0 (39)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome 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 exploring how workplace design impacts the future of work, uncovering innovations in commercial furniture, or understanding the connection between real estate and design, this is your inside look at the ever-changing world of contract interiors.   If you’re an architect, interior designer, manufacturer, dealer, or simply passionate about the office furniture and design industry, this podcast is your trusted guide to what’s now and what’s next. To learn more, please visit https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast

  1. CEO Chat with Chris Hanes of Officeworks

    1D AGO

    CEO Chat with Chris Hanes of Officeworks

    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 trust, process, and people. They dig into coaching, talent development across generations, AI readiness, and what the modern office furniture dealer really delivers for clients.  Connect with Chris: Officeworks - https://www.officeworksinc.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-hanes-85b36714/ Email - chanes@officeworksinc.com The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore 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/

    48 min
  2. Hot Takes with Michelle Warren of The Collaborative Network

    APR 27

    Hot Takes with Michelle Warren of The Collaborative Network

    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 furniture world debating what works. Michelle and Sid get specific about direct sales, hybrid office design, dealer value, and how to make trade shows pay off.  Learn their thoughts on: • when manufacturers should sell direct versus when dealers should lead • why public sector and federal purchasing changes what “direct” means • how the open office shifts toward choice, focus, and collaboration • where dealers act like strategic partners and where execution takes over • what makes trade shows worth the money: targeting, tactics, follow-up, and ROI tracking Connect with Michelle: The Collaborative Network - https://thecollaborative.network/ Catalyst Consulting Group - https://strategic-catalyst.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-lynn-warren/ Email - michelle@strategic-catalyst.com The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore 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/

    22 min
  3. 3form's New AI Visualization Tool + More with Karli Slocum & Cosmo Kramer

    APR 20

    3form's New AI Visualization Tool + More with Karli Slocum & Cosmo Kramer

    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 break down how 3form uses digital visualization and an AI knowledge agent to speed up answers, reduce errors, and capture tribal knowledge without sacrificing accuracy.  Connect with Karli: 3Form - https://3-form.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlislocum/ Connect with Cosmo: Bitreel - https://www.bitreel.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosmokramer/ Email - Cosmo@bitreel.com The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore 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/

    52 min
  4. Hot Takes with Larry Leete of KiSP

    APR 13

    Hot Takes with Larry Leete of KiSP

    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 forward. They dig into why distribution and discoverability can beat “new product” hype, and why real digital strategy means human stories, not endless product posts. Go out there and make today great, and we will see you in the next episode. Connect with Larry: KiSP - https://KiSP.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/larryleete/ Email - lleete@KiSP.com The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore 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/

    27 min
  5. The Future of the Independent Rep with Ed Eisaman

    APR 6

    The Future of the Independent Rep with Ed Eisaman

    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 relationships. We get specific about what’s working right now, what’s breaking under margin pressure, and the things rep firms and manufacturers can do to keep the channel strong for the next generation. Listen to learn about: • building a modern rep firm around investment, not just relationships  • using showrooms to create product discovery and expand share of project  • vertical selling across furniture, ancillary, and architectural product categories  • getting in earlier in the project through architectural products like demountable walls, casework, raised flooring, acoustics, and signage  • staffing for speed with W-2 teams, design support, CET renderings, and rapid quoting  • using digital marketing and newsletters to stay relevant without wasting attention  • pushing for transparency with manufacturers on cost structure and expectations  • rethinking rep compensation with performance and growth-based incentives  • succession planning, mentorship, and lowering barriers for new reps entering the industry  Connect with Ed: Eisaman Contract Associates - https://www.eisaman.com/ Email - edward@eisaman.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-eisaman-6a255/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/edwardeisaman/?hl=en The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore 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/

    40 min
  6. Innovation at the Intersection of Workplace & Technology with Avanto

    MAR 30

    Innovation at the Intersection of Workplace & Technology with Avanto

    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 contract interiors ecosystem. We break down the shift from AI tools that only automate alerts to AI agents that take real action with humans reviewing results. Listen to learn: • What Avanto does and why the intersection of workplace, technology and data matters • The three outcomes they optimise for: reduced risk, reduced cost, increased efficiency • Serving the full ecosystem: manufacturers, dealers, rep groups, installers and global end users • Why transparency and order status visibility change the end user experience • Common industry blockers: resistance to change, fragmented systems, lack of operational clarity • What “the action layer” means and why it differs from systems of record like ERP and CRM • Practical rep group use cases: email triage, alternates, pricing support, commissions verification • Where small business leaders should start with AI: define the goal, then map the workflow References: Episode 55 - A Partnership Moving the Industry Forward with Matt Danyliw of Avanto - https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode55 Connect with Matt: Avanto - https://www.goavanto.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-danyliw-6a8b24b/ Email - sales@goavanto.com Connect with Leo: Agentic Dream - https://www.agenticdream.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardovargas1/ The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore 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/

    49 min
  7. 10 to Win: Savannah Bananas - The Courage to do Business Differently

    MAR 23

    10 to Win: Savannah Bananas - The Courage to do Business Differently

    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 failing team into a phenomenon, then map those lessons to customer experience in contract interiors. He shares ten focused takeaways that help you shift from tradition to memorable value. • sponsors who streamline operations and selling in contract interiors • courage as a practical leadership skill • fans first as customer first for our industry • reimagining rules to create delight • designing experiences over chasing efficiency • challenging tradition and fear of looking foolish • translating lessons to sales, service, and delivery • ten to win principles for action • a closing question that reframes your strategy If this episode made you think differently, I encourage you to pick up the book Fans First and challenge yourself to look at your business through the eyes of your customers and not your competitors References:  Fans First: Change The Game, Break the Rules & Create an Unforgettable Experience by Jesse Cole - https://www.amazon.com/Fans-First-Change-Unforgettable-Experience/dp/154452921X The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore 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/

    9 min
  8. The Best Years of Workplace Design are Still Ahead with Todd Bracher of Humanscale

    MAR 16

    The Best Years of Workplace Design are Still Ahead with Todd Bracher of Humanscale

    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 follows function, and function follows context. They unpack the Path Chair’s net positive story, fast assembly, flat-pack efficiency, and what it means for the industry in the next decade. • how European craft cultures shape design choices • hands-on manufacturing lessons and material literacy • contextual design as user, environment and business fit • shortening development by front-loading research • Path chair goals, knit engineering and flat-pack logic • sourcing ocean-bound plastic and recycled aluminum • packaging density, freight impact and installation speed • why specialization beats the sea of sameness • furniture as a vehicle for integrated technology • letting real market feedback guide innovation You won't want to miss Todd's final piece of advice, so be sure to stick around until the end to hear his advice as we move into the future.  References: Design in Context: A Framework for Strategic Differentiation - https://www.amazon.com/Design-Context-Framework-Strategic-Differentiation/dp/B0D6GHVXWV Todd Bracher Observations, Research and Design - https://www.phaidon.com/en-us/products/observations-research-and-design?srsltid=AfmBOoqKbFyHrlW2kUal4G6KYQbnv_eurFQyrQrqcnbyhYXsZDpfTvMt Connect with Todd: Humanscale - https://www.humanscale.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopKNme5eJGTstvIHA0Tq-409jWgrWgT9_utoLv2iIC86M02fc4E Todd Bracher - https://toddbracher.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/toddbracher/ The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore 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/

    39 min
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5
out of 5
39 Ratings

About

Welcome 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 exploring how workplace design impacts the future of work, uncovering innovations in commercial furniture, or understanding the connection between real estate and design, this is your inside look at the ever-changing world of contract interiors.   If you’re an architect, interior designer, manufacturer, dealer, or simply passionate about the office furniture and design industry, this podcast is your trusted guide to what’s now and what’s next. To learn more, please visit https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast

Information

  • Creator
    Sid Meadows
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    184
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Trend Report
  • Show Website
    The Trend Report

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