The Trend Report Sid Meadows

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 industry. Jason's journey is a compelling tale of resilience and adaptability - from being a culinary student to stepping up to the demands of the family business after his mother's cancer diagnosis. You'll hear his profound insights into the shifting business landscape, his creative marketing strategies, and why he believes building sincere and engaging relationships within the A&D community is essential.

Jason also opens up about his inventive approach to marketing. Wondering how cupcakes, donuts, and his last name fit into his business strategy? You're in for a fascinating set of ideas. He'll also talk about the value of making connections at real-life events and his digital engagement tactics that have helped him grow in an industry that has seen many changes, especially amidst the pandemic.

Get ready to tune in to an episode that's more than just office furniture talk. Jason's passion for Apple products, his belief in the importance of reading physical books to his children, and his insightful thoughts on the blurring lines between residential and commercial industries offer an engaging mix of personal anecdotes and professional advice. Whether you're in the furniture industry or not, Jason's story is sure to inspire, educate, and entertain.


In this episode:
[00:00] Learn all about Jason Levy and his experience in the office furniture industry.
[09:27] Customer-Centric Tools in Business
[21:31] Marketing Strategies for A&D Community
[31:21] Leveraging Digital Platforms to Grow


Links & Resources: 


Support the Trend Report


Connect with Jason:
Jason Levy & Associates
LinkedIn | Instagram | Email



Connect with Sid:
www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows
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/

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 less traveled, challenging the status quo and disrupting norms. This week we're stirring up insightful conversations about the art of nonconformity in business and personal growth. We draw parallels between childhood coloring books and adult conformity, sparking a vital question - What if you decided to be brave and color outside the lines?

Get ready to learn about the power and impact of breaking away from your comfort zone. Be inspired by industry disruptors such as Florence Knoll, Charles and Ray Eames, and Mario Bellini, as we underscore the significance of bravery and vision in shaping our world.

You'll hear the stories of people and companies that dared to be different, the courage it takes to share your ideas, and the rewarding process of challenging conventional wisdom. It's time for you to step up, embrace your greatness, and color outside the lines. Let's dare to be different together.


Links & Resources: 


Support the Trend Report






Connect with Sid:
www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows
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/

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 conversation. Aaron found his path to this industry through an exciting journey that took him from the music business to marketing and advertising, and helped him clinch a role that brings him joy.

Get ready to hear some powerful insights on leveraging digital marketing to create engaging content, and the magic of consistency in personal branding. Aaron shares his experiences from New York and Washington DC, where he honed his skills in personal branding, right down to training politicians for TV appearances. We also delve into how his time in the music industry has shaped his people-focused approach to marketing.

What makes people hesitate to share their voice? We tackle this, along with practical advice on overcoming barriers to personal branding, and the importance of quality information over visuals. The episode wraps up with Aaron offering his perspective on the power of consistency in personal branding, and how small, consistent efforts over time can weave a compelling narrative of who you are. Join us for this captivating discussion on digital marketing, personal branding, and the unexplored world of contract furniture with Aaron Estabrook.

Connect with Sid:
www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows
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/

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, international living, and a deep dive into the paper and print industry. Prepare to be engrossed as he takes us from his time on the college sports field, to the aroma of paper plants in the southern United States, and his international experience in Brussels, Belgium. Listen as he articulates how these experiences shaped his approach to the contract interiors industry.

Sam shares valuable insights into the evolution of the Identity Group, honed through years of hard work and strategic decisions. A rich narrative unfolds as he details the company's transformation in providing signage services, experiential graphics, and branded environments. This is an opportunity to learn from a seasoned CEO about the importance of seizing opportunities, learning from experiences, and the delicate balance required between personal growth and family commitments when making career decisions.

Finally, Sam unravels the intersection between experiential graphics, furniture, and the disruption in the industry. Revealing the role of SEGD and how the Identity Group is leading the way in transitioning from analog to digital. We also get a sneak peek into a major upcoming revelation from the Identity Group. Be sure to join Sid for this enlightening conversation with Sam Richardson, who continues to shape the future of the contract interiors industry.


Connect with Sam:
The Identity Group
LinkedIn | Email



Connect with Sid:
www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows
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/

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 Alexandra was on the show, and she has grown to over 500 videos on her platform with updated partnerships with other technologies in the industry. 
The Design POP aims to offer three main points, to have content that is searchable, provide professional development for designers, and provide sales courses for CET. Having searchable content allows users to find resources or courses on specific topics, bringing better utilization of products. The Design POP is also heavily invested in designers and wants to stimulate the professional development of designers everywhere. 
With more and more platforms, technologies, and AI interfaces coming online and being used in the field, The Design POP offers training and plans for these industry pivots, leveraging the knowledge of the experts. While working with several manufacturers, The Design POP offers a wealth of information for the contract interiors industry and the materials and technology that we are commonly using. 
In addition to the booming growth of The Design POP, Alexandra has been busy starting her own podcast! The podcast centers around dealer designers and the struggles they encounter in the industry. She provides awareness of the challenges that the position faces and provides a voice for them while providing them the anonymity they need to provide solutions to their issues in confidence.
There is so much information in this episode, and I guarantee that you will want to hear more about the success of The Design POP, what it can offer, and how Alexandra’s podcast is opening the eyes to the industry with an inside look at the responsibilities of the designer. 


In this episode:
[01:10] Welcome back to The Trend Report, Alexandra Tseffos!
[02:00] Alexandra’s background for those who haven’t heard Episode 67. 
[05:02] The growth of The Design POP over the last couple of years.
[08:50] How The Design POP collaborates with other manufacturers and provides training.
[11:23] Keeping up with technology in our industry.
[13:55] AI’s impact on our industry’s technology.
[19:47] Alexandra’s desire to focus on the professional development of interior designers.
[25:02] What was the deciding factor in Alexandra starting her own podcast?
[29:04] What is Alexandra’s podcast about?
[35:27] Thanks for joining us today!

Links & Resources: 
Support the Trend Report
Episode 67: The Design POP with Alexandra Tseffos

Connect with Alexandra:

The Design POP
The Design POP Podcast
LinkedIn

Connect with Sid:
www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows
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/

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 design engineer and developing his own department, Matthew expanded into project management and catalog build-outs. 
Matthew speaks to the benefits of "intrapreneurship" and mentorship and how both of those have provided him with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the industry today. Listen in to hear more about how he is driving change in the contract interiors industry and the big things that can be expected to come from Dauphin in the years to come. 

In this episode:
[01:08] Welcome to The Trend Report!
[01:33] Meet my guest, Matthew Negron, and learn about how he got started in the furniture industry.
[04:52] Matthew’s draw to teaching.
[08:47] How Matthew approaches sustainability in his lectures.
[10:13] The history of Dauphin and where it is today.
[15:10] Matthew’s history at Dauphin and how he became one of the youngest presidents in the company’s history.
[21:22] The big takeaways from Matthew’s journey with Dauphin.
[24:18] What lead to Matthew becoming a HiP finalist at NeoCon 2023.
[28:34] The importance that mentorship has played in Matthew’s life and how he pays it forward.
[35:17] We are always growing and evolving as professionals and as people.
[36:03] How Matthew grows and develops while managing everything.
[39:10] What is Matthew reading right now?
[41:05] What is Matthew listening to for education and inspiration?
[42:36] Final thoughts from Matthew.
[43:52] Thanks for joining us today!

Links & Resources: 
Support the Trend Report
Think Like A Monk by Jay Shetty
HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS AND INFLUENCE PEOPLE: A Comprehensive Guide to Making Friends, Building Connections, and Achieving Success by Michael Lones
Connect with Matthew:
Dauphin
LinkedIn | Instagram | Pinterest

Connect with Sid:
www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows
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/