Workplace Interiors LLC
Robert Blomstrom and Brooke
Jones-Blomstrom
It's one thing to create a business's physical
workspace, which Workplace Interiors LLC does very well. It's
quite another to build the internal character of a business, and
that's where it excels. Workplace Interiors, a full-service
office furniture dealership founded by husband-and-wife team Robert
Blomstrom and Brooke Jones-Blomstrom, has achieved the 11th spot on
the 2001 Hot 100 listing with its fast growth and stunning success.
Founded in 1999, Workplace Interiors has grown from first-year
sales of $3.7 million to 2000 sales of $21 million, with 2001
projections hovering around the $35 million area.
To what do the Blomstroms attribute their success? Is it their
ability to combine creative and technical thinking? It might be
their uncommon office environment, where their 37 employees enjoy
flextime, profit-sharing and lots of support. Or it may be the
strong family atmosphere, with Robert's sister, Sally
Blomstrom, joining her brother and sister-in-law in the running of
the company. The real secret: "We have fabulous people,"
says Sally, 43. "Our organization is the people."
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The company's devotion to human resources allows it to
thrive in a fiercely competitive industry, according to Robert, 44.
"Our industry is one where a 12- to 14-hour day is the rule,
not the exception," he says. Having a bright, focused staff at
Workplace Interiors means everybody works shorter hours while
getting a lot more done-allowing them to enjoy more nonwork-related
time.
The fact that the principals are related and so in sync with
each other helps set the bar for efficiency. According to Brooke,
39, their roles are always changing depending on the situation-one
zigs where the other zags.
That kind of flexibility is vital to Workplace Interiors. With a
headquarters in Irvine, California, and branches in Los Angeles;
Solana Beach, California; and Ventura, California, multitasking
isn't the exception-it's the rule.
-By Nichole L. Torres
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