Evolution: how we keep our roots but embrace change

Thought Leadership: Future 50: Where Are They Now?


Year Recognized: 1998

How has your company grown since your recognition as a Future 50 company?
Since Creative Business Interiors was recognized as a Future 50 company in 1998, we have expanded to include office locations in Madison and Green Bay in addition to the corporate office in Milwaukee. With our nearly 100 employees we service customers throughout WI, as well as in nearly every US state and in several other countries.

What’s changed in your business/industry since your recognition as a Future 50 company?
Creative Business Interiors represents services in three industries, Interior Design, Commercial Furnishings and Interior Construction, all of which have changed in many ways. Wisconsin now has a practice act that enables Interior designers to stamp and seal their own non-structural construction documents, and for a company that focuses on interior renovation, this is a great advancement for our Interior Design services. In the commercial furniture industry, we have seen the merger of two historic brands come together to form MillerKnoll, of which we are proud to be a certified dealer. Construction has made many advancements in modular construction methods and interior finishes and our in-house carpenters and painters have learned to be nimble and respond to expedited construction methods.

What is your corporate philosophy? What sets it apart?
Because Creative Business Interiors self-performs all aspects of our business – Interior Design, Commercial Furnishings and Interior Construction (including field labor) – we build long-lasting relationships with our customers. By self-performing, we offer a level of control to our customers through expedited schedules, high-level of quality and cost reduction. We are very consultative and adept at problem solving, which makes us a trusted partner. In addition, our industry utilizes specific technology that is data driven to help our customers make informed decisions.

Have you reached any milestones since being recognized as a Future 50 company?
This month Creative Business Interiors enters our 33rd year in business, and in this time, we have been excited to open Madison and Green Bay offices in WI as well as to continue to change with our industry in all aspects, but especially by becoming a MillerKnoll certified dealer.
We have reached an exciting leadership milestone for founding partner, Stephanie Anderson, as she has recently entered retirement and with it there is new ownership. Rebecca Gaylord has joined Gary Zimmerman and John Norfolk as the majority shareholder in the business and is the new President, while Gary will remain as CEO and John as Executive Vice President.

Where do you see your company in 1 year, 5 years?
Creative Business Interiors will keep their roots in Interior Design, Interior Construction and Commercial Furnishings and we see many technology advancements being folded into our business which will include AI informed design, integrated workflows between the office and the field and enhanced showrooms for client experiences. With our enhanced design tools and data driven technologies, we’ll focus on supporting commercial real estate professionals and business leaders to make informed decisions about space. We have enhanced modular furniture offerings that will shift our capacity for work within the healthcare space. And ultimately, our focus will be to elevate our position as a service provider that business leaders turn to and trust with their space and the elements that make it theirs. With our new ownership structure, we will be working towards becoming recognized as a WI Women Business Enterprise in the upcoming future while continuing to grow in all of our markets.

Industry: Business Interiors
Creative Business Interiors
414.545.8500
creativebusinessinteriors.com
Employees: 85

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