In 1985, as a sales manager at M&M Office Interiors Corp., a Pewaukee-based office furniture dealer, Tim Rudd sold two filing cabinets to Wayne Breitbarth, who was a vice president at Heiser Automotive Group in Milwaukee.
The two discovered they had similar values and philosophies and kept in touch over the years.
In 2002, Breitbarth and Rudd became co-presidents of M&M.
Under their joint-leadership, the company has increased its revenues more than 28 percent since 2003.
“We have tried to instill in our people a philosophy regarding all relationships with all of our vendors, customers and employees,” Rudd said. “Our approach has been one of ‘fix the problem’ and worry about who’s going to pay later.”
The company’s dedication to customer satisfaction has garnered Haworth’s Award for Excellence, an award given to one outstanding dealership from around the country for focusing on customer relationship practices. Nearly 250 businesses applied for the award.
“Our approach to providing benefits and other employee-related programs is that we want to provide the strongest program in the industry in metro Milwaukee,” Breitbarth said.
The strength in programming comes from a unique approach to company meetings and celebrations, including “M&M Jeopardy.” The two presidents take each department of M&M for half-day excursions to build camaraderie and relationships.
“We consistently send all appropriate employees to industry training and have been recognized as one of the top dealers in training commitment,” Rudd said.
M&M’s employees are involved in local charities and community service throughout southeastern Wisconsin, Breitbarth said.
“We encourage this activity and believe it adds to the overall feeling of family and our commitment to a well-rounded lifestyle,” he said.
M&M Office Interiors Corp.
Location: W233 N2833 Roundy Circle West, Suite 100, Pewaukee
Year established: 1961
Number of employees: 38
Web site: www.mmoffice.com
Main products/services: Office interiors solutions (including needs-based consulting and related products)
