For Rightsize Facility Performance, 2014 was a year full of growth, partnerships and learning.
2014 was a milestone year for Rightsize. We built new partnerships, opened new locations and hired some very talented individuals to contribute to the success of our team. Looking ahead to the New Year, we wanted to reflect on one of our favorite years yet. From countless projects, new offices to interactive seminars, here are some highlights from the year.
Rightsize participates in the Bisnow Creative Office Summit - In February, as part of the “Creative Office” summit, hosted by Bisnow Chicago, Rightsize CEO Mason Awtry was asked to participate in a panel discussing how new companies are setting up shop. In a lively discussion that kicked off the event, Awtry encouraged businesses to focus on a design layout that works best for their own success productivity, rather than just following the open-office trend.
Rightsize opens Naperville office - In May, Rightsize announced the acquisition of the assets of Modern Office Interiors, an independently operated office furniture dealership based in Naperville. Instantly establishing a Naperville presence, Rightsize has continued to grow in the western suburban marketplace. In August, the firm signed a 5,000-square-foot lease at 280 Shuman Boulevard in Naperville to house its new suburban sales and design center.
Rightsize partners with Global Total Office - In June, Rightsize announced it was expanding its reach with a new partnership with Global Total Office, a North American manufacturer of affordable office furniture for the corporate, healthcare, education and hospitality markets. The new partnership allowed Rightsize to offer its clients a variety of different products at accessible prices. Global offers contract-grade furniture solutions in a range of styles and price points to reach all key market segments. Now, Rightsize has access to their full line of office furnishings which encompasses systems furniture, wood veneer and laminate casegoods, seating, and filing solutions that fall within the Global, Globalcare, Offices To Go, and Evolve brands.
Rightsize chosen for CASE - Later in June, Rightsize was chosen to be among the first group of companies to participate in World Business Chicago’s Chicago Anchors for a Strong Economy (CASE) capacity building program.
Rightsize acquires assets of QIS - In September, Rightsize announced the acquisition of the assets of Chicago-based start up, Quality Installation Services. QIS provides the delivery, installation and decommissioning of commercial office furnishings throughout the Midwest. “QIS is a great fit for us and will integrate seamlessly into the company,” said Rightsize CEO Mason Awtry. Along with the acquisition, several QIS employees joined the Rightsize team.
Rightsize presents at Healthcare Facilities Symposium - In October, Rightsize team lead, Ruth Minnick discussed workplace strategies that enhance employee performance, health and wellness at the Healthcare Facilities Symposium at Navy Pier. In the well-attended event, Minnick reviewed maximizing productivity and enhancing employee performance in the workplace. What she found is workplace productivity is one of the top priorities for most employers. In most cases, achieving that goal goes hand in hand with creating an environment that allows workers to be simultaneously efficient and satisfied in their surroundings.
Rightsize sponsors Crain’s Small Business Week - In October, Rightsize was the 2014 Presenting Sponsor for the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Crain’s Small Business Week. Being part of the week of programming and networking was fantastic. We presented on why as a small business grows, every decision matters, from the employees that are hired to where the office space is located. Based on results of a recent survey, 60 percent of Chamber members were likely to add new employees over the next 12 months. Employee growth leads to expanding or upgrading existing office space or moving to a new location, which in turn means making more essential decisions that will impact the future of a business. We can’t wait to come back next year.
Rightsize relocates River North office - In November, Rightsize moved its downtown Chicago sales and design center from 351 West Hubbard to 5,000 square feet of space at 303 West Erie. The new facility allows for additional growth in the Chicagoland market, housing talented designers to continue to grow the corporate presence for Rightsize, working on hundreds of projects each year.
Rightsize expands into Milwaukee - With the help of Lou Kowieski, new Rightsize VP and Wisconsin team leader, Rightsize announced its expansion into the Milwaukee metro region. “Lou’s hire is one more step in our plan for strategic growth in key regions across the US,” says Rightsize president and founder Mason Awtry. “His leadership and experience are a welcome addition to the firm and I’m certain he will successfully expand our brand and platform of services in Wisconsin.”
Rightsize extends and expands headquarters lease - Rightsize Facility Performance signed a 140,000-square-foot lease extension and expansion for its headquarters located at 5000 West Roosevelt in Chicago. In addition to corporate offices, Rightsize houses its showroom and warehouse at the Roosevelt space which now totals 225,000 square feet. The expansion and extension was signed to accommodate operations from its distribution center/remanufacturing facility located at 4440 West Ohio which the firm recently sold.
Thanks for following along and helping Rightsize continue its success into 2015. We are looking forward to another great year of building new relationships and continuing our growth, while serving our existing customers.
About Rightsize:
Rightsize Facility Performance, headquartered in Chicago, IL, is a nationwide office interiors and facilities services firm serving corporate clients in transition. Founded in 2004, Rightsize employs an industry leading “Design/Furnish” approach to ensure seamless workplace transitions and is a single source for interior design, furniture procurement, delivery and installation, asset disposition, facility decommissioning and ancillary project services. Through its Office Furniture Center brand, which includesOfficeFurnitureCenter.com and a 200,000-square-foot showroom, Rightsize also provides a single source for quality workstations, desks, seating, filing, conference and reception furniture. For more information please visitwww.rightsizefacility.com.
