1.19.15 | Spring Lake, MI | Building on a long and successful partnership with independent sales representatives, contract furniture design and manufacturer izzy+ is starting the new year with a shift in how its New York and Chicago regional markets are covered. Beginning in January of 2015, izzy+ is transitioning from direct sales teams in those two large markets to independent teams led by a pair of industry veterans.

Ed Connealy will be leading the expansion in Illinois as Principal at Seibold Baker, leaving his role as Divisional Sales Director at Knoll Textiles. In New York City, the former izzy+ Vice President of North American Sales has launched a new independent representative organization -- Tom McCarthy Associates -- with izzy+ as the flagship line. “We continue to believe in the entrepreneurial mindset that comes with an independent rep firm,” says Brandon Reame, Director of Business and Market Development, izzy+. “We see the benefit of partnering with talented sales organizations to lead sales within the regions, so we can be laserfocused on developing products and services that can be brought to the marketplace.”

To transition the Illinois market, izzy+ partnered with their Midwestern independent rep firm Seibold Baker. Early discussions began in the summer with owners Jim Seibold and Marty Baker, and by October 1st the team had an agreement and were actively developing the market. Seibold Baker’s territory now includes the five-state region of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio.

“izzy+ is the cornerstone brand in our offering,” says Baker. “The opportunity to expand with our key partner is a great one, and Chicago and the greater Illinois market are just right for this kind of partnership. This allows us to add value to our dealers as well, as many of them also grow and expand into regional organizations. Dealer partners are critical to our success and we look forward to bringing a unique value-add partnering model to these markets.”

Baker and Seibold understand the importance of local leadership and market knowledge. They recruited Connealy to the Chicago-based team, as well as Ingrid Idso, previously with HON.

“Both izzy+ and Seibold Baker share values that will resonate in Chicago,” said Connealy. “Both are sincere, creative, happy brands, completely dedicated to customer service.”

In New York City, izzy+ and Tom McCarthy Associates are on a similar journey. McCarthy and longtime izzy+ sales leader Jim Egan are eager to grow their NYC market share with izzy+.

“Jim and I see a great opportunity to grow izzy+ in NYC,” said McCarthy. “With the addition of strategically aligned manufacturer partners to our portfolio, we believe we will be a better resource to our customers—dealers, designers and end users.”

Tom McCarthy Associates recently moved to a new showroom at 1204 Broadway in Manhattan.

For midsize companies like izzy+, Reame believes the independent rep model allows manufacturers to shift from day-to-day sales management to more strategic business development and new product innovation.

About izzy+
The employees of izzy+ (www.izzyplus.com) design, manufacture and market office furniture and seating that solve real problems at work and in learning environments. The focus is to provide designers with the tools to create inspiring work spaces for forward-thinking customers in home offices and small businesses, in executive offices and board rooms, in hospitals and classrooms. Its award-winning products are marketed under the brand names izzy, HÅG, Harter, Fixtures Furniture and ABCO. Based in Spring Lake, MI, izzy+ is a business of JSJ Corporation of Grand Haven, MI.