Bringing style, comfort to work: Business aims to make office environments aesthetic, functional

By Noelle Rulseh, Herald Times Reporter

Name of business: Lakeshore Business Interiors, Inc.
Ownership: Scott Holschbach
When business started: 1986, with Holschbach purchasing the business in 2007
Location: 1107 Franklin St., Manitowoc
Phone number: (920) 683-3711
Web site: www.lakeshorebi.com
Hours and days of operation: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, and open by appointment

Services provided/products sold: Lakeshore Business Interiors is a full service office furnishings and interior design company specializing in making offices comfortable, functional, aesthetically pleasing and ergonomically correct.

The company's Web site states the "primary focus is on the provision of quality products and services while meeting the needs of our clients in a way that is timely and cost efficient."

The professional design and sales staff provides services in design (complete furniture plans, color boards, project coordination), ergonomic assessments, space planning, installation, re-upholstery, furniture and upholstery cleaning, delivery, office relocating, wood refinishing and warehousing of office furniture.

Lakeshore Business Interiors represents numerous manufacturers selling a wide variety of products including seating, modular furniture, storage and filing systems, window, wall and floor coverings, artwork, desks and computer support furniture, panel systems, home office furnishings and used office furniture.

The business offers their services and products to a wide range of markets including commercial, industrial, service industry, health care, hospitality, educational and residential.

How has business changed since opening? Holschbach pointed out that they are doing more "relocation business" for large companies that includes using existing furniture in new spaces.

They will take care of a company's entire inventory of furniture and help re-use furniture in other divisions within that company.

Office furniture style today is not as elaborate, and there are many more wood finishes from which to choose. The styles also are more streamlined in design.

Who are the customers and from where? Holschbach said customers come from city and county of Manitowoc, with clients including the Manitowoc Public Library and Holy Family Memorial health network. Other customers come from Sheboygan County, Racine and clients that have facilities in other states.

How is marketing done? Lakeshore Business Interiors has an informative Web site and advertising includes e-mails to customers. The business also advertises through the Chamber, with word of mouth bringing in new clients.

What are the keys to future success? Holschbach said fulfilling commitments to clients through excellent customer service along with good communication and efficiency are important factors. Another key to success is assisting customers with ergonomic assessments.

Factors under control or not under control of ownership? Holschbach said factors under control include the wide range of quality products brought to the market, working closely with customers to understand their needs and design solutions for their workplace and using local manufacturers to limit freight damage.

Factors not under control include the economy, the cost of health care and freight damage.
What is the role of creativity or imagination in running the business or selling products or services? Lakeshore
Business Interiors seeks to offer a showroom with creative displays of office furnishings. The business also distributes information by scanning images of new products and e-mailing customers that might be interested.

What is challenging or frustrating? Holschbach said the economy is always a challenge when owning a business.

What is enjoyable? Holschbach said, "What is enjoyable is meeting new people and fulfilling or exceeding the customer's expectation. I love to walk into a facility after the old furnishings have been replaced with the finished product. That's what I enjoy!"

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