The Future Is Collaborative: Why We Built This Community and What’s Next

We’re excited to introduce you to The Collaborative Network, the vision of Michelle Warren and  Sid Meadows. They came together with friends and industry leaders Erin Torres and Julie Dillon to create this dynamic organization. We all share a passion for small business manufacturers' growth and sustained success in the Contract Interiors Industry. 

It all started in December 2024 when Michelle shared an idea with Sid, who immediately fell in love with it and jumped at the opportunity to create a business plan and strategy around it. As the concept developed, it became evident that we needed to conduct more research with formal and informal interviews of small business leaders. Some of what we learned was expected, but others were a surprise. We grouped these findings into five major buckets:

1. Market Access & Distribution - small business manufacturers struggle to gain visibility and access to the A&D Community and the Office Furniture Dealer Network which historically have been dominated by larger brands

2. Sales Strategies & Independent Rep Management - Many small businesses rely on independent reps for sales but lack structured sales leadership and strategies to manage them effectively.

3. Technology & AI Adaptation - Many manufacturers recognize the need to leverage technology tools and AI but struggle with where to invest and which solutions provide true return on investment. 

4. Strategic Planning & Growth Navigation - While some companies have a formal strategic plan, many operate on an adapt-as-you-go approach, limiting long-term growth potential. 

5. Need for a Peer Network & Community -  Business owners emphasize the importance of a strong peer group to share challenges, compare strategies, and gain mentorship from industry leaders. Many feel industry organizations primarily serve large manufacturers, leaving small businesses underserved.

The discovery of these challenges hit a chord with us. Most of us have spent our careers working in and with small businesses. As consultants, who each have our own businesses, we spend most of our time supporting the needs of this vital community.  Michelle and Sid have had countless conversations with business owners who have shared a similar story:  they are building something great, but doing it alone is hard. They overwhelmingly desire other industry leaders and subject matter experts to support them.

Together, Sid, Michelle, Erin, and Julie have over 100 combined years of experience in the contract interiors industry.  Michelle is a respected leader, federal sales strategist, and founder of Catalyst Consulting Group, an organization dedicated to helping small business manufacturers scale their government sales with purpose and precision. Sid is a seasoned sales and leadership coach focused on strategy and advisory services at his company, Embark CCT.  Sid is also the host of The Trend Report Podcast and a columnist for Viewpoint Magazine.  

In her firm, LaLeona Marketing, Erin supports small business manufacturers with brand and marketing strategies, initiatives, and content. Julie focuses on helping manufacturers build a world-class independent rep team that drives visibility and growth. 

The Collaborative Network gives us a platform to come together and leverage our unique backgrounds and expertise to empower and lift up the small business manufacturers in our industry. But here's the thing—this is a big challenge, but we’re up for it because we love working with this community.

There are approximately 3,000 small business manufacturers in the contract interiors industry. These are entrepreneurial firms led by passionate, resilient people who make great products, deliver top-tier service, and do whatever it takes to serve their customers. But despite their capabilities, they struggle with visibility inside rep groups, with dealers, and across the A&D community. Without the right support, it can be challenging for these brands to grow and scale. 

That’s where The Collaborative Network comes in.

We created The Collaborative to empower and uplift small business manufacturers. We believe in their products, their people, and their potential. Our mission is to provide the resources, relationships, and strategic guidance they need to scale and be seen.

You might even say we’re on a mission of small business domination.

As we launch this new initiative, we are offering three foundational programs tailored to the most critical needs of this group:  

1. CEO Peer Group – A structured space for executive-level leaders to connect, share experiences, and solve challenges. 

2. Emerging Business Incubator – A focused accelerator offering strategic mentorship and growth support for early-stage brands. 

3. VP of Sales Peer Group – A curated community of sales leaders sharing best practices, ideas, and support to drive business growth.  

These programs are designed to close the gaps we discovered in the research and have seen firsthand, providing community, clarity, and connection where needed most.

These businesses provide some of the best customer experiences in the industry. They’re agile, collaborative, and solutions-driven. And yet, their impact is often overshadowed by the dominance of 20 or so major brands. That’s something we aim to change.

When small business manufacturers are empowered to lead, our industry's future will be brighter, more innovative, and more connected.

In less than a few years, we know The Collaborative Network will be a recognized leader in supporting small business manufacturers. We’ll expand our peer groups, introduce new programs for roles like Marketing Directors, and add consulting and research services, all purpose-built for this segment.  But at our core, the mission will remain the same:  empower and uplift small business manufacturers to grow and thrive and to help them become recognized leaders and powerhouse brands.  A few brands may shape our industry, but it’s built by the passionate, the scrappy, the service-driven small businesses that make an impact daily. 

And they deserve a seat at the table.

It’s time we spotlight the brands that have quietly been delivering excellence all along. At The Collaborative Network, we’re not just building programs; we’re building a movement that recognizes, elevates, and celebrates the vital role small business manufacturers play in shaping our industry’s future. We invite you to join us if you’re a small brand ready to grow or an industry leader prepared to support.

We live by the saying, "A rising tide lifts all ships."  We are the tide for small business manufacturers.

To learn more and join us, please visit our website at www.thecollaborative.network .