The Trend Report - Insights on Office Furniture, Contract Interiors & Workplace Design

Hosted by Sid Meadows

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Episodes

202

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Welcome to The Trend Report, your inside look at the people, products, and ideas shaping the future of workplace design. This podcast takes you behind the scenes of the office furniture industry and the broader interior design community. Hosted by industry veteran Sid Meadows, each episode dives deep into the conversations, trends, and strategies shaping the future of our industry. From insightful interviews with industry innovators, brand builders, design leaders, CEOs, and changemakers to real-world discussions on workplace trends, sales strategies, and furniture design, The Trend Report delivers the knowledge and inspiration you need to stay ahead. Whether it’s exploring how workplace design impacts the future of work, uncovering innovations in commercial furniture, or understanding the connection between real estate and design, this is your inside look at the ever-changing world of contract interiors. If you’re an architect, interior designer, manufacturer, dealer, or simply passionate about the office furniture and design industry, this podcast is your trusted guide to what’s now and what’s next. To learn more, please visit https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast

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60 recent

September 7, 2026Episode 20249 min

Have We Designed Nature Out of the Workplace? with Sadig Alakbarov & Vanessa Lindbeck

Send us Fan Mail Listen as Sid sits down with Sadig and Vanessa from Greenmood to unpack why nature belongs inside the spaces where we work, heal, and gather. They break down preserved plants, biophilic design, and the surprising ways natural materials can improve comfort, focus, and acoustics. Connect with Sadig & Vanessa: Greenmood - https://greenmood.us/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/greenmood.usa LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenmood-usa/ Email - https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?fs=1&tf=cm&source=mailto&to=us@greenmood.us The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design. We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired. Connect with Sid: Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com Podcast Website: https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedIn Sid on Instagram Sid on YouTube The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

August 31, 2026Episode 20112 min

10 to Win: Are You Missing The Signals?

Send us Fan Mail The most expensive business and leadership mistakes often come from a lack of awareness, not a lack of intelligence. Sid breaks down three simple habits that help us see reality faster, make better decisions, and stop forcing outcomes that are not working. The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design. We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired. Connect with Sid: Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com Podcast Website: https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedIn Sid on Instagram Sid on YouTube The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

August 27, 2026Episode 20020 min

What Happens When Listeners Become the Hosts?

Send us Fan Mail Continue with The Trend Report Episode 200 celebration with bonus content that gets personal, as our guests share their favorite Trend Report episodes and moments. They also flip the script on Sid with rapid-fire questions that reveal what he would change about the contract furniture world and what kind of leadership we all want more of. Resources: The Trend Report Ep.175 - Building Effective A&D Partnerships with Krystal Lucero https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode175 Connect with Leah Eckhoff: LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/leckhoff Connect with Shawn Popovich: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-popovich-83446019/ Connect with Chris Ford: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-ford-commercialfurnitureconsultant/ Connect with Kristen Benavides: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-benavides-a142b9b/ The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design. We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired. Connect with Sid: Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com Podcast Website: https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedIn Sid on Instagram Sid on YouTube The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

August 24, 2026Episode 2001 hr 11 min

What Happens When the Listeners Take the Mic?

Send us Fan Mail Listen as Sid celebrates Episode 200 of The Trend Report by handing the mic to four longtime listeners for an honest roundtable on how all the players in commercial interiors work together. They dig into respect, relationships, sales habits that waste time, and practical ways to invest in the next generation. Resources: The Trend Report Ep.175 - Building Effective A&D Partnerships with Krystal Lucero https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode175 Connect with Leah Eckhoff: LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/leckhoff Connect with Shawn Popovich: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-popovich-83446019/ Connect with Chris Ford: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-ford-commercialfurnitureconsultant/ Connect with Kristen Benavides: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-benavides-a142b9b/ The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design. We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired. Connect with Sid: Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com Podcast Website: https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedIn Sid on Instagram Sid on YouTube The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

August 17, 2026Episode 19956 min

What Happens When Product Designers Think Like Farmers? with Fernando Ramirez & Justin Beitzel

Send us Fan Mail Sid talks with Justin Beitzel and Fernando Ramirez about building OkaTerra by starting with farmers, waste streams, and regenerative materials rather than a product spec sheet. The main thread running through the whole conversation is simple: transparency, community impact, and planet health can create better furniture and a better story customers remember. Resources: The Trend Report Ep.193 - What is Real Sustainability? With John Strassner - https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode193 Connect with Justin and Fernando: Common Object Studio - https://www.commonobjectstudio.com/ OKATERRA - https://okaterra.com/ Justin’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinbeitzel/?skipRedirect=true Fernando’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernando-ramirez-b00b35aa/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/commonobjectstudio The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design. We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired. Connect with Sid: Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com Podcast Website: https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedIn Sid on Instagram Sid on YouTube The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

August 10, 2026Episode 19831 min

Hot Takes with Matt Danyliw of Avanto

Send us Fan Mail Sid spins the wheel with Avanto CEO Matt Danyliw and trade honest hot takes on leadership, AI, and what customers value now. The through-line is simple: stop hiding behind “we’ve always done it this way” and start building teams and systems that move faster with less chaos. Connect with Matt: Avanto - https://www.goavanto.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-danyliw-6a8b24b/ Email - sales@goavanto.com The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design. We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired. Connect with Sid: Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com Podcast Website: https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedIn Sid on Instagram Sid on YouTube The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

August 3, 2026Episode 19748 min

What Happens When You Decide to Become Visible? with Erica Jaffe

Send us Fan Mail Join Sid as he chats with Erica Jaffe, known online as the Office Furniture Girl, about turning visibility into service and using content to build trust before a deal ever closes. They trace her path from interior design to dealer life, then discuss personal branding, community, and why our industry needs more real voices online. Connect with Erica: Ben Har Office Interiors - https://benharofficefurniture.com/services Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/office_furniture_girl/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-jaffe-9936887/ The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design. We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired. Connect with Sid: Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com Podcast Website: https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedIn Sid on Instagram Sid on YouTube The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

July 27, 2026Episode 19611 min

10 to Win: What if it Works?

Send us Fan Mail Sid explores why fear often keeps us from making the very moves that would create growth, and why the better question is not “what if it doesn’t work?” but “what if it does?” He breaks down the three traits we see in leaders who build momentum and how you can apply them right now. The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design. We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired. Connect with Sid: Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com Podcast Website: https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedIn Sid on Instagram Sid on YouTube The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

July 20, 2026Episode 19552 min

CEO Chat: What is the Dealer of the Future? with Tim Carroll of Lyric Workplace

Send us Fan Mail Join Sid as he chats with Tim Carroll, CEO of Lyric Workplace, about how contract interiors dealers can stay relevant as technology, AI, and buyer expectations reshape the market. They dig into leadership, brand, and speed to market as the real edge when furniture feels like a commodity. References: Work/Place: Reclaiming In-Person Work in a Remote-Obsessed World by Tim Carroll - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G545RGM1?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback Experience Economy, Updated Edition by Joseph B. Pine - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1422161978?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback Customers for Life: How to Turn That One-Time Buyer Into a Lifetime Customer by Carl Sewell & Paul B. Brown - https://www.amazon.com/Customers-Life-One-Time-Lifetime-Customer/dp/0385504454 Connect with Tim: Lyric Workplace - https://lyricworkplace.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-carroll-79531632/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetimcarroll/ TikTok - https://www.instagram.com/thetimcarroll/ The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design. We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired. Connect with Sid: Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com Podcast Website: https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedIn Sid on Instagram Sid on YouTube The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

July 13, 2026Episode 19428 min

Hot Takes with Clint Winn of Loftwall

Send us Fan Mail Sid trades unscripted hot takes with Clint Winn of Loftwall on what moves the contract interiors industry forward, from workplace privacy and modular “room in room” thinking to the way we earn trust with designers. They touch on sales certification, digital quoting tools, and why manufacturers and dealers keep losing attention when they lead with product instead of people and problems. The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design. We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired. Connect with Sid: Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com Podcast Website: https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedIn Sid on Instagram Sid on YouTube The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/