Today we’d like to introduce you to George Pfeiffer.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am the CEO of BOS Holdings, of which Business Office Systems (BOS) is a subsidiary. I began my thirty-year career in the office furniture industry as a sales representative with Wrightline and Vecta.
In 1986, I co-founded Corporate Business Systems, a premier contract office furniture dealership. In 1995, understanding the need for affordable quality office furniture and being aware that there was an abundance of quality used furniture available for purchase; I sold Corporate Business Systems and created Affordable Office Interiors, which I grew into a profitable, debt-free corporation.
After several proposals to purchase AOI, I ultimately decided to sell AOI in 2001 to Architectural Office Environments (AOE), a holding company which also owned Business Office Systems (BOS). I stayed on to eventually run both businesses as CEO. BOS has been in business since 1948, was Haworth’s first dealer partner, is one of the largest office furniture dealers in Chicago and is consistently one of Haworth’s top 10-15 dealers, worldwide.
In May of 2010, AOE became a full ESOP (employee owned) business. Today, I continue to run the business and the company (which has been rebranded to BOS Holdings). BOS remains financially strong with offices, showrooms and warehouses in Illinois, Wisconsin and Florida. Our 2016 revenues were over 70 million.
Has it been a smooth road?
We work in a tough industry. In 2009, for example, the recession caused sales in our industry to decline by more than 35%. Only those companies agile and whiling to adapt and change are still around today. In addition to a constantly changing industry, we are facing margin compression and becoming commoditized.
Overcoming these obstacles truly is a 365/24/7 job. We prevail through hard work, sound business strategy and a relentless pursuit to add value to our clients. Diversifying our product and service offering and expanding into new markets has also helped significantly. We recently launched a digital division called Workspace Digital (http://www.workspace.digital) that helps our clients maximize opportunity in their digital space through work culture and creative solutions.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with BOS Holdings – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
BOS is an employee owned and operated full service furniture dealership. Since 1948, BOS has been providing workplace solutions for companies of all sizes throughout North America. Our extensive knowledge and experience allows us to add value to our clients in the way they function at work.
As the only Haworth dealership in Chicago with in-house capabilities to see a project from initial planning, through delivery and installation, as well as accepting a client’s existing furniture in trade, we provide superior service to our clients by managing each step of the furniture process. We are proud to be one of the few dealers in the country to have earned the prestigious Haworth Best in Class award multiple times.
With our long-standing presence in the furniture industry, BOS has built solid relationships with our manufacturers. As a premiere Haworth dealership, we have established purchasing power in our industry, which permits us to provide competitive pricing to our clients. This, combined with our capability to provide refurbished furniture, sets us apart and allows us to customize solutions to each of our clients’ requirements.
Despite all of our growth and changes, three core competencies remain.
1.BOS continues to serve clients more efficiently with in-house capabilities.
2. BOS has a firm belief that its employees make the company outstanding.
3. BOS has a grander overall goal than providing office furniture; BOS strives to provide lifestyle enrichment to its clients and to the community.
BOS takes great pride in its ability to give back to the communities that have helped make it a success. BOS contributes annually to various charitable organizations and has employees serving on their boards as well as volunteering throughout the community.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the Chicago Blackhawks… love the many businesses we are able to represent… love that I’ve called this my home for most of my life. I think the people in Chicago are incredible.
I dislike the constant construction, traffic jams and (more so every year) the winter weather.
Contact Info:
- Address: BOS HQ:
501 South Gary Ave
Roselle, IL 60172
BOS Chicago:
328 South Jefferson Street Suite 110
Chicago, IL 60661 - Website: www.bos.com
- Phone: 877.670.8530
- Email: info@bos.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wsdigital/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BOSworkspaces/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BOS_Workspaces
Image Credit:
Workspace Digital
Haworth
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