NEWS

Cheers to 20 Years!

Today is an extraordinarily special day as we are celebrating 20 years of our CEO & Owner, Denny Sponsel, owning RJE! Since 2000, we’ve grown from one location (and a single email address!!!) to a thriving enterprise of six locations across the Midwest. A lot has changed in the last 20 years, so we are asking a handful of RJE lifers to tell us about what life in the workplace solutions industry was like back at the turn of the millennium.

CINDY HORNAK, LOGISTICS MANAGER

1.) How has the business changed since 2000 when Denny purchased RJE?

We truly have a vision (and have since Denny came on board). When Denny announced his leadership of RJE, his statement was clear and provided a vision that opened our minds to possibilities. He wanted us to be the  #1 furniture dealership in the world.  The second part of his vision was to move to the heart of our city, downtown Indianapolis. Further leaps I’ve seen along the way are the visible growth to Fort Wayne, Cincinnati, Louisville, Lexington, and Columbus, in addition to venturing into Interior Construction and the support of United Way in our city.

2.) What are you proudest of in your time at RJE since 2000?

I’m thankful to play a role in the growth and vision of RJE and Denny. It is gratifying to see new ideas and energy added to our family. I hope that I can be a source of knowledge and experience to allow the same professional growth I been provided. I  have been allowed to be myself and learn along the way by standing on the values of Kindness, Trust, Hard work and an “All IN” desire to support our customers.

NANCY WRIGHT, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND A&D

1.) How has the business changed since 2000 when Denny purchased RJE?

RJE did not have a brand back then. No one really knew us, especially in the design community. Denny focused strongly on this and together we engaged the design community, educating on both RJE and Knoll. It spread like wildfire!!

2.) What are you proudest of in your time at RJE since 2000?

In about 2001 or 2002, we won the furniture opportunity for a new startup design firm, Maregatti Interiors. It was the interiors arm of a successful architectural firm, and they were creating this independent interiors firm, which was both WBE + MBE. They were ahead of the game. We competed hard for that project and really came together as a team. That win really put RJE and Knoll on the map. There is no better selling tool than having a design firm sit in your furniture and use your furniture each day –  and show it to ALL of their customers. We became the hot show in town!

BETH FORD, WORKPLACE CONSULTANT

1.) How has the business changed since 2000 when Denny purchased RJE?

Well, we don’t use fax machines anymore! The business pace is much faster with technology. We have a standard way of electronically filing our projects now. Internally we have become more process-oriented which helps secure historical info.

2.) What are you proudest of in your time at RJE since 2000?

I believe our reputation as trusted consultants has grown over the years. I am most proud of securing and growing our higher education business. Having survived all the changes (both external and internal) may say something about my determination to work through a lot of change! 

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