When I first moved to Olympia 16 years ago, the thing I missed most about my Louisiana hometown was walking into a local business and having someone recognize me. I am not talking about movie star treatment. I am just talking about having someone smile and say something like, “You look so familiar, how do I know you?” Even if there was no connection, I still felt part of the community and that maybe down the road we might know each other somehow.
The wonderful thing about Olympia is that whether you are raised here or a transplant like I am, it doesn’t take long to establish your own connections in this community.
For example, take Lowell Gordon, local business owner of The Creative Office (TCO). Within minutes I learn that while running TCO is his “primary” job, his secondary job is adoring the Seattle Seahawks. “I am a lifelong season ticket holder, a charter member with a certificate. I bought my tickets in August 1, 1975 which was the year before they started.” Right away we establish an association because it’s clear that Lowell is a people person first and a proprietor second.
As for local connections, Lowell and his wife, Dacia, bought the office furniture business back in 1995 from an acquaintance named Mark Meredith. In 1997 Lowell added the supply side of TCO and over the years it has grown into a full-service office design operation.
The Creative Office is an unassuming moniker for what the business actually does. Lowell explains that the store is a showroom for furniture, but their specialty is complete and innovative office design. “Our clients are law firms, investment firms, healthcare industry and education, just to name a few. To give an example we furnished the new SCJ Alliance (Shea Carr Jewell Company) building and are part of their growing expansion.
TCO’s General Manager Scott Brewer details the partnership with SCJ Alliance. “From three people to sixty, TCO helped them design their offices and buildings for growth and plan ahead for growth. They were in two buildings at the beginning of this year, and we had to combine them into one with work station furniture and private office furniture. We did this while maintaining their high profile image. Their business had to continue to look crisp and professional through the changes.”
Lowell emphasizes that TCO helps clients maximize efficiency and plan spaces that can be readily modified for future development. Clients can come into the showroom and actually see how their spaces will look via Computer Aided Drawing, or CAD. All sales staff are trained in CAD and are able to meet with clients both on and off-site for consult and design. “Our business is all up and down the I-5 corridor,” Lowell explains.
While innovative office design is the primary objective of TCO, they also offer thousands of promotional products for every type of business. From cups to embroidered clothing, branding one’s business is just as critical to TCO as the environment they design.
The Creative Office’s expanded service offerings also include office and janitorial supplies. Businesses turn to TCO to continue to supply their office long after the design and installation is complete. Recently, TCO also became a registered Kuerig coffee dealer.
Lowell’s roots in this community extend well beyond the walls of his business. He is an active member of no less than five local organizations and can readily tick off names and connections he has with individuals of each group. As Chairman of the Board of the Washington Retail Association, Lowell has a keen interest in the politics of business. “I actually just had a meeting with the Governor to discuss retailers and small business issues in Washington State. We represent the entire state and not just the West Side.” As such Lowell is a staunch supporter of the rights of small retailers across our state.
Giving back is part of the TCO creed as well, and they are acutely aware of their role in caring for the environment as well as our local community. TCO has launched a program named “Recycle for Charity,” where proceeds from the collection of used ink and toner cartridges are donated to local charities. It’s a free service where TCO will collect and recycle used cartridges from local businesses. It’s a win-win for both the community and the environment.
Designing and branding a business is a daunting task. The Creative Office offers creative solutions for your company so that you can focus on the business of your business.
Contact The Creative Office at 800-900-1732 or visit their website at www.thecreativeoffice.com.
