(source: http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/money/business/2017/07/07/how-...)

Here’s one way to gauge the local economy: Workplace Interiors has been extremely busy lately.

The Fairport-based company sells office furniture and offers a wide variety of related services, like design and project management. The level of busy-ness translates well to economic growth, said company president Scott MacCaull.

“We’ve seen a tremendous amount of activity within the past 12 to 16 months,” he said. “When (businesses) are buying furniture, typically they’re hiring, so it’s good. People are ready to move and are expanding or growing. There’s a high level of activity and need for office furniture.”

MacCaull founded Workplace Interiors in 2015. He had been a regional sales manager the previous 16 years for Haworth, a Michigan-based firm whose website mentions “product solutions that help you create inspiring spaces.” Workplace Interiors is a “preferred dealer” of Haworth products (and more). The offerings are more than the stereotypical desk and chair and cubicles.

Modern workplaces have been getting more open and less rigidly structured. Workplace Interiors fits in with that approach as well as the more traditional looks.

“Through years of working the local market (with Haworth), I saw the need for a full-service dealership in this community,” MacCaull said. “I made the jump into the retail end.” His associates in the business, brothers Vince and Dave Sweeney, brought 30-plus years of similar experience in the Syracuse area. The group has another shop there called Syracuse Office Environments.

The Fairport version has a 6,000-square-foot showroom that handles corporate, commercial and office needs primarily in Monroe County.  Xerox Corp., Paychex and the University of Rochester are among the major clients. Other customers in the higher education and healthcare fields, as well as “Mom and Pop start-ups,” also are in the mix.

MacCaull said ergonomically correct furniture has been more of an interest with companies concentrating on wellness issues. Platforms that allow workers to stand rather than sit all day have gained in popularity, he said. So, too, have “collaborative areas” that resemble rec rooms more than what old-schoolers would think of as work spaces.

Workplace Interiors goes beyond just selling the products.

“We have three interior design specialists on staff,” MacCaull said.

The company also helps clients with inventory management and offers continuing education opportunities for those in the architecture and design industries.

Millennials especially are big on new-look workplaces. The idea is, you might as well be comfortable and enjoy the workplace “environment.” Workplace Interiors is there to help — as well as provide the old-school look if desired.

Going into business for himself has been an eye-opener but immensely rewarding, MacCaull said.

“The most important thing that I’ve learned is the importance of having a good team,” he said. “We’re a growing company…with high-quality products. We’re dedicated to what we do — whatever helps your business to run well.”

Alan Morrell is a Rochester-area freelance writer.

Name of company: Workplace Interiors

Founded: 2015

Location: 400 Packetts Landing, Fairport

Executives: Scott MacCaull, president; Dave Sweeney, chief operating officer.

Employees: 15

Website: www.workplaceint.com