Employee Spotlight: Rick Wallace

How long have you been working as an Office Interiors account manager? What brought you to Office Interiors?

I have been at Office Interiors for around 6 years. I had been working for another company but was asked to relocate and take a management role in another state. I decided I wanted to stay near my family, and work with a small business.

Several people in our industry recommended I reach out to Office Interiors. When I met with the management team there, which I had known for years, it just seemed like a perfect fit. I missed the close customer relationships and working in an office with a team of great people, and Office Interiors was able to fulfill those needs.

What is your role and responsibilities as an account manager?

I see my role as an account manager as identifying opportunities within a client company. Or when the client asks for help, meeting with them to understand their needs. As an account manager, I am responsible for making sure the client has the right resources available to create the best possible outcome of their project. My part is not done until the client is 100% satisfied with the products and services we offer.

What inspired you to pursue a career in Sales?

I have held multiple roles over the years, from the retail level to the executive level. Regardless of the role, it has always been about the customer and sales. I decided that I love the sales aspect more than the management aspect, so I came back to that role. Sales can be challenging at times, but in all my years I have always looked for opportunities to achieve what’s best for my clients.

What is your favorite aspect of working at Office Interiors?

That’s easy – the people and the management team. The management genuinely cares about each associate and wants them all to succeed. My fellow associates are talented in what they do and make the job much easier. We also have fun, even when working hard. For several years I managed a team from my home office, and that wasn’t near as much fun as being part of the team we have at the office here.

How do you approach planning and implementing new projects?

The best approach is to listen to what the clients envision first. They have an idea of what they would like the project to end up like, but they aren’t sure how to get there. Once we gather this information, we put together the right team of people to help select the furniture, finishes, and accessories to complete the project.

We have a talented team of trained installers that put it all together, and make sure everything is exactly what the client expects, and everything functions as planned.

What is a memorable project or achievement you have achieved in your role?

The one that comes to mind is the new City of Mishawaka Municipal building last year. They took over the old Liberty Mutual Building. We worked with area design firms, contractors, and architects along with our own design team to create a space that would last in the long-term while also recalling the city's history.

We were also able to reuse much of the furniture that was left behind by the former tenant. By upgrading, cleaning, and fixing items we were able to save them a lot of money rather than buy everything new.

It was a fun project to work on, and the City of Mishawaka team was great to work with.

Outside of work, what are some hobbies or interests that you enjoy pursuing?

I love travelling and hiking with my wife and Maverick (our golden retriever). I also enjoy spending time with my 9 grandchildren in Texas, Florida, and Indiana. I’m also happy to be a part of a great church.

Are there any interesting facts that you’d like to share about yourself?

I was in 8th grade when I got my first job at Delk’s Homestead Stationers, an office supply and office furniture store in Homestead, Florida. That was 54 years ago. I have worked in the same industry ever since and enjoy it just as much now as I did then.

People ask me why I’m still working, and it’s simple - because I still enjoy what I do. Hopefully at the end of the day, I have made someone smile, and they look forward to coming to work in their new office and sitting in their new chair.