SERVICE AND DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS

Michael E. Beall, based in Shelbyville, KY, has been a leading CAD trainer and consultant for over 40 years. He has trained thousands of design professionals across 6 continents, 11 countries, 41 states, and Guam. Michael specializes in helping clients transition smoothly between AutoCAD and CET, offering tailored training sessions that enhance efficiency and productivity. 

An engaging and sought-after speaker, Michael has presented at key industry events such as CET Experience, Autodesk University, NeoCon, and Metrocon. His expertise in CET training is particularly valued by those in the A&D firms, contract furniture industry, and corporate facility departments. In addition to CET, Michael provides customized instruction on all versions of AutoCAD, ensuring that clients can maximize their use of both platforms. 

Michael is also the author of *The AutoCAD Workbench, Final Edition*, a comprehensive guide featuring over 350 AutoCAD tips and insights. His deep understanding of both AutoCAD and CET, coupled with his ability to deliver training that improves workflow and efficiency, makes him an invaluable resource for design professionals looking to optimize their CAD tools. 

SUPERPOWERS

Design Software and CAD Training; Communication; Making it Simple .

Cate Sword provides training and testing for CET users through regularly scheduled classes on the Configura Academy, onsite training, and custom webinars.  She also consults with manufacturers and software developers during extension development.   

EXPERIENCES

• Certified Interior Designer, NCIDQ 

• Worked as a designer at both an Architectural firm and a Dealership  

• Started training full time in 1989   

• Started Cate Sword Consulting + Design in 1997 

• I've taught: AutoCAD, 2020, Giza, Project Matrix and CET since 2006. 
  

SUPERPOWERS

 I relate to both the point of view of the designer and the software developers.  I can help both groups navigate using Configura tools! 

Everyone struggles with the adoption of new technology. Commercial furniture dealerships and manufacturers are no exception. The challenge is to balance the investments of time and capital against maintaining revenue and profit goals. Beyond the initial investment, the goal to increase efficiency while driving to a higher level of competency becomes an ongoing process that normally gets defused. It is just assumed that all employees who have been trained are at a competency level that will fulfill the company’s original technology upgrade goals.  

Silent T Consulting has created a process to assess the current level of CET and Spec competency. This assessment is then used to prepare custom training plans to achieve higher levels of integration. CET for Sales, a course created by Silent T Consulting, was created out of this need for custom training for sales reps and has been done for both manufacturers and dealership salespeople alike.  

EXPERIENCES

Alexandra Tseffos (pronounced with a silent “T”) has a B.A. in Interior Architecture and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point. She started her career as a dealer designer before joining Configura’s Training & Support team where she assisted dealerships and manufacturers across the Americas. Alexandra took her dealer knowledge and CET skills (including her most coveted skill of designing live for clients) and joined the business development team at Fluid Interiors, calling on end-user clients and influencers in the commercial real estate market. That was her first introduction into real estate before joining CBRE Minneapolis to head business development efforts for a local tenant representation team.  

Silent T Consulting was born in 2018 and is a culmination of these experiences. This is not just about furniture application and design. This industry is about service and adding value to clients (and influencers surrounding the deal) is a necessity!  

SUPERPOWERS

• Custom training 

• Thorough understanding of both dealer design and sales roles 

• Direct communication 

• Strategic direction 

Techbox Collective empowers commercial interior professionals of all levels with technology expertise, facilitated by Kari Anderson. This online community connects everyone from novices to experts to: 

• Sharpen Skills: Learn from industry leaders, share best practices, and ask questions in collaborative channels. 

• Stay Informed: Gain valuable insights and navigate industry shifts through collective problem-solving. 

• Fuel Success: Overcome challenges and achieve technology goals with a supportive network. 

Techbox Collective offers: 

• Monthly Webinars: Explore trending topics about commercial interior technology. 

• Industry Articles: Stay current with the latest news and insights. 

• Member Polls: Gain insights into the industry's perspective through informative polling questions. 

• Featured Spaces: Deep-dive discussions on specific topics and peer groups. 

Techbox Collective is the essential community for anyone using, creating, or managing technology in commercial interiors. When Google cannot answer an eTool question, query with Techbox Collective. 

Experiences  

• Techbox has experience building a community by offering forums, shared spaces, community events, and collaborative projects. Here is a sampling of experiences: 
• Monthly webinars addressing topics including SIF, XML, AI, Phygital Experiences, Product Data Management, and more. 
• Show & Tell, the event spotlighting manufacturers CET Extensions. Live demonstrations by the manufacturers, enlightening others in the CET marketplace. 
• Industry survey and reports, one example is Manufacturer CET Extensions uncovering users likes, dislikes and usage about CET Extensions. 
• CET Experience Docent. Navigating the event for a manufacturer can be overwhelming. Kari helped manufacturers maximize their time and networking.  
• The Data Collective. Techbox facilitates the initiatives to establish and promote open-source data standards, foster collaboration, streamline communication, and accelerate the intelligent workplace digital revolution. 
  

Superpowers

The Conduit: channel energy and ideas between people, fostering connection. 

The Design POP is a subscription-based website that provides on-demand training for industry technology, including Configura’s platform. It offers self-paced design training in easily searchable segments on CET for Design (beginner, intermediate, advanced), CET for Sales, Spec, and Worksheet, as well as training on topics like Twinmotion and professional development. The platform also features manufacturer-specific CET extension training. Additionally, The Design POP includes an Independent Designer Registry, allowing designers to gain free visibility and connect with companies seeking design services. Additionally, POP into Excellence, our annual virtual event for dealer designers, focuses on professional development and technology, further enhancing the resources available through The Design POP. 

Through its network of industry experts, The Design POP provides over 500 searchable videos, monthly webinars, and a community forum. For more information on any of these services or The Design POP Podcast (an Imagine a Place Production), visit thedesignpop.com.  

Experiences 

• “I love The Design POP’s CET Path. It is very well organized with ‘beginner, intermediate & advanced” videos. They are short but very focused. I am learning so much. I can always go back to watch again and look forward to new ones.” – Sharleen Mobley, Designer 

• “The Design POP has been a great addition to our design onboarding and training program. New and experienced designers find The Design POP a great go-to resource that centers on the day-to-day celebrations, questions, and challenges as a dealer designer.” – Andrea Endersbe, Director of HR at Fluid Interiors 

• “I just must tell you how much I love The Design POP! Wow, the videos have been incredibly helpful as I continue to navigate and learn CET. Thank you!!” – Emili, Designer at MOI 

Superpowers

• Training hub for onboarding and ongoing design education 

• Short videos 

• Searchability  

• SMEs (subject matter experts) from within the commercial interiors industry 

UX&Kari isn't just a tech partner; we're your translator, ensuring seamless collaboration between your business and development teams. We speak the language of both worlds, understanding cutting-edge technologies and user needs. We craft solutions that align with your business goals, optimizing user workflows and maximizing return on investment. 

As an industry professional veteran, Kari Anderson, founder of UX&Kari, navigates complex systems and finds the perfect solution for your needs. Let UX&Kari bridge the gap and make technology work for you. 

Here's how we can help you with specific technology solutions: 

• Considering a CET Extension investment? UX&Kari can help you understand the right entry point for the current market, onboard a development partner who aligns with your vision, prioritize product needs based on budget and timing, and ensure the delivered solution solves user needs. 

• Do you already have a CET Extension? We can complete a comprehensive audit, analyzing over 120+ features to ensure your Extension aligns with marketplace best practices and user expectations. The customized report provides you with the blueprint to make informed decisions about future Extension iterations. 

• Catalog data not optimized? UX&Kari can help you efficiently optimize and distribute your catalog data across the community's network of tools. 

Experiences

Kari's experience began as a dealer designer, and she was always curious about technology.  

UX&Kari’s experience spans from working with manufacturers, development partners, and technology providers. 

"UX&Kari was instrumental in ensuring that our OFS Extension is not only user-friendly but also consistent within our own offering. From the comprehensive reviews with users to the in-depth report supplied, we were able to improve our usability experience to continue to be an Extension that designers love to use." - Steven Dunn eTools Manager, OFS 

“Kari at UX&Kari have been an invaluable partner for Servex and the manufacturers we support on CET. Kari’s experience as an interior designer gives her a unique perspective from a user’s point of view. When we partner with Kari on an Extension she provides a voice of the users wants and needs allowing Servex to innovate solutions for the best possible Extension. Her guidance assures that the developer, manufacturer and end user are all working towards the same objective.” - Nick Fernandez, President Servex 

Superpowers:  

X-ray vision. My X-ray vision isn't just in my eyes, it's in my mind. I see through the surface level and delve deeper, like an internal scanner. This lets me analyze situations, uncover deficiencies, and create a plan for improvement – because for me, what lies beneath the surface is always in plain sight. 

I guide clients through every stage of their CET journey, from initial concept to post-launch support. By crafting technology strategies that align with corporate vision and goals, I utilize a journey methodology tailored to each client’s unique needs, dealer landscape, and future aspirations. My approach involves assembling specialized teams to address specific manufacturing needs, ensuring projects stay on budget and on schedule. I implement incremental launch plans to provide dealers with early access to products while ensuring sufficient content for productivity. Additionally, I develop comprehensive internal and external communication strategies to engage all organizational levels. I also create adoption and training plans for each launch and oversee post-launch processes to ensure sustained, long-term success. 

Experiences

With 17 years of experience at two of the top three office furniture manufacturers, I collaborated with executive leadership to develop corporate technology strategies for sales and design. I led teams in creating and supporting technology solutions for design and sales tools, including dealer adoption and communication for CET. 

Six years ago, I founded Waters Edge Consulting to specialize in guiding manufacturers through their CET journey. I have worked with multiple companies at various stages in their CET journey  from concept through post-launch support. Additionally, I have partnered with various companies to design and implement organizational change management programs that facilitate the adoption of sales and design tools. 

Superpowers

My superpower is quickly adapting my communication style to connect with all levels within an organization, ensuring I share knowledge effectively and encourage engagement with the right amount of information. 

At Aura powered by CIT, we create IT infrastructure and service solutions tailored specifically for commercial workspace dealerships, manufacturers, and independent rep groups throughout North America. Our offerings are designed to be understandable, affordable, secure, and accountable, ensuring our customers can focus on their core business without being bogged down by technical intricacies. 

Our team has over 50 years of combined experience within the commercial workspace industry and a robust network of technical, project, and delivery resources, our team excels in both collaborating with existing IT teams and providing an end-to-end IT department "as a service" for single-site or multi-location dealerships. 

We empower our customers to maximize their IT investments, increasing innovation and productivity while decreasing technical overhead and interruptions. Our focus is ensuring a seamless work-life balance by designing tech that works for you. 

Experiences

Fully Managed Services: Delivered comprehensive IT management for multi-location US dealerships, ensuring SOC 2 Type II compliance and seamless operations across all sites. 

Holistic IT Solutions: Provided tailored services including managed IT, cybersecurity, compliance, cloud solutions, and physical security, designed to meet the unique needs of commercial furniture design environments. 

Enhanced Security: Implemented advanced cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive design files and client data from potential threats. 

Regulatory Compliance: Ensured all IT operations adhere to SOC 2 Type II standards, mitigating risks and maintaining client trust. 

Efficient Cloud Solutions: Offered scalable, secure cloud services that enable real-time collaboration among design teams, improving productivity and workflow. 

Physical Security Integration: Deployed comprehensive security systems including access control, surveillance, and environmental monitoring to protect physical assets. 

Strategic Partnerships: Partnered with industry-leading hardware manufacturers to ensure our solutions are reliable, cutting-edge, and built to enhance efficiency. 

Proactive Maintenance: Provided continuous system monitoring and proactive troubleshooting to prevent issues before they disrupt operations. 

Superpowers

• User Champion: Ensured your team has the support they need with user-friendly IT solutions that facilitate smooth, productive work environments. 
• Work-Life Balance Bringer: Helps you achieve better work-life balance through expert IT management. 
• Efficiency Enhancer: Empowers productivity with cutting-edge partnerships.