Custer | 2019 Year In Review

2019

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PRESENTS

empower YEAR IN REVIEW

DEAR READER, In this 2019 issue of Year in Review, presented by Custer’s Empower Magazine, I’m proud to highlight a few of the projects that our team and our partners had a hand in transforming this past year. And what a year it was!

2019 brought with it a new energy along with a heightened presence in West Michigan and Northern Indiana. To better serve our corporate, education, and healthcare clients across the region, we opened a new showroom in downtown Holland in fourth quarter and announced the acquisition of a Steelcase dealership in Fort Wayne, Indiana – for the first time taking our business south of the Michigan state line. We’re thankful to these communities for welcoming us and grateful for the opportunity to serve our new neighbors.

In early 2020, we’re looking forward to expanding operations in Kalamazoo, to open a new showroom facility in Fort Wayne, and to refresh our Grand Rapids headquarters to continue to empower our employees to do their best work.

Supporting the demand for better experiences in the workplace and best-in-class customer service meant bolstering our manpower, sharpening and distinguishing our capabilities, and redefining our company’s core values. We carefully examined what we needed to add to our arsenal of capabilities to be a thoughtful, trusted partner to our clients before, throughout, and after their project. In response, Custer now proudly offers Transformation Services – including strategic workplace consulting and change management – to better inform interior solutions that fit a customer's unique company needs.

In 2020, we look forward to partnering with our customers to take their businesses into the future with innovative design and integrated interior solutions.

Custer, along with our partner companies, are here to serve all your needs from electrical and flooring services, to furniture and custom-built design elements. To usher in this new decade, here is a look back on a collection of inspired spaces that were brought to life in 2019.

Enjoy!

Todd Custer CEO + President

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LOOKING BACK: 2019 ALL ABOUT EXPERIENCE-DRIVEN SPACES

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HOW SHOWCASING CULTURE, AND ENHANCING PRODUCTIVITY TOOK PRECEDENCE IN 2019 WORKPLACE DESIGN TRENDS

s we take a collective look at Custer's projects of 2019, one fact stands out—a new energy is being sought out in workplace environments, and employees are at the steering wheel of this design shift.

Spending more than eighty percent of our time at work, the office has grown to be more than just a place to do business. Today's office environment is now a large representation of how we view and encourage productivity and progress. 2019 office design brought forth a new generation of employers who, in the future, are concentrating more on employee, visitor, and customer experience while providing greener, healthier work environments.

Culture Job perks are no longer just about benefit packages—but experiences that employees can treasure, while working for an organization whose mission, values, and ethics they can relate to. Bringing our customer's culture to the forefront of their spaces played a large role in Custer's 2019 projects—and we're looking forward to seeing more of the region's businesses adopt this growing trend.

Ancillary Spaces How can organizations draw out the potential of their people? The workplace of the future is one that supports the multitudinous human connections made throughout the day. Today's workforce is looking for spaces where they feel comfortable sharing ideas, to better their work, to learn and to fail. Today's employees can work anywhere, anytime.

As a result, many businesses are now offering more informal ancillary spaces to cater to today's evolving workforce.

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CORPORATE

HEALTHCARE

EDUCATION

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ADAC AUTOMOTIVE

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DAC Automotive's new Grand Rapids headquarters is an inspiration to any business seeking to embody culture within the workplace. Custer provided a full-service approach to this project – from Transformation Services to all-inclusive design, custom solutions by Renegade, and technology.

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Custer partnered with Rockford Construction, Integrated Architecture, Renegade, and CS Erickson on this project.

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@HOME REALTY

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empower Custer partnered with GMB Architecture + Engineering, T2 Construction, Renegade, CS Erickson, and Century Flooring on this project.

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Home Realty partnered with Custer for all-inclusive design, furniture, technology, and custom solutions by Renegade for their new 15,000 square foot downtown Holland location.

The West Michigan-based real estate agency sought a fun and youthful touchdown space for their Holland-based realtors and an inviting environment to host clients.

The space needed to be able to support a multitude of users experiences in a highend but approachable environment, while incorporating amenities for entertaining and wowing guests.

In Custer's search for a lakeshore presence, we were able to partner with @Home Realty to create a space on the first floor for our own lakeshore-based team.

The @Home Realty team's desire to try new, innovative solutions allowed Custer's design team flexibility in how we approached thoughtful design for this project.

HOLLAND, MICHIGAN

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GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES

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lobal Technologies recently expanded their existing location and renovated the space throughout.

Their main focus was to create great spaces for their staff members to work and collaborate. The company partnered with Custer for furniture layouts, technology, signage, accessories, paint selection help, and custom-built enhancements that empower their employees and the Global Technologies' brand.

applied and the frame built to fit the space and painted to match the walls.

Custer’s Renegade team provided custombuilt solutions including the following:

A team table with integrated power and matching mobile printer stand that nests below the table and out of sight.

Framed moss art with integrated signage behind the front desk – the moss was hand 14

Wood ceiling clouds with hand-laced yarn accent – Renegade worked with the electricians to drop the pendant lights through the middle of the clouds and position over the shared space.

Café tables and benches in the cafeteria with an accent laminate for aesthetics and durability.

Custer partnered with AMDG Architects and Renegade on this project.

SPRING LAKE, MICHIGAN

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CALEDONIA, MICHIGAN

VIKING GROUP

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iking Group began construction on its new United States headquarters location in order to centralize the company’s Michigan-based team that was previously dispersed among two separate office sites in Hastings and Grand Rapids.

Custer was able to approach thoughtful design planning to help ease the transition of combining personnel into one new location by providing the customer with Change Management services in the initial stages of the project.

Custer’s design for this project required solving for pain points that existed in the company’s previous two locations.

Physical workstation barriers were lowered and collaboration spaces within each department were emphasized to encourage team engagement. A focus on heads down time and individual work for employees was achieved through providing plenty of meeting spaces, private enclaves, and phone booths.

Custer partnered with Byce & Associates, First Companies, Renegade, and CS Erickson on this project.

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TENET HYDRAULICS

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TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN

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enet Hydraulics, the global provider of world-class hydraulic products and engineering services, received an unsolicited offer to purchase the company’s previous building, and with it–its furniture.

Steelcase products and workstations were provided to the customer for collaboration and creative work areas, conference rooms, kitchen and café area, as well as the customer waiting space.

An offer too good for the company to refuse, Tenet Hydraulics quickly set out to relocate and partnered with Custer for new workspace solutions throughout the space.

Custer provided all-inclusive design and furniture for this customer project. Steelcase VIA walls were chosen in the bright new, refreshing space for individual work.

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FLEXFAB HASTINGS, MICHIGAN

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n outdated existing interior led FlexFab to a full renovation of their space. FlexFab chose Custer as a partner for this renovation and selected a full interiors package – from space planning to color and finish coordination.

Privacy walls were incorporated throughout the workplace to divide space for a mother’s room, various private offices, enclaves and multiple conference rooms.

Custer worked closely with FlexFab to determine a design plan that included lowering workstation panel heights and reducing the footprint of each station to provide more room for smaller meeting places, enclaves, and a small café.

Renegade provided multiple custom solutions for this space including a feature wall behind entryway reception desk, wood shiplap walls, custom mail slots, a large bookcase and a history wall.

Steelcase Ology Height Adjustable desks were chosen for each workstation to support different employee postures throughout the work day.

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Custer partnered with CD Barnes Construction, Architectural Concepts, Renegade, CS Erickson, and Century Flooring on this project.

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GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

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FLEIS & VANDENBRINK

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ith help from Via Design and Custer, Fleis & VandenBrink transformed its existing headquarters into an open work environment that reflects the company's culture and brand.

To encourage collaboration throughout the office, panels were lowered and team spaces were designed for employees to work on projects together. Existing filing and storage cabinets were painted and common tops added for the ease of laying out large prints. Smaller enclaves were designed for one-on-one meetings or for individual heads down work or a private phone call.

Custer’s custom-build team Renegade assisted Via Design to create custom seating, custom reception desk, and a wood slat feature wall behind it for the headquarters’ main entrance.

CS Erickson's technology experts worked with Fleis & VandenBrink’s project team from the earliest stages to integrate meeting room and other workplace technology into the renovation plans.

This early integration resulted in meeting and training spaces that are professional and “clean” in appearance, while highly functional and flexible.

Custer partnered with Via Design, Fleis & VandenBrink Construction Management, Inc., Renegade, and CS Erickson on this project.

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TGW SYSTEMS

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GW Systems partnered with Custer for furniture, technology, and design services including furniture placement, color selections, and industry experience in creating exceptional spaces that will help to attract and retain employees as they grow.

Custer provided over 100 workstations, multiple conference rooms and private offices, collaborative areas, a cafĂŠ, a training room, and technology capabilities throughout the space.

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Custer partnered with Interactive Studio and ICS Construction on this project.

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CARNEVALE

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empower Custer partnered with Steelcase, Renegade, CS Erickson, and Century Flooring on this project.

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uster partnered with Steelcase to design and implement a new agile environment for local software design agency in downtown Grand Rapids. Carnevale sought an innovative, agile space that would better enable their team’s collaboration, productivity, and better use of real estate.

Updates to this space also include commercial flooring, lighting, and custom solutions by Custer partner companies Century Flooring, CS Erickson, and Renegade respectively.

View our case study of this project here.

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

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MERCY HEALTH

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ercy Health’s new 6,000 square foot location in Ada, Michigan is a vibrant new facility, complete with dynamic solutions to empower this healthcare team work more efficiently.

Solutions for this space included communication boards in exam rooms, staff break areas, centralized care team hubs for easy maneuverability, as well as Steelcase VIA walls with Casper Cloaking film to increase patient privacy.

ADA, MICHIGAN

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Custer partnered with Progressive AE on design, Renegade, and Erhardt Construction to bring this new patient treatment facility to life.

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MUNSON HEALTHCARE

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MANISTEE, MICHIGAN

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unson Healthcare’s new medical office building is located next to their main hospital in Manistee, Michigan.

It houses both administrative and doctor’s offices as well as various patient services.

Custer provided furniture for conference and training rooms, and offices, and provided patient seating for the waiting areas, and exam and procedure rooms. The result is a fresh new space for Munson Healthcare patients and staff.

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KALKASKA MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER

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alkaska Memorial Healthcare was growing out of its existing space and needed more room to serve the public’s healthcare needs. The patient care facility partnered with Custer for all-inclusive design, and furniture throughout the space. A two-story addition was built and included new patient exam rooms, a new pharmacy, infusion clinic, waiting areas, as well as new offices for staff and doctors.

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Custer partnered with Architecture Technology and Spence Brothers on this project.

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HOPE COLLEGE

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empower Custer was joined by Via Design, AMDG Architects, and Lakewood Construction to bring this project to life.

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ev. Dr. Trygve Johnson set out to create a space he had dreamt of for Hope College students to enjoy at the school’s newly built Van Andel Huys der Hope building.

Renegade worked closely with Rev. Dr. Trygve Johnson in designing a custom focal point for the space – a sixteen foot moss wall reflecting Psalm One, a personal favorite passage of Dr. Johnson’s.

Additional custom solutions by Renegade include a reception station, acoustic sound-masking clouds, as well as a custom floor-to-ceiling bookcase in Dr. Johnson’s private office.

Hans Wenge chairs, Coalesse Joel chairs, Shortcut wood leg chairs, Slope leather chairs, and Mesa sofas were all just a few of the featured products chosen for this relaxing space.

View our case study of this project here.

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AQUINAS COLLEGE SISTER AQUINAS WEBER WING

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pdates to Aquinas College’s science facilities began with an addition of the brand new Sister Aquinas Weber Wing, along with the complete renovation to the school’s existing Albertus Magnus Hall.

To pave the way for new science programs and research initiatives, Custer's upgrades to the facilities included the addition of flexible chemistry laboratories, faculty-mentored teaching laboratories, an advanced computer laboratory, a large auditorium equipped to seat more than one hundred students, collaborative student spaces, a rooftop patio, and a three-story glass atrium featuring “Science on Display”.

Featured products for the facility included custom epoxy coffee tables designed to incorporate a large beech tree that was repurposed from the construction site – designed and built by Renegade by Custer, Steelcase universal surfaces and storage, Migration tables and Cachet seating, as well as Coalesse SW1, Montara, and Lagunitas.

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

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Custer partnered with TowerPinkster, Pioneer Construction, and Renegade on this project.

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WYOMING, MICHIGAN

GODWIN HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL

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odwin Heights High School transformed their outdated library into a modern collaboration center for their students.

Melissa Musial, Godwin Heights’ Instructional Specialist/SIG Coordinator, applied for a state grant and was awarded the funds to make this renovation possible.

The flexible space holds multiple classroom areas for group discussions, various tables and lounge areas for small meetings, privacy walls for small group rooms, and Steelcase Brodys for heads down work.

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uster partner company, Renegade by Custer, created a large curved custom piece for additional desk seating and collaboration among students.

CS Erickson was also involved in the electrical renovations throughout the space.

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KENTWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES

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entwood Public Schools renovated their administration offices, including a large addition to their existing building.

Steelcase product was chosen throughout.

The renovated space includes a generous lobby with privacy wall enclaves, multiple collaboration spaces, break out rooms, a large training facility, and private offices.

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Custer partnered with GMB Architecture + Engineering, OwenAmes-Kimball Co., and CS Erickson on this project.

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PA R T N E R S + S E R V I C E S

We provide the ease of one contact for your entire renovation. Custer’s complete portfolio of companies offers a unique set of services to serve the needs of your project from floor to ceiling.

Offering premier facility care and enhancement through flooring, cabinetry and countertops, commercial cleaning, and janitorial services. www.century-gr.com

Providing streamlined design-build expertise and expert electrical services for commercial and industrial environments. www.cserickson.com

Grand Rapids premier membership facility, hosting independent work in a shared environment for individuals, small business, and corporate groups. www.worklabinc.com

Custer’s custom design-build resource that translates your culture \ brand \ experience into innovative solutions built by Renegade. wwww.builtbyrenegade.com

Internally, we take a full-service approach to interior environments, integrating strategy, design, furniture, technology, and custom-tailored solutions to create your dynamic, purposeful environment.

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Custer designs and builds exceptional spaces that connect people, empowering organizations to do their best work.

GRAND RAPIDS KALAMAZOO BENTON HARBOR TRAVERSE CITY & UPPER PENINSULA FORT WAYNE CUSTERINC.COM 217 GRANDVILLE AVE SW GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503 616.458.6322 INFO@CUSTERINC.COM