HEIGHTS A Leg Up

Grandview Heights furniture business continues to grow and give back

By Rose Davidson

In a time when the economy is struggling, Loth, Inc. is staying strong.

Loth, an Ohio-based contract furniture company, functions with the main objective of identifying office-related needs in a variety of markets, including corporate, health care, education and government.

The company – with its corporate office and furniture outlet stores in Cincinnati – has now operated in the state for more than a century. The Grandview Heights location at 855 Grandview Ave. oversees sales and a showroom, and has been in place for more than 50 years.

Jeff Brock, general manager of the Columbus-area outpost, has been with Loth for seven years. He has been involved in overseeing multiple projects, including furnishing the recent addition at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

“For the new tower, we partnered with the hospital to identify needs associated with health care environments and collaborated with architects, designers and the hospital around the nature of that hospital, what they were trying to accomplish and how we could support that through their space,” says Brock.

But Loth hasn’t just worked with Nationwide Children’s Hospital in a professional context. The company is also involved in community service efforts for the hospital, as well as those of other charitable organizations, such as the American Heart Association, United Way and Children’s Hunger Alliance.

As general manager, Brock places a strong emphasis on commitment to the community.

“From a leadership perspective, it’s very important for our culture and our ownership,” says Brock. “Loth is very embedded (in) and gives back to the community.”

All employees at Loth are expected to exemplify the same community ideals. Brock says there are three things that are asked of all associates: time, talent and treasure.

Having the dedication to these qualities, both in the office and the community, has given Loth an edge in continuing to grow as a local business.

“We’ve helped support the growth of job creation in Grandview,” says Brock. “We’ve actually added six people to our staff in the past 12 months.”

While business is booming, Loth isn’t just settling into its success. The company is pushing forward and finding new ways to improve. Brock says Loth continues to add insights and knowledge to its resource center, and is also working toward expansion.

“Our internal corporate mantra is ‘If you’re not growing, you’re dying,’” Brock says. “We’re committed to adding new ventures, and, as we’re looking to 2013, we see a tremendous opportunity to grow and add more businesses.”

Brock also recognizes the important role that Grandview has played for Loth.

“It’s a very unique culture that drives a lot of diversity, creativity and community awareness,” he says. “It has a tremendous influence in the city of Columbus and it’s been a great place for us to work and call home.”

Rose Davidson is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at laurand@city scenemediagroup.com.