FOR PEOPLE WHO SELL TO TEACHERS, PARENTS AND SCHOOLS
by Kevin Fahy
AThe Way We Were
year ago, when I retired from Fahy-Williams Publishing, the company was kind enough to offer me an office in the building. Thus, I have a nice space from which to conduct personal business, or write the occasional column.
My new office is much smaller than my old one, as it should be, but that has left me with a problem. What do I do with all the stuff I have accumulated over the past 40 years?
It seemed to me that the first logical step was to figure out what was there, so I took a sort of mental inventory. Nearly everything fit into one of four categories: paperwork, books, photographs and what I’ll call “merchandise.”
By merchandise I mean all the small gifts and awards that people and organizations have given me over the years, including plaques, pens, paperweights, ashtrays, coffee cups, etc. I don’t care much for knick-knacks, but of course they meant something to me due to the source, so I kept most of them.
Books were the biggest category by weight, as there were more than a hundred of them in my office. I’m not quite sure how they had all gotten there, or what I had ever intended to do with them, but they made up a very eclectic little library. There were some textbooks, histories, biographies, children’s books, novels, you name it. Some I had probably purchased myself, some had been gifts and many were mysteries (so to speak). Many of them had been published long before I was born.
Now, I love books, which is why I got into publishing in the first place, and I firmly believe that books are a big part of what makes a house a home. You would think I’d be happy to simply pack up the books in my office and take them to my house.
The problem with that is the 500 or so books that I already have at home, which have gradually overflowed my bookcases and spilled out onto the floors. The fact that I’ve read most of them might cause some people to question my priorities.
Anyway, I couldn’t see adding several cartons of books to the collection. I decided to keep the ones that had been signed by someone close to me, or the author, and donate the rest. It was like saying goodbye to a group of old friends.
The paperwork included around 30 file folders, which contained all the billing, estimates and receipts for work done to houses (seven) and cars (20) that I have owned, plus records for banking, taxes, insurance, healthcare and so forth. I shredded the whole lot, so I’m hoping some contractor doesn’t suddenly decide to dispute a payment I made for something a couple of decades ago.
There was also a sub-category of paperwork, which was correspondence on paper. Mostly it was made up of business letters about issues that seemed vitally important at the time but are long since forgotten. More interesting were the personal letters, several of which were from people who are no longer
with us. I’ll hang onto those.
The fourth category of stuff was photographs, which was by far the most time-consuming. While you don’t have to read a whole book or tax return or whatever before you toss it, you pretty much do have to look at every photograph.
Most of the photos were taken by me, on company time with a company camera, somewhere from the mid-1980s through the mid-1990s. Although there are a few shots of our employees clowning around in the office, the vast majority were taken at trade shows, almost entirely in exhibit halls. There are hundreds of them, which makes me wonder how much of my life I spent at those things.
From an artistic standpoint, the photos are generally terrible, as I apparently have no sense of composition, but the subjects are fascinating. Most were business acquaintances, some were good friends in the industry and others don’t ring a bell with me at all.
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Whether I remember the people or not, there were a number of things that struck me about the group as a whole, from my perspective 40 years later. One is just the sheer number of them. Some trade shows drew thousands of people, and we had several shows a year.
Another is how young they were, and by that I don’t just mean that we all looked younger than we do now. That’s not really a surprise. What I mean is that both the exhibitors and the buyers were generally the owners of businesses, and as such, they weren’t very old. That tells me that the school supply industry was extraordinarily entrepreneurial back then, and also that the bar for entry wasn’t set very high.
Judging from their clothes and the general sophistication of the booth displays, they were doing very well with their young enterprises. A sense of optimism virtually leaps from the photos.
Another quality I can feel reaching to me across time is simply friendliness. People obviously welcomed me into their booths, even though I was not a customer, and I noticed that they also welcomed each other. In numerous photographs, exhibitors could be seen hanging out in one another’s booths, even among competitors.
I remember those days fondly. People weren’t just trade show friends; we kept in touch, visited each other’s homes, even vacationed together. It’s hard to imagine that happening today.
There was one other thing I saw in the pictures. Now, you may think I am reading way too much into a bunch of static images, and I’ll admit to being far from objective about this, but the people in the pictures looked happy to me.
Well, you may ask, why wouldn’t they be? They were young, smart, prosperous and they worked in an industry that was both lucrative and rewarding. They were, after all, trying to improve the education of our children.
On the other hand, perhaps people were just happier back then. America was at peace, the economy was humming, terrorism was somebody else’s problem and global warming was just a theory. Baby Boomers ruled the earth, and it felt pretty good. Something I did not see in those photographs was any inkling that any of that was about to change.
They didn’t see it coming. Somehow there was no premonition of 9/11, Afghanistan, smart phones, social media, the financial crisis, the Great Recession, Amazon, COVID, polarization, artificial intelligence or the rest. Not a clue.
It makes me wonder what we’re missing now. I don’t get to a lot of trade shows these days, but if I were to make the next one, and photograph all the faces, what do you suppose we would see in them?
You can e-mail Kevin at kfahy@fwpi.com.
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View a few of Kevin’s pictures here!
For People Who Sell to Teachers, Parents and Schools
A brand of Fahy-Williams Publishing
About Educational Dealer
Educational Dealer Magazine has supported the school furniture/classroom supply/teacher resource industry since 1976. Its profiles of people in our industry, education market updates, and product features strike a winning balance that meets the needs of retailers, catalogers, resellers and online merchants.
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The Teachers’ Lounge Gives Educators a Break
by Victoria Ritter
When Scott and Laura Gurley opened The Teachers’ Lounge in St. Louis, MO in 2007, they sought to set their store apart by offering quality customer service to local teachers and parents. The store stood the test of time and is now the only teacher supply store in the county.
Scott runs his own business building websites while Laura teaches third grade. Seventeen years ago, Laura’s colleagues informed her that a teacher store south of St. Louis had closed. The Gurleys briefly debated whether to start a new business or try for their second child; they ended up getting both.
“On the Friday when we went to sign the lease, Laura took a pregnancy test and was not pregnant,” Scott recalled. “So, we signed the lease. The next day, she was feeling funky. On Monday, she took another pregnancy test and we learned that she was pregnant with our daughter.”
The Teachers’ Lounge remained at its first location for five
years, operating out of a 3,000-square-foot space. It then moved to its current location – which is 5,000 square feet – in a strip mall at 21 Ronnie’s Plaza in St. Louis.
A fine-tuned inventory
The Teachers’ Lounge offers 5,000 items in-store, including teaching materials, toys, games and books. The aisles are organized by subject, with decorative items displayed on the walls. Ten years ago, The Teachers’ Lounge added furniture to its inventory, and those sales have been growing over the past three years, according to Scott. The store’s sales rep visits schools to sell furniture.
“We have a lot in our special needs department,” Scott added. “It’s not the biggest department in the store, but it’s definitely growing.”
One of the most popular brands is Teacher Creative
Resources, while Mavalus’ mounting tape is the biggest seller. “We’ve been promoting Mavalus for years and use their tape all over the store,” Scott said. “Our customers know that it’s right at the front counter. It seems like every customer buys a roll of Mavalus tape with every purchase.”
The Gurleys stock their shelves based on products recommended by sales reps and manufacturer catalogs. They attend ECRM’s trade show, plan to visit EDspaces every other year and attended Astra Marketplace and Academy this year. “I do miss the old WeConnect show in Florida,” Scott said.
The store is quick to pick up on trends. In particular, when fidget toys were popular three years ago – Scott calls 2021 “the year of the fidgets” – the Gurleys capitalized on the craze. They opened a small store adjacent to The Teachers’ Lounge and for three months
had a location at a nearby mall solely dedicated to fidget toys. “In 2022, the fidgets were slowly going away,” Scott said. “By 2023, the fidgets had become just a small department in our store.”
The 600-square-foot space that once housed the fidget store is now a classroom. Laura and a few of the staff
members host a week of workshops in June, with two to three sessions each day. About a dozen people attend to learn about how to organize classrooms and utilize digital tools such as Google Classroom, among other topics. Later this year, Scott plans to set up the space as a boutique featuring interactive demos
Designed to delight, engage and flow with the day’s activities, our dynamic assortment of classroom essentials and activity furniture offers everything from tables and chairs to STEAM walls and puzzles.
of games and toys and holiday gift wrapping. “We’ll turn that classroom into a gift shop,” he said.
To give the store more visibility, Scott customized a website for The Teacher’s Lounge. Shoppers can peruse through 25,000 items in its catalog (many of which are Educators Resource products) and keep up to date on activities. Web sales account for a small percentage of the store’s overall profit, as the local business competes with Amazon and even its own vendors’ online sales. “Our website is more of a tool to learn more about why
you should come shop at our store,” Scott stated. “We have pictures of the store, an events listing and our background.”
Promotions and prizes
The Gurleys know first-hand how much dedication, time and money teachers put into running their classrooms, so they seek to help where they can. One of the store’s most successful ventures is the Lounge Lizard Club, a rewards program that has been around since the store’s early days. With Lizzie the Lounge Lizard as the mascot,
the club offers store credit for in-store purchases; access to email newsletters with specials, coupons and news; personalized purchase histories and more. The club has provided nearly $600,000 in rewards since its inception, with “tens of thousands” of teachers participating, said Scott.
“Within years of us starting the program, every other teacher store in the St. Louis area started a similar program,” Scott said. “I think it is one of the main draws because teachers are spending their own money at the store. Most jobs don’t require you to go out and spend your own money just to do your job, but teachers are expected to do that. This is our way of saying, ‘We’d like to help you out.’”
There are more reasons for customers to stop by The Teachers’ Lounge, as the store has three major events throughout the year. Its Preview Night in mid-June highlights new designs and products for the upcoming school year, with a fully-stocked store. Guests are treated to a red-carpet experience, as Scott greets every customer at the door in his tuxedo. Drawings take place every 15 minutes with prizes such as free lamination, gift cards and free products. Plus, everyone receives 25 percent off their total purchase.
“It’s a very busy night,” Scott said. “We ended up breaking it up into two nights. As there are a lot of Catholic schools in St. Louis, we have an Archdiocesan Preview Night and our regular Preview Night.”
During the annual Customer Appreciation Day, the first 100 customers receive a bag filled with product from vendors, with some containing a $25 gift card. The Gurleys bring in snacks and water for the morning. Customers
The Teachers’ Lounge Gives Educators a Break
are treated to free desk calendars and $10 off a $30 purchase. For every $10 they spend, they get a raffle ticket which they can submit for themed baskets. As an added bonus, The Teachers’ Lounge publishes a picture of the first customer of the day in its newsletter
“Our customers start lining up for that event at 5 in the morning – our store opens at 9 a.m.,” Scott commented. “It’s a crazy day.”
The year wraps up with Grandparents Day in early December. If a customer shows a picture of their grandkids, they receive 25 percent off of purchase.
“We’ve tried other things over the years, but we found that these particular events have been very successful,” Scott said.
Commitment to quality
The Teachers’ Lounge’s customer base consists of 85 percent teachers and 15 percent parents/grandparents. No matter who steps in the door, the staff – many of whom have teaching experience – are ready to help. The store employs 20 part-time workers, with an additional two to five employees hired in the summer. With Scott coming in once a week and Laura teaching full-time, the Gurleys trust their staff to operate the store and emulate a willingness to help educators.
The Gurleys understand that parents and teachers can order furniture and materials from other sources, so they want to make their store the most appealing and accessible option. Scott mentioned that they are considering
opening multiple locations to expand their reach and fulfill educators’ needs.
“We train all of our employees heavily on customer service,” Scott said. “We make hires based on personality and having the heart of a teacher. Customer service is all that we talk about and preach about. Every policy decision we make is based on what is best for the customer, not what’s best for our bottom line. We try to be the resource for all teachers and schools in St. Louis.”
Owners Scott and Laura Gurley pose with their daughter, Kate.
For Show Director Joe Tucker, EDspaces is a “one-two punch” of fun and learning that can’t be found anywhere else. Attendees and vendors alike are in store for a treat as this year’s show heads to Houston, Texas in
Houston, Here We Come!
A look ahead to this year’s EDspaces show
early November.
EDspaces is scheduled to take place November 12 to 14. While last year’s show saw a record of more than 1,800 attendees, this year’s event is on track to see a slight increase in numbers, according to Tucker. About 175 exhibitors had signed up as of mid-September, 50 of which are new to EDspaces. “There’s more flooring, more technology and audio visual (vendors),” Tucker said. “Today, you can’t really build a classroom without
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the integration of all the technology that’s in it.”
New features
Tucker strives to provide a handful of new features at each year’s show, and the 2024 EDspaces is no different. The show floor will feature unique spaces, including the Ultimate Durability Zone, presented by My Resource Library. Here, presenters will showcase performance challenges of furniture – with a mix of hands-on and professional demonstrations – while offering practical solutions. Additionally, the Collaboration Learning Lab by Jay Litman of Litman Architecture will present innovative furniture from various companies and demonstrate how they work together in a modern learning environment.
“It’s a hands-on project where attendees will experience the educational ecosystem where complimentary furniture lines help to support and foster the development of learning,” Tucker said. “When most people come to an event like this, they’re only seeing each manufacturer’s product one at a time, which isn’t what happens in schools; you have a lot of different products in the same room. That’s what Jay is trying to show: how all of this comes together to work for this network of learning and creating better outcomes.”
If attendees need a moment of calm to relax, recharge and check emails, they can head to EDspaces Park. The green spot located on the show floor will have greenery, hydroponic growing demonstrations and even a chance to pet some puppies.
“There’s so much new,” Tucker stated.
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This session is the destination for leading educational dealers sourcing innovation from suppliers of educational toys, educational furniture, arts & crafts, STEM/STEAM, and school & office supplies.
THE EDUCATIONAL SUPPLIES & FURNITURE SESSION
February 10-13, 2025
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Educate yourself
Learning opportunities will be plentiful. Attendees can take field trips to schools in the Houston area as part of the EDfacility Tours. Three K-12 EDfacility Tours, two set for November 11 and the third on November 14, will visit elementary and high schools. The Higher EDfacility Tour on November 14 will focus on San Jacinto College and the University of Houston’s new College of Medicine.
Back at the convention center, Digital Promise President and CEO Jean-Claude Brizard will take to the stage on November 12 as the keynote speaker. Brizard, who has spent decades in the education field, will discuss the connections between neuroscience, the science of learning and innovative school design. “I can’t wait to hear him discuss his company’s holistic approach that prioritizes emotional wellbeing, social development and physical health of the learner,” Tucker said.
Attendees have a multitude of choices when it comes to EDsessions. There are more than 60 formal sessions planned across seven classrooms. That’s not counting the smaller sessions taking place in Activation Spaces on the show floor.
“There’s a lot more education all around,” Tucker stated.
Tucker explained that show organizers focused on bringing in more
educators to host the sessions. A couple teacher-led sessions include “Transforming Learning Spaces from Traditional Classrooms to 21st Century Learning Communities” by Danielle Alger and “Future-Ready Learning for Students Through Spatial Proficiency for Educators” by Marie Woodman.
“They’re the ones who are really on the front lines in using and creating the learning environments,” Tucker said. “It’s fantastic to hear from them about what they’re doing in the real world.”
It’s time for some fun
Show attendees can connect with old friends and make a few new acquaintances at the show’s networking events.
Bold Collective Networking Event returns on November 12. Participants can network and explore leadership opportunities as they meet colleagues. The all-industry EDfest will kick off
on November 13. Attendees can head across the street from the conference center to The Rustic, which Tucker considers as “the show’s backyard.” There, guests can listen to a live band, enjoy drinks and light bites, and even take pictures with a longhorn. “It’s a really nice venue,” Tucker said. “We can bring our attendees over there where they can kick back and relax after a long few days and mingle with friends – old and new.”
Tucker seeks to continue the engaging experience that EDspaces provides. By the time people leave the show, he hopes the experience leaves a lasting impression.
“The face-to-face discussions are the true magic of live events,” he added. “Conversations lead to unexpected collaborations, crazy insights and fantastic opportunities. That’s what I hope to replicate and improve so that when people leave, they think about EDspaces.”
To register, view a full schedule and see a list of EDsessions, visit ed-spaces.com.
Learning Across the Board
10 Questions with Aarco Products
From the days of blackboards and bulletin boards to today’s more technological and interactive displays, Aarco Products has sought to deliver high-quality visual display solutions.
The company was founded in 1975 by George and Joseph DeMartino, who both had previous experience supplying chalkboards and bulletin boards to the office supply industry. They sought to create reliable, performance-driven boards and displays that help people present ideas clearly and effectively.
Today, Aarco Products has a catalog of hundreds of varieties of writing surfaces, bulletin boards, and display cases. Its most popular offerings are writing surfaces – especially porcelain
marker boards – which offer a smooth writing experience and are durable, making them ideal for a wide variety of environments.
Based in New York, Aarco Products’ reach expands across the continental U.S. and Hawaii to Guam, Puerto Rico, Canada and more. Distributors and retailers can submit orders through the company’s trusted partners, e-commerce platforms or directly.
“Aarco Products isn’t just a company focused on selling boards and displays,” stated Vincenzo DeMartino, vice president at Aarco Products. “We’re passionate about how our products help people communicate better, spark ideas and bring visions to life. Our dedication to quality and our customers has always
been our driving force.”
Vincenzo went on to detail how Aarco Products continues to support communication, benefit visual learners and look ahead to the future.
How does Aarco Products stand apart from other visual aid manufacturers?
We stand apart because we focus on the user experience. Our products are designed to be durable, easy to use and versatile, no matter the environment. Whether it’s in the classroom, boardroom or a creative space, our boards help ideas take shape. Plus, we’re known for delivering reliable, high-performance products, which is why many of our customers keep coming back.
How can Aarco Products’ offerings help visual learners?
Visual learners thrive when they can see information clearly, and our products provide the perfect canvas for that. Our boards and displays offer smooth, high-contrast surfaces that enhance the clarity of writing and visuals, making it easier for learners to engage and retain information. Additionally, our products often work seamlessly with other technologies, giving instructors greater versatility in their teaching methods.
Aarco Products will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025 – congratulations are in order! What do you attribute to the company’s success and longevity?
Thank you! Reaching 50 years is a testament to our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. We take great pride in the strong relationships we’ve built and our ability to consistently adapt to the market’s evolving needs. In the early years, we primarily served the office supply industry, which underwent significant changes as small businesses were overtaken by larger companies. Diversifying our product line was crucial for survival. Listening to our customers and staying proactive about innovation have been key drivers of our success and longevity.
How’s business today?
Business is strong, and we’re seeing continued demand for our products. Aarco has been dedicated to enhancing our reputation in the industry by listening closely to customer feedback and recognizing areas where we could improve. By focusing on providing better service and products, we’ve built a solid foundation and are excited about the future. We’re committed to helping businesses, schools, and organizations communicate more effectively, and that dedication is resonating with our clients.
the spread of germs by
How have you seen visual aids evolve over the years?
The evolution of materials in visual aids has been remarkable; what fascinates me most is how designers seamlessly integrate these elements into environments, making them more versatile than ever. In the past, we saw
a similar shift when blackboards transitioned to green porcelain surfaces, which were easier on the eyes and improved information retention. Today, modern visual aids incorporate interactive technology, blending traditional functionality with cutting-edge innovation. We’ve learned that the environment not only influences behavior but also enhances the experience, and I’m proud that Aarco’s products play a role in shaping that experience.
What are the most creative ways you’ve seen customers use your products?
We’ve seen our products used in some incredibly innovative ways! It’s truly rewarding to witness the creativity and empowerment our products inspire. When shipped, our boards are quite literally blank canvases, and we’ve seen entire buildings transformed into open-floor-plan collaborative environments and art centers displaying creative works. Whether it’s turning a space into a collaborative learning wall or showcasing artistic expressions, it reminds me that these products are not just functional but contribute to the advancement and creativity of future generations.
Apart from education, what other markets do you cater to?
Our humble beginnings were in the office supply industry. While education remains a major market for us, we also serve corporate offices, hospitality, healthcare and retail sectors. Essentially, any environment where communication and organization are key can benefit from our products. The versatility of our offerings has been a driving factor in our 50-year success, allowing us to meet the diverse needs of a wide range of industries.
How can retailers effectively sell Aarco Products’ items?
• Students exercise and fidget with their legs and feet
• Leaves hands free for learning, burns more calories
• Improves circulation, focus, memory and attention
• Only ergonomically correct device on the market
• The foot rest is in the middle of the desk space = comfort & good posture!
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Retailers can emphasize the exceptional quality, durability and versatility of Aarco Products, demonstrating how our boards enhance productivity and collaboration across various environments. Highlighting that we cater to multiple industries broadens the appeal to a wider market. Additionally, emphasizing that our products are made in the USA and supported by personalized customer service strengthens the trust and relationships we build with retailers and their customers.
What is your newest product? How often do you launch new products?
Our latest product is the Silhouette, a cutting-edge floor-to-ceiling writing surface that is virtually seamless. It features a proprietary in-house designed frame that creates a sleek, unobtrusive look, making the frame appear recessed
10 Questions with Aarco Products
behind the surface. Silhouette not only meets functional needs but also satisfies designers looking for something truly unique and out of the ordinary. We aim to launch new products regularly, typically every year or two, as we respond to industry trends and customer feedback.
What are you most proud of about working at Aarco Products?
I’m incredibly proud of the meaningful impact our products have on people’s everyday lives. Whether we’re helping a teacher inspire the next generation, facilitating a business’s strategic vision, or enabling collaboration in a creative space, knowing that Aarco Products plays a vital role in these important processes is truly rewarding. It’s not just about making quality boards and displays – it’s about being part of a larger narrative that drives communication, creativity and innovation. That’s something I take immense pride in.
Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators: Supporting STEM and STEAM Education
by the Marco team
In today’s rapidly evolving world, the importance of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) and STEAM (which includes the arts) education cannot be overstated. These fields are not just academic disciplines; they are the foundation upon which future innovators, problem-solvers and leaders are built.
As schools and educators strive to prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow, the need for effective STEM/STEAM programs has become increasingly clear. Yet, achieving success in these areas requires more than just a robust curriculum – it demands the right environment, one that fosters creativity, collaboration and hands-on learning.
The role of STEM and STEAM in modern education
STEM/STEAM education is essential in equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in a technology-driven world. These disciplines encourage critical thinking, creativity, problemsolving and collaboration – skills that are vital in nearly every career path today. Moreover, STEM/STEAM fields are at the forefront of innovation, driving advancements in technology, healthcare, engineering and the arts.
Students who engage in STEM/STEAM activities are better prepared to tackle complex challenges and adapt to new situations. They learn to approach problems with a scientific mindset, experiment with different solutions and think outside the box.
However, while the benefits of STEM/STEAM education are clear, many schools face significant challenges in implementing effective programs. Resource constraints, lack of specialized training for teachers and the need for appropriate learning environments are just a few of the obstacles that can hinder the success of STEM/STEAM initiatives. This is where the right furniture and classroom setup can make all the difference.
The role of furniture
The physical environment of a classroom plays a crucial role in the learning process, especially in STEM/STEAM education.
Traditional classroom setups, with rows of desks facing the front, are not conducive to the collaborative, hands-on learning that is central to STEM/STEAM activities. Instead, these subjects require flexible, adaptable spaces that can accommodate different teaching styles, group work and project-based learning.
Furniture designed specifically for STEM/STEAM classrooms can transform a space into a dynamic learning environment. For example, modular furniture allows for easy reconfiguration, enabling students to work individually, in pairs or in larger groups as needed. Mobile workstations can be moved around the room, allowing students to easily access tools, materials and technology. Additionally, durable surfaces for experiments and projects are essential.
Marco’s commitment to supporting STEM/STEAM education
Marco’s dedication to supporting STEM/STEAM education is evident in its innovative designs and product offerings. Its furniture is crafted to enhance the learning experience by promoting collaboration, flexibility and engagement. From modular tables and mobile storage units to comfortable seating and durable work surfaces, the products are designed to support the dynamic nature of STEM/STEAM education.
One of the standout features of Marco’s furniture is its adaptability. In a STEM/STEAM classroom, the ability to quickly and easily reconfigure the space is crucial. These modular designs allow teachers to arrange and rearrange the classroom to suit different activities. This flexibility not only enhances the learning experience but also maximizes the use of available space, making it easier for schools to implement STEM/STEAM programs, even in smaller or older buildings.
Marco’s commitment to STEM/STEAM education extends beyond just providing furniture. It works closely with educators to understand the specific needs of their classrooms and develop solutions. By collaborating with teachers, administrators and designers, Marco ensures that its products are functional and aligned with the educational goals of the schools they serve.
Supporting STEM/STEAM in underserved
communities
One of the most exciting developments is Marco’s collaboration with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation. The foundation is helping strengthen America’s most underserved and distressed communities by supporting and advocating for children, building Youth Development Parks, partnering with law enforcement and youth service agencies, and addressing community needs through its national program initiatives. Through this collaboration of Marco and Worthington Direct, they are bringing high-quality STEM/STEAM resources to schools that need them most. This initiative includes the provision of specialized furniture as well as the development of programs and resources that help educators integrate STEM/STEAM into their curricula effectively.
By combining Marco’s expertise in educational furniture with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation’s commitment to youth development, via Worthington Direct, this partnership is helping to create learning environments where students can thrive. Whether it’s through the donation of furniture to schools in need or the development of educational programs that inspire a love of STEM/STEAM, this partnership is making a difference in the lives of countless students.
Conclusion
STEM/STEAM education are critical to preparing the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders. However, achieving success in these fields requires more than just a strong curriculum – it requires the right environment that fosters creativity, collaboration and hands-on learning. Marco, with its innovative designs and commitment to education, is playing a vital role in creating these environments. Through its carefully crafted furniture solutions and strategic collaborations like the one with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, Marco is helping schools across the country empower their students to reach their full potential. By providing the tools and environments that support STEM/STEAM learning, Marco is not just building furniture – it’s building the future.
Family-owned and operated for more than a quarter century, Marco’s K-12 furniture solutions foster an environment for creative learning, true collaboration and maximum attentiveness. For more information, visit madebymarco.net.
Cool Hot
innovations in the furniture and equipment category
The Galleria Indoor Outdoor Display Board from Screenflex is a portable, weather-resistant, tackable exhibit for displaying photos, notes or artwork for craft fairs, expos, schools and more. screenflex.com
The X-Dot and X-Spot from USACapitol are perfect for children and adults! The 18-inch cushions make story time and studying comfier than ever, with 10 vibrant colors to choose from. usacapitol.com
The Kore Design Kids Adjustable Pivot Stool from Eco Harmony offers pivot motion for active seating. Available in two heights (small and tall) and three base colors (blue, yellow and grey). korestool.com
All 36-inch high BandstorTM products from Marco Group are now available as standalone islands! Add even more dynamic instrument storage options with Marco’s new Bandstor islands. madebymarco.net
The Re•Group Armrest from Academia Products is comfortable 62-inchwide bench with a back, full armrests on both sides and optional flush power ports. Available in any color and textile from Momentum Fabrics. academiafurniture.com/products/re-group
The Hierarchy Kidney Table from MooreCo with porcelain steel dry-erase top is the ultimate collaboration station! Join in countless ways to encourage cooperative group work, brainstorming and sharing. moorecoinc.com
The 120 Series Porcelain Markerboard from Aarco Products is the top choice for classrooms and offices, guaranteed for 50 years against cracking, fading or ghosting. aarcoproducts.com
Gumdrops removable vinyl covers from One Up Innovations are durable and designed to withstand the rigors of a school environment. They can be easily wiped clean and feature a breathable bottom.
jaxbeanbags.com/school.html
Proudly made in the USA, the award-winning ErgoErgo is the safest and most robust active seating for the classroom. We were made to move! ergoergo.com
It’s time to get organized with the Teacher’s Cabinet from Wood Designs. It comes with five gliding shelves and five gliding letter trays, to store all your teaching materials in one place. wooddesigns.com
The Bright Beginnings Wooden Puppet Theater from Flash Furniture is a creative, space-saving, wooden theater. Includes a magnetic chalkboard, storage and curtains that roll up/down or pull to the side. flashfurniture.com
Made from recycled milk jugs, EverPlay Outdoor Furniture from Jonti-Craft is durable and won’t splinter, crack or rot. A perfect fit for the outdoor classroom and play space. jonti-craft.com/everplay
The Time Timer MOD – Education Edition – Short Durations from Time Timer is now available in 10-minute and 30-minute durations, as requested by educators themselves! timetimer.com/distributors
New True
The Jot Pocket Shimmer Collection from Kent Displays/Boogie Board is perfect for tweens, teens and anyone with a passion for sparkle! Clip it onto any school bag for screen-free doodle fun. myboogieboard.com
Wooden Magnets – Space from Learning Advantage includes 20 colorful magnets in different space-themed shapes. Move and sort them during small-world play or incorporate them into lessons about the solar system. learningadvantagedealer.com
CelluClay from ACTÍVA is a unique, compressed and ready-to-activate papier mâché medium. No newspaper strips, no glue, no fuss. Simply add water, mix and apply! activaproducts.com
Honoring Black History pencils from Musgrave Pencil pay tribute to the contributions, resilience and achievements of Black history and the African American community! pencils.net
Mini Poster Sets from Eureka offer convenience and style to any classroom! Each set contains eight posters, each measuring 11 by 14 inches. Featured is the Everyday Heroes Set. Contact Brian Roberts at brian.roberts@ dgamericas.com
Rappit Plaster Cloth from Sandtastik contains additional plaster per square inch to ensure a superior, thick plaster consistency. Available in widths of 4, 8 and 12 inches. sandtastik.com
With Sight Word Storybooks Set 1 from Creative Teaching Press, help young readers develop sight word recognition, build automaticity and improve reading fluency. Comes with six books filled with fun stories. creativeteaching.com/collections/readers/products/sight-wordstorybooks-set-1
INDUSTRY NEWS
EDspaces released a report titled “The Future of K-12 Procurement: 4 Key Trends.” The report, conducted by Research4Ed.com, is the result of extensive phone interviews of 18 school leaders whose primary roles involved procurement. The participants’ answers provided an understanding of current trends and innovations in the K-12 school procurement space.
“EDspaces is excited to release our new report that documents the increasingly complex and challenging role of K-12 school procurement professionals,” said EDspaces Show Director Joe Tucker. “An overarching theme from our survey is that procurement professionals are embracing change and finding ways to work more effectively in an environment that continues to present significant challenges.”
The report identified the following key trends. Tech tools for procurement are “not quite there yet.” Public procurement systems for the K-12 market are undergoing a shakeup with recent mergers and acquisitions and dozens of players automating different
components of procurement. In the coming decade there will be opportunities for pursuing greater efficiencies by using artificial intelligence (AI) in procurement.
It’s not just about the price. While several states still mandate that price must trump all other factors in purchasing decisions, the interviewees provided many factors that could be more heavily weighted, including buying local, quality/best value and checking references or past experiences.
Networking is critical for success. Interviewees noted that memberships in the state Association of School Business Officials, among other organizations, allows them to remain current on state regulations, engage in professional development and network with colleagues.
Tactical recruitment to the profession is critical. As many procurement professionals are retiring or are near retirement –a trend that will continue – it will be essential in the next five years to attract new entrants to the procurement profession. One way to do so is to communicate the rewarding aspects of K-12 purchasing.
The full report is available for download at ed-spaces.com/ the-future-of-k12-procurement.
The Education Market Association (EDmarket) honored the achievements of the second cohort of young professionals in the education industry through the 2024 NexGen Rising Stars Award.
The award recognizes individuals who are 40 years old or younger and are nominated by EDmarket members. This initiative celebrates the contributions of emerging leaders to education.
The NexGen Rising Stars community serves as a year-round platform for collaboration, mentorship and idea exchange.
The 2024 NexGen Rising Stars are as follows:
• Janet Alford of Paragon Furniture, Inc.
• Betsy Andrusiak of Meteor Education
• Ashley Campos of ECLPS, Chula Vista Elementary School District
• Michelle Carpenter O’Guin of Modern Context
• Kaleb Davis of CEF, Inc.
• Lacey Fischer of Kimball International
• Jana Goehring of Business Furniture
• Emily Islip of ECLPS, Smith System
• Trent Kirchenheiter of Akers Business Solutions
• Jennifer McArt of ClearTouch
• Dustin McDermott of Marco
• Michael Ralph of Multistudio
• Bethany Smith of Meteor Education
• Jake Stacy of MiEN Company
• Victoria Veneziano of Meteor Education
• Candice Weyna of Lakeshore Learning
“We are thrilled to honor these exceptional young professionals who have demonstrated remarkable dedication, innovation and leadership in the education industry,” said Jim McGarry, president and CEO of EDmarket. “Their contributions are not only shaping the future of our industry but also setting a high standard for excellence and integrity. Their achievements inspire us all, and we look forward to seeing their continued impact and success in the years to come.”
The 2024 NexGen Rising Stars will be recognized at the Plenary Session at EDspaces on November 12 in Houston, TX, and are invited to the EDmarket Leadership Roundup, in addition to being featured in Essentials magazine and on social media.
EDmarket wishes to thank its distinguished panel of judges for helping make this program possible.
To learn more about NexGen Rising Stars, visit edmarket.org/nexgen
Early learning furniture brand Whitney Brothers announced in late July that the finish applied to its complete product portfolio is now certified antimicrobial. As this finish helps prevent the growth of disease-causing bacteria, fungi or viruses, it is an important feature that can protect and support the health of young children.
Young children are constantly exposed to millions of microbes on furniture surfaces as they interact with each other. The natural UV finish applied to Whitney Brothers products includes a highly effective antimicrobial additive to protect and support the wellbeing of children who come into contact with the brand’s furniture.
An antimicrobial coating consists of compound
materials which are applied to a surface to prevent the growth of micro-organisms that can cause disease. The finish used by Whitney Brothers was tested by an independent laboratory to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) E-2180 Standard and received certification as 99.99 percent effective.
“Safety is our absolute top priority,” said Mike Jablonski, Whitney Brothers president. “Despite there is no regulatory requirement for antimicrobial certification in our market, we believe it’s important to go the extra mile for an incomparable level of safety. It’s an essential component of the design philosophy behind the Whitney Brothers brand.”
Erase Obstacles.
Porcelain steel dry erase tabletops empower young minds and let ideas flow.
LEARN MORE
role in education or play for a child,” Schwarz commented. “We’re also looking for durability. All of our products are designed to last as long as the space they’ll be in; our Baltic birch line comes with a lifetime guarantee. It’s been really fun seeing pictures of products that have been in service for 30-plus years and customers say, ‘It still looks as good as the day we bought it.’”
Jonti-Craft utilizes Baltic birch plywood to construct its furniture. Schwarz values how the wood’s warm, neutral tone can fit into different environments. The wood’s durable nature is enhanced by designing wider units – thus offering more stability – dowel pin construction and the application of a proprietary UV finish that is scratch-resistant and ideal for commercial and education markets. The finish is “as durable as a gym floor,” according to Schwarz.
“We’ve spent a lot of time and resources on validating that our product is the strongest out there and the most durable and really specialized for the education space,” Schwarz added.
For mobile units, Jonti-Craft uses custom-sourced castors that connect to the bottom and sides of the piece. “We know that these are going to be pushed up and down the hall and run into things,” Schwarz said. “We want to make sure they’re able to last a lifetime.”
Jonti-Craft’s commitment to producing durable furniture is matched by its devotion to safety. Every piece of furniture has rounded edges which lower the chance of injury if bumped. Full-length piano hinges help prevent fingers getting caught in doors. Kickplates on storage units further prevent fingers and toes getting caught as well as minimize the opportunities of toys and other materials being lost between drawers.
“We understand the demands of education,” Shwarz stated. “Furniture has to be durable because a lot of the schools get one-time funds, and they want to buy something that’s going to last the length of the school. We really focus on being the safest and most durable solutions for learning, play and imagination.” (continued
The Standard in Education
Woodland Trail Set
ENDCAP
Crafting Safe and Secure Learning Spaces with Jonti-Craft
by Victoria Ritter
As a father and someone with many years of experience in the manufacturing field, Dan Schwarz appreciates the importance of safe, reliable school furniture. As the chief operating officer and new owner of Jonti-Craft, he now has the privilege of producing fixtures upon which schools can depend.
Jonti-Craft, based out of Wabasso, Minnesota, specializes in early education furniture. In its 45-year history, it has produced close to 10,000 products, Schwarz estimates; currently, it has 3,500 active SKUs. Offerings range from lockers and sensory tables to chairs and tables. However, the bread and butter of the company is its storage units, the most popular of which are components with five or six cubbies.
“We do have an internal R&D and engineering team,” Schwarz said. “We work really hard on our product development and continue to innovate new items.”
The company typically launches new products on an annual basis in the autumn, just in time for trade shows. This year, Jonti-Craft will be exhibiting at the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) conference in Anaheim and EDspaces in Houston – both of which are in November.
Upcoming releases include cots for early elementary grades and STEM tables and storage units for higher education. The company’s most recent venture is in the realm of outdoor play through its EverPlay line. A mud kitchen, table and benches will be on display at the tradeshows. “The classroom is really everywhere,” Schwarz stated. “More people are doing things outside.”
For EverPlay, Jonti-Craft partnered with a manufacturer in Minnesota that transforms recycled milk jugs into furniture. The pieces don’t overheat in the sun, don’t require any refinishing, don’t fade or crack and can last for at least 15 years. “Most wooden products out there need to be sanded and refinished on an annual basis,” Schwarz explained. “But this
can stay out all year long, whether it’s in the desert or in the cold tundra of Minnesota.”
Keeping it in the family
Schwarz is the second generation to own Jonti-Craft. His parents, Cathy and Don, purchased the business from John Tesarri in 1979. Don had worked for Tesarri as a college intern and voiced an interest in buying the business. “A few years later, after my parents were out of school and had some kids, John called them and they worked out a deal,” Schwarz said.
About a year after Cathy and Don took ownership of JontiCraft, a fire completely destroyed the offices; Schwarz was 5 years old. The couple decided it was a good time to relocate operations to their hometown of Wabasso.
With a new 12,000-square-foot building and a small employee base, the Schwarzes built up Jonti-Craft to what it is today. Now it employs around 200 employees, with a few high school and college students interning during the summer. “We have some of the most dedicated and passionate people,” Schwarz said, voicing his deep appreciation for the Jonti-Craft team. “They all share the vision of inspiring the next generation of children with some really cool learning furniture.”
Cathy and Don stepped down in January, passing ownership to Schwarz and his wife, Katie. “Don and Cathy continue to be on the board and are on staff as advisors,” Schwarz said. “We’re trying not to disrupt their retirement too much, but it’s nice to have their experience and knowledge available if we have questions.”
Dedication to safety and durability
The Jonti-Craft team considers multiple factors when it comes to designing and building its furniture. “Every time we’re designing a product, we focus on safety. We look to see if there’s a need in the classroom and how that product will play a
