In 1989 Paul Covert started TFM and built a team of like minded people who remanufactured office furniture. This started the transformation of the office furniture industry.
Prior to 1989 the “Big Three” dominated the office furniture industry and closely controlled distribution and pricing. The industry began to change with the introduction of remanufactured office furniture. This began the trend towards less expensive, quality office furniture that was affordable to small and mid-size companies.
In 1996 TFM Remanufactured Office Furniture was purchased by Open Plan Systems becoming the largest remanufacturer in the United States.
In 2000 Paul Covert started SOS – Smart Office Systems with an eye towards accelerating change in the office furniture industry.
The focus of SOS was to place the cost savings associated with remanufactured office furniture with knock off components produced. Upstart companies with the intent to beat the Big Three at their own game.
Powered by state-of-the-art technology, innovative production techniques and a fearless determination to be the best, SOS became an integral player in the transforming office furniture marketplace.
While other remanufacturers were happy with the crumbs left behind by the Big Three, SOS wasn’t. SOS set out to show the office furniture industry the Big Three were vulnerable.
Due to their superior technology, production and distribution capabilities SOS revealed they could go toe-to-toe with the Big Three – and win.
Soon SOS was key supplier to Fortune 500 companies, the largest most successful insurance companies, automotive manufacturers, municipalities from local counties to the State of Michigan and even the federal government – and everything in between.
SOS proved that the little guy can compete with the big guy… and win.
The key to success of TFM and SOS was realizing the needs of the customer and creating a conduit to serve those needs. Along the way, TMF and SOS were part of the office furniture revolution – a revolution that isn’t done yet.