2021 Year in Review: Michael Troia, CEO & Co-Owner, Office Gallery International

What was the biggest lesson you learned while working during the pandemic? Be flexible! This past year has taught us to be ready for anything, so we’re able to meet and design spaces in-person and virtually using our TecSlate technology. Additionally, we’re working hard to anticipate any potential supply chain disruptions, and adjust our timing accordingly to best meet the needs of our clients.

How has your working environment changed over the last year? We’ve had some really positive staffing changes over the last year. In June, we promoted long-time staff member Jordana Wluka-Bishop to vice president of operations. Jordana is the heart and soul of our Office Gallery family, and this promotion is incredibly well-deserved. We also welcomed Beth Dodd to our team as our newest project designer. Beth brings an extensive background in retail and management and knowledge of home office furnishings. Also earlier this year, we welcomed back Molly Robertson from maternity leave. Together with our crackerjack installation crew, the Office Gallery team is stronger than ever!

What are your predictions for your industry in 2022? As businesses continue to straddle in-office, hybrid, and home-office environments, we’ll continue to see great creativity and problem-solving in office furniture design, which is very exciting! We’ll also need to continue to be cognizant of supply chain hold-ups, although I’m hopeful we’ll start to see those issues easing.

What is the best advice you have received, and who was it from? Manage your business don’t let it manage you. Great advice from my father who owned our family CPA firm, Livingston & Haynes. He was a great mentor and coach. When I’m stuck in the weeds I look to his advice and manage my way out.