Creating a Space to Spark Collaboration

Hannah Freiherr, Vice President of Audience Development

Hannah Freiherr, VP of Audience Development
Hannah Freiherr wears many hats at Business Furniture + Co. Whether giving product updates to our local architecture and design community, fine-tuning floorplans for our internal showrooms or planning the next marketing campaign- she's a self-proclaimed, "hyper collaborator". 

As the strategic lead of the project behind our first dedicated hybrid showroom refresh, Hannah has been leading the charge on the "neighborhood" concept, while using research-backed data from Steelcase. 

So, we had to ask Hannah, What's Your Hybrid? 

“For me, the place is irrelevant. I do my best work when I am with my team. We have so much trust and can freely brainstorm while simultaneously laughing about random things. However, nothing kills my creative spirit more than being uncomfortable or not having the right tools.”

– Hannah Freiherr. VP of Audience Development

Q: Hannah, how long have you worked at Business Furniture + Co?
A: I can’t believe it, but it will be 9 years this year. I started here as a concierge with dreams of being a designer. I then made that dream a reality and found my true passion in doing a blend of relationship-building, design, and marketing.

Q: Do you have a designated home office space?
A:
If you can count my dining room table. But no, I do not, and it’s a big reason I need my heads-down time in the office.

Q: How many days, on average, are you in-person at the office?
A: Each week is different; I am usually in one of our showroom locations 3-4 days a week. I try to pencil in one work-from-home day to achieve a little work/life balance.

Q: What does your typical work week look like?
A: I start my week with a bang and jam as many back-to-back meetings as possible every Monday. It makes for a long day, but then it frees up the rest of my week to do in-person visits at design firms or grab lunch with a colleague. If I can swing it, Friday is my WFH day to wrap up loose ends from the week.

Q: What is your DISC style?
A: I am an “SI,” which is likely to show care and understanding when listening to others. Their considerate and accepting responses create a warm atmosphere that encourages others to express their feelings without fearing embarrassment or rejection.


Q: What does “community” mean to you?
A: It’s all out connecting the people around you. We are all busy and going about our own lives. Having community helps remind you there is a world outside your bubble, but you’re not alone. I love being a regular at my spots.

Q: Outside of work, how do you find community?
A: Taking time to talk to people I see as part of my daily and weekly routines. I’m always busy and running late, but it’s worth it for me in order to connect with people. I especially love the community I feel at my kid’s daycare. So much of their time is spent there, and it brings me great comfort to feel bonded with their caretakers. I’ll always pay more and go to places for personal connection and belonging.

Q: Where do YOU do your best work?
A: For me, the place is irrelevant. I do my best work when I am with my team. We have so much trust and can freely brainstorm while simultaneously laughing about random things. However, nothing kills my creative spirit more than being uncomfortable or not having the right tools. When things aren’t clicking with the environment, I feel distracted and tend to lose focus

Q: Do you consider yourself more of an introvert or extrovert?
A: Extrovert. I feed off the energy of my team. Our new space will fit my needs in such a unique way. My neighborhood will be upfront in the “grand central station” of our showroom. I can be easily accessible to all the different teams I work with while also feeling that buzz and energy I need.

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