Herman Miller Furnishes ‘Extreme Makeover’ House
Derrell Jackson does not miss opportunity when it knocks. In this case, opportunity not only presented a chance to showcase Herman Miller product on ABC’s highly popular “Extreme Makeover,” but also to do some good in the process.
“Lately, the show’s producers have focused on choosing families who need help but who are also trying to help others,” says Jackson, a member of Herman Miller’s Presence Marketing team. The Anderson’s, a Cleveland mom and dad who were chosen for this episode, are both visually impaired, and one of their two sons is hearing impaired, but the family has started a home-based nonprofit to help others who are similarly challenged.
The family asked that their new home be furnished with modern classics because the simplicity of the furniture is easier for the couple to navigate. And who does modern classics better than Herman Miller?
So, the show’s producers contacted Jackson and “asked for the world”—and they darned near got it. With help from Brian Scharp, Retail Marketing team, and Genesis Seating, a Herman Miller supplier, Herman Miller was the main furniture provider for this house, donating some of its most recognizable classics, such as Eames lounge and Aluminum Group seating, Nelson swag leg chairs, a Goetz sofa, and various ancillary tables and chairs.
On move-in day Herman Miller’s big, red truck pulled up in front of the new, Tudor-style home in a Cleveland neighborhood. Members of the Retail Marketing team, Genesis seating, and APG Office Furnishings, Inc., the Herman Miller dealer in Cleveland, joined the 2,000 or so local volunteers who had been working nonstop to finish the house for its new occupants.
“Our retail team and the vender really pulled together to make this work,” says Jackson. “We all loved the fact that we were helping a family who deserved it. We rented a van and carpooled down a day early and not just to watch, either. Our team was fully engaged in making sure the furniture reached the home in good condition.”
Thank you Herman Miller for all of the good that you do. Thank you for encouraging your employees to be generous with their time for charity work. I wish that more companies had the positive attitude that Herman Miller not only talks about, but shows in actions!