Tom Deboer

About Tom Deboer

Driving business results through competitive differentiation, distribution growth, and effective operational strategy is my passion. My specialty is working across organizations to drive sales and profit growth. Challenging the status quo can lead to solutions that ultimately increase shareholder value. I am an executive who is a good listener and is not afraid to make tough decisions. I enjoy leading teams to solve problems and mentoring diverse talent to fulfill their potential. Today, I am the CEO of a multi-site manufacturer specializing in education and laboratory furniture. Some of my career successes include:Driving business results through restructuring/reorganizing*Brought WB and DWI together under one umbrella with a shared services model to improve business effectiveness and profitability.*Acquired IQ labs to extend the capabilities of Workspace Plus.*Resurrected the Haworth private office business unit through targeted product development, product rationalization, and new sales support infrastructure. Resulted in 130% sales improvement and 25 incremental points of gross profit.*Reconstructed the Haworth tables business unit through new product development, product rationalization, commonization of key components, purchase of new capital equipment, and clear market positioning. Resulted in 30% gross profit improvement and increasing sales.Growing sales in a crowded distribution channel*Created a team to assist in closing large contract furniture project sales. Improved close rate by 20%.*Started Haworth retail. Established relationships with major retailers and developed the first Haworth online retail store. Resulted in significantly improved brand exposure while increasing sales at a 50%+ profit. Strategic growth through product development*Created the only ergonomic seating family that the American Physical Therapy Association ever endorsed.*Created the only height-adjustable table series in its segment that meets stringent ergonomic requirements with unique handset features.Building strong, focused teams*Exemplary Team Engagement score. Retained high performers while challenging them to take on projects outside of their comfort zone.*Recruited/trained/mentored multiple managers who have successfully moved on to other leadership positions.Skills that drive business success*P&L Management*Strategic planning*Business Growth*Sales*Strategic Pricing*Operations*Cost Reduction*Organization right-sizing*Strategic Partnerships*Company/Product positioning*Promotion*Supply Chain*Market Research

Experience

1. President CEO

   Workspace

   Aug 2023 — Present · De Pere, WI, US

   President and CEO of Workspace Plus. Workspace Plus is the parent company to three manufacturers in the k-12, laboratory, and higher education furnishings business. In this role, I lead a team of over 500 members. I am responsible for day-to-day operations, creating strategies for growth, leading departments to achieve company financial goals, driving cultural alignment, and leading a decentralized organization.

Education

• Central Michigan University

  BSBA, Marketing, Finance, Economics

  1985 — 1990

• Western Michigan University

  MBA, Marketing, Finance

  1991 — 1993

Skills

• Management
• Project Planning
• Retail
• E-Commerce
• Brand Development
• Product Marketing
• Key Account Management
• Sales Management
• Leadership
• Product Management
• Product Development
• New Business Development
• Negotiation
• Sales
• Program Management
• Marketing Strategy