Managing partner

Drew co-founded the Syndeo companies in 2020 with a goal to create long-term supply and development partnerships between OEM’s and specialty manufacturers. Syndeo now supports a multitude of successful OEM/manufacturer partnerships spanning both the commercial and residential furniture segments. Syndeo has also expanded its capabilities and customer set which now supports start-up business strategies, omni-channel sales and distribution, and product focused strategy, development, and portfolio scoping.

Drew spent 20+ years as a leader and executive at Herman Miller, Inc. While at Miller, his experience spanned a multitude of operational, technical and commercial leadership roles supporting new product development & commercialization, dealer distribution, strategic partnerships, mergers & acquisitions and operations. Drew served as Vice President of Distribution Channels and Dealer Development leading Herman Miller’s North American dealer network. Drew’s role as both a Director and Vice President of New Product Development and Commercialization at Herman Miller resulted in many successful business and program ventures across both North American work and healthcare segments.

Earlier in his career, Drew also held a multitude of technical and operational leadership roles at industry-leading companies in office furniture, consumer products and paper/packaging.

Drew earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Western Michigan University and an MBA from the University of Michigan.

Drew currently serves on the Board of Directors for Impact Converting & Systems Solutions, on advisory boards for Signature Custom Cabinetry, Superior Plastic Products and Key Link Fencing & Railing. Drew also contributes as a Board Member for Hand2Hand Ministries, a faith-based non-profit organization based in West Michigan.

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Managing partner

Dave has been in the furniture industry for over 18 years. Dave’s professional experience spans a range of roles in product management, market launch, new product development, applications marketing, global supply chain strategy, accounting and strategic retail partnerships with some of the industry’s leading companies.

Dave previously worked at West Elm where he led a business team that developed and launched a direct to consumer (DTC)-based website and platform to support small businesses and offices. In this role, Dave managed a co-developed product platform with Steelcase as well as numerous co-development and DTC distribution arrangements with select partners to support office customers in an omni-channel environment. Prior to West Elm, Dave worked at Herman Miller in product launch where he was responsible for the development and launch of numerous products, including an industry-leading mid-market seating platform and multiple ancillary programs. Dave also held various roles at Steelcase including product management, product development, supply chain – including building and executing the global supply chain strategy to support a large simultaneous seating product launch across multiple global manufacturing facilities – and marketing applications.

Dave earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Accountancy, with focuses in Marketing and Economics, from Calvin University. He also earned a Supply Chain Certificate from the Michigan State University Broad School of Management.

Dave serves as a board member and Treasurer for his church.

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Co-founder of the Syndeo companies

Kent has over 30 years of furniture industry experience. He is currently the President of Global Concepts Enterprise, which is an OEM supplier to many of the major furniture manufacturers. Kent and Drew founded Syndeo Solutions Group after he left a 20-year career with Herman Miller. Kent’s last position there was the Vice President of Global Supply Management. He provided leadership in the development and implementation of focused long-term strategies that provided Herman Miller and the other 9 Herman Miller Group Brands with the best possible global value streams to meet customers’ needs while mitigating risk.

Kent previously worked in the field of aerospace with Howmet Corporation and in the contract furniture arena with Nucraft Furniture. His roles included product engineering, engineering management, materials management, logistic leadership, and supply management.

Kent has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University and an MBA from Western Michigan University. He is a former board member of a community agency responsible for business development and a multi-national board focused on sustainable business practices. He is active in his community through volunteer activities with various groups and boards focused on improving the life of social and economically - disadvantaged individuals

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