Alan Ott’s legacy lives on through SPACE’s new brand

a red bridge over a shining lake

How Alan Ott became my mentor

Alan Ott was a lot of things to a lot of people. But for me, he was a trusted mentor and friend. 

Mr. Ott served as Chemical Bank’s fifth president, CEO, and chairman of its board—leading the organization to acquire 17 community banks across Michigan’s lower peninsula. He volunteered with many Midland organizations, forged strong relationships with business leaders and philanthropists, and aimed to make Midland “the best town in America.”

With his vast array of connections and his leadership, Alan truly guided our community. It’s amazing how he could build consensus between different groups. And everyone who really wanted to help the community stopped by his office to share ideas and requests.

In 2001, I asked Mr. Ott to help me better understand the financial side of running a small business. I vividly remember the first time I sat down with him—he glanced at my financial statements for about 45 seconds before asking me a handful of questions. I couldn’t answer a single one.

From that point, I met with Mr. Ott monthly for several years. He would point out critical numbers on my income statement or balance sheet, ask about my business strategies for improving them and, over time, gave me the ability to understand how I could interpret the numbers to create a more sustainable business—on purpose.

By the third year of receiving his mentorship, I was beginning to catch on. And in the fourth year, I could ask the questions myself.

That gift of learning how to lead my own business and understand financial literacy myself is something I couldn’t possibly repay him for.

For 20 years, we met often—and I benefited from his sage wisdom. He taught me due diligence and how to mitigate risk. He never once told me how to do something, but always asked me to share my perspective and solutions—an uncommon approach at the time. I am incredibly grateful for the huge time commitment he gave me and for the safe environment he created for me to learn in.

“When things are bad, there’s one thing you can always do: work harder.”

Alan Ott

Alan Ott’s legacy continues in SPACE’s new brand

After he retired Mr. Ott had a wonderful office in the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation that looked out at Curry Bridge. He wanted that bridge to be painted red, similar to the beautiful red bridges in Dow Gardens. And, true to form, Mr. Ott got that bridge painted a lovely red—and it made him very happy.

As SPACE began our rebranding process, we wanted our company to reflect our Midland community and the mid-century modern color palette so prevalent in the Alden B. Dow architecture Midland is famous for. 

We hoped to use an orange/red hue, so popular in mid-century modern design. With the help of graphic designer Kallee Hobohm, we decided to create our own color formula and christen it “Ott Red.”  

We couldn’t think of a better way to honor the memory of a wonderful man that embodied both our Midland heritage and a love of all things red.  

We hope you like it, Mr. Ott.

News release: SPACE takes on new challenges of workplace design

kathie fuce-hobohm smiles at table

SPACE, Inc.’s 26 years of designing work spaces that foster productivity, creativity and collaboration put the firm in a prime position to tackle the major challenges recent events have brought to the workplace. 

The focus will still be on designing for the future of work, but SPACE will now concentrate on three core areas to better serve clients: 

  • Design: Creating workplaces that reflect clients’ specific tastes, needs and budgets
  • Sustainability: Repurposing existing furniture to reduce waste while still reinventing spaces
  • Health and safety: Making sure workplaces keep staff safe

“Last year showed us that the future of work requires a variety of work settings—from offices, to homes, to coffee shops, and joint work spaces,” said Paddy Hobohm, SPACE president. “We help clients design smaller office spaces that foster collaboration, community, and efficiency for when employees are in the office. But we are also on the leading edge in supporting employers’ efforts to ensure staff well-being, which is a step beyond selecting furniture and design styles.” 

To reflect these changes, SPACE has revamped its brand and website.

“Our new branding is a bold statement that SPACE creates innovative workspaces for clients looking to stay ahead of the pack,” said Jenni Bush, senior vice president. “At the same time, the new branding elevates SPACE nationally to the front lines of interior workplace design.” The firm has offered full-space planning, layout, and execution for over 6,500 businesses in Michigan and government offices throughout the nation. 

In a transition that began three years ago, SPACE is also bringing on a second generation of leadership, as founder Kathie Fuce-Hobohm moves into an advisory role next year as the Chairman of the Board and her son Paddy Hobohm takes over. 

Hobohm came to the firm twelve years ago, starting in installation and working his way through scheduling and project management. In recent years he’s focused on the firm’s larger federal government projects. Hobohm earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. He also has an associate’s degree from Delta College and went to high school in Midland. 

Bush is senior vice president, overseeing the firm’s 24 employees while also doing human relations, sales, and events. She has worked for SPACE almost 9 years, starting by entering orders. Bush has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Grand Valley State University, and a master’s degree in administration and leadership from Central Michigan University. 

Fuce-Hobohm and her former business partner Lisa Hulbert launched SPACE in 1995, with just five people. In 2004, the firm won its first federal government contract, and just three months later garnered another to provide furniture for the Department of Health and Human Services. In 2007, SPACE was named among Michigan 50 Companies to Watch. 

Meanwhile, Fuce-Hobohm never shied away from assisting other businesses. 

 “Kathie’s contributions to Midland’s business community are immeasurable,” said Tony Stamas, president and CEO of the Midland Business Alliance. “She is always willing to share her experiences and provide guidance and mentorship. Her willingness to help is seen both in our community and around the State of Michigan. At the same time she is guiding a great business, Kathie’s commitment to helping others is truly inspiring.” 

Fuce-Hobohm is gearing up for her last year at SPACE. 

“At SPACE, we design for the future of work,” Fuce-Hobohm said. “I predict that the work-from-anywhere movement will continue with full steam, so our company is actively adapting to interior design trends to suit employees’ needs wherever they work. 

“However, we know the pendulum may swing back, with people eager to work collectively again after so much time in isolation. Whatever trends the future brings, we’re ready,” Fuce-Hobohm said. 

A Q&A with SPACE Gen 2 leadership

young man sits at desk and smiles

As we celebrate our 26th anniversary and the launch of SPACE’s new brand, we’re excited to continue designing for the future of work. But what’s next for SPACE? Join us for a Q&A with SPACE Gen 2 leadership: Paddy Hobohm, president, and Jenni Bush, senior vice president.

How did the Gen 2 leadership get started at SPACE?

Paddy:

As Kathie’s son, I grew up in the business. But it was a requirement that I spend some time learning outside of SPACE. 

I attended high school in Midland, got my associate’s degree locally at Delta College, then spent a few years in Colorado. There, I earned my bachelor’s degree and worked at a property management company.

When I moved back to Michigan, I started at the bottom in installation. I worked my way through scheduling and project management—focusing on our larger federal government projects these past few years. Last year, I was named president.

While 2021 is a transition year for SPACE, I’ve learned and grown alongside Kathie for the past 12 years. As a small business leader, it’s important for me to have a strong grasp on all areas of the business.

Jenni:

I’m a Michigan native, as well. I attended Grand Valley State University for undergrad before earning my master’s degree at Central Michigan University in administration and leadership. My career began in higher education for Cornerstone University. 

At that point, I had literally never thought about working in commercial interiors. What I loved—and still do—is coaching, managing, and leading people. 

I got my start with SPACE in order entry. Later, I transitioned into sales and project management for our home organization services and, later, the commercial side of our business. Thanks to Kathie’s incredible encouragement and support, I grew into my current role where I oversee our team of 24 people. I also manage human relations, sales, and events. 

What does the new brand mean to SPACE as you continue growing?

Paddy:

I often find that external shareholders think SPACE is a lot bigger than we are. That’s pretty cool, especially when we’re competing against companies ten times our size when bidding for federal government jobs. This new brand will take us to the next level. We want to compete nationally and stay on the front lines of interior workplace design trends.

The modern look, paired with the growing ability to work remotely, will be an important asset in attracting top talent across the country. In our industry, whoever gets the best designers, wins.

What trends do you foresee when designing for the future of work?

Jenni:

If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that the future of work isn’t going to be just one thing. We’re going to continue to see a variety of work settings—from offices, to homes, to coffee shops, and joint work spaces. 

We’re embracing the positives of remote work by allowing our staff more flexibility and recruiting across a wider talent pool. 

But we’re also seeing these trends emerging for our clients. We’re helping them design smaller office spaces that build community, collaboration, and loyalty for when staff are in the office. Beyond selecting furniture and design styles, we hope to be a trend-leader in supporting employers’ efforts to focus on staff’s wellbeing.

What message does the Gen 2 leadership have for staff and clients as you look to the future of SPACE?

Paddy:

I want everyone to know that we stand by our mission to make work life better for everyone we impact. And I plan to continue emphasizing our strong work culture, so we can continue being named one of the Best and Brightest places to work!

Jenni:

We’re a nimble, high-performing team, and this is what’s going to sustain us as a business over the next decade. At SPACE, we want to be able to celebrate our successes among our team and with our community. Being laser-focused on performance and experience will ensure that we are sustainable and viable now and going forward.

Celebrating SPACE’s 26th anniversary

young man and his mother hug while celebrating SPACE's 26th anniversary

As we celebrate SPACE’s 26th anniversary, we’re proud to reveal our new brand and website. Founder, Kathie Fuce-Hobohm, reflects on the business and prepares to pass the baton to her second generation of leadership.

Five people and a dream: SPACE’S beginnings

When my previous business partner, Lisa Hulbert, and I launched SPACE, we were just five people, three computers, and a big dream. 

In 1994, Lisa and I worked together at an office furniture dealership in Midland, Michigan. At that point, an ownership transition resulted in the new owner closing the business to concentrate on the Detroit market. When he called me asking me to tell the staff of the news, I became what I call an “accidental entrepreneur.” 

Lisa and I purchased the company’s assets and, 90 days later, opened SPACE. With the help of a man named John Bartos, we found our building, moved in, and continued delivering to the previous company’s existing clients.

woman shows off messy desk, a flashback while celebrating SPACE's 26th anniversary

Building a real business: SPACE’s early years

My background is in education—high school English—and coaching cheerleading. I had taught for a few years before I was laid off. That turned out to be one of the pivotal moments of my life. 

I was hired by Battle Creek Office Interiors, working as a sales rep for Jack Meyers—an outstanding mentor. After only one year, my husband got transferred to Midland, I consider that divine intervention, as it brought me a step closer to what became SPACE. 

I had quickly learned I loved the industry; it was my true calling. So with a few thousand dollars we had saved in bonds for our children’s college education and part of Lisa’s inheritance, we built SPACE into a “real business.”

At that point, we didn’t know what we didn’t know, but we had to start somewhere. I reached out to the Chairman Emeritus of Chemical Bank, Alan Ott, who helped me create a formal business plan.  

In 2004, we were awarded our first GSA contract. Three months later, we received a fax asking if we wanted to bid on providing furniture for the Department of Health and Human Services. We checked “yes,” and were the only one in the U.S. who sold the right products and checked yes!

In 2007, we won the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch, and the prize included a three-day business retreat. Spending time with the Edward Lowe Foundation as a result is where we began to learn how to truly run a business, understand the financial acumen, and turn this endeavor into a sustainable living.

newspaper article about SPACE saying yes to the federal government

Passing the baton: SPACE’s future

As of February 1, 2021, I have officially entered my final year as Dealer Principal of SPACE. I’ll spend this year passing the baton to our Gen 2 leaders as I prepare for a new advisory role as Chairman of the Board on February 2, 2022.

Three years ago, we began a purposeful program to transition the strategic planning, financial strategy, and leadership to this next group of leaders. And I’ve been so proud as I’ve watched them find their voices and step into leadership positions. I’m thrilled that my son, Paddy Hobohm, is taking over the business as president, and that SPACE will become a second generation small business.

At SPACE, we design for the future of work. My prediction is that the work from anywhere movement will continue with full steam. Our company is actively adapting to interior design trends to suit employees’ needs wherever they work. However, the pendulum may swing backward—with people eager to work collectively again after so much time in isolation.

Our team serves clients’ needs regardless how they choose to work.

  • young man and his mother hug while celebrating SPACE's 26th anniversary

Supporting women-owned businesses: Kathie’s retirement plans

I’ve always been passionate about helping women-owned small businesses grow and thrive. Did you know that only three percent of women-owned small businesses achieve revenue over $1 million annually? In retirement, I plan to continue mentoring young women through the Midland Women’s Executive Round Table and Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP). 

I can’t leave without thanking the many clients, team members, and mentors who have been so kind and generous throughout my career. 

As they say, the worst day I’ve ever had owning my own business was better than my best day working for someone else. I’m confident I’m leaving this place in great hands. But for now, I’m eager for one more year at SPACE. Join us in celebrating SPACE’s 26th anniversary!