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!