Empowering Communities Through Action
Emmons Business Interiors (EBi) / Complete Office, a full-service office furniture dealer operating in Wisconsin, Southern California, and the Pacific Northwest, is not just about furnishing spaces—they are about transforming them. That mission also extends to improving the communities they serve by giving back through both financial support and active engagement.
For many years, EBi has been deeply involved in sponsoring various charitable events, attending benefit galas, and contributing to fundraisers, consistently making significant donations to support these causes. However, the management team recognized an opportunity to expand their impact even further. Kevin Dillon, Sales Manager at EBi, shares the company's journey towards including more hands-on involvement to make a tangible difference in their communities.
"We wanted to do more than just write a check and then show up wearing a nice suit and tie to present it," explains Dillon. “Recognizing how fortunate we all are at EBi, my goal was to get the team more actively engaged with the community. It’s been great to see how the employees here have enthusiastically embraced this by volunteering for different charitable initiatives."
EBi's community involvement has taken various forms, including actively supporting the Hunger Task Force in Milwaukee, where they volunteer their time at the organization's farm in Franklin, just south of the city. By harvesting crops and planting new ones depending on the season, EBi's team members directly impact the lives of those in need by providing them access to fresh produce. Team members have also devoted their time to volunteering at a local Habitat ReStore, helping with various tasks from organizing and moving inventory to assisting customers, contributing to the organization's mission of providing affordable homeownership opportunities to local families. They also engage in environmental stewardship through the Adopt-A-Highway program, helping to keep their communities free from litter.
EBi encourages team members to take ownership of their charitable initiatives, empowering them to identify causes that resonate with them personally and then make recommendations to the broader team. In addition, employees are given paid time off to volunteer at events during the workday. By fostering a culture of giving, EBi has cultivated a sense of purpose and fulfillment among its employees while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
EBi's philanthropy also extends beyond providing volunteer opportunities and monetary donations, encompassing other initiatives that positively impact communities. Whenever EBi refreshes its showrooms, the resulting surplus furniture gets donated to local school districts, such as Milwaukee Public Schools and those in Madison. This not only helps the schools by providing them with much-needed furnishings at no cost but also reduces landfill waste by repurposing furniture that is still in great condition. In addition, EBi opens their showroom spaces for use by local community groups for meetings and events, providing a valuable resource for nonprofits and startup ventures and contributing to their growth.
While the donated funds, furnishings, and space have undoubtedly been valuable to the recipients, it's the active engagement with the community that has left a profound impact on the EBi team. As Dillon aptly summarizes, "The biggest thing we can all donate is our time. And, by giving back in that way, we’re the ones who gain—by receiving an immense sense of fulfillment." Through this consistent commitment to service, EBi continues to inspire positive change, one act of kindness at a time.
