Herman Miller Monday named Sarah Butler, Design Specialist, Workplace Resource Group (WRG), the winner of the inaugural Herman Miller Dealer Designer of the Year Award. The Herman Miller Dealer Designer of the Year Award, which the company plans to make an annual honor, celebrates individuals who exemplify interior design excellence. Nominated by a colleague or peer, the award recognizes superior talent, performance, and the critical role design plays in the success of a dealership.
Recognition of outstanding dealer performance is typically correlated to sales volume with acclaim and accolades directed to top performing salespeople within the organization. And while it is acknowledged that sales is the leading indicator of financial success at a dealership, an often-overlooked contributor to the selling process is the dealer designer.
“The relationship Herman Miller holds with its dealer designers is special and unique in that it fosters our foundational tenant of design,” said Lori Anthony, Design Readiness Manager, Herman Miller. “Receiving the 2017 Dealer Designer of the Year award, underscores that Herman Miller not only values our dealer designers but also respects their significant contribution and dedication. Although we had unbelievably qualified designers nominated for this award, Sarah stood out as someone worthy of Designer of the Year. Her excellent skills as a designer, coupled with her positive attitude embodies the spirit of this award and we can’t think of anyone more deserving.”
With more than 18 years at her dealership, colleagues describe Butler as the ultimate professional. She is always well prepared and knows product application and Living Office planning concepts at such a high level that it contributes largely to her dealership winning and executing projects time and time again. Her strengths lie in strategizing and working on bids as well as large, complex projects and she is her sales team’s top choice to take to client presentations. Nominated by her Design Manager and Marketing/Sales Coordinator, Butler is an experienced mentor, patient coach, and excellent designer.
“I am so honored! There are so many great designers around the country. When I reviewed my nomination later, I was very touched by the comments from my co-workers,” said Butler. “WRG has been a great place to work; I have had so many wonderful opportunities over the years. Winning the Herman Miller Dealer Designer of the Year is definitely the highlight of my career.”