The former vice chair for Amway and his son have acquired three furniture dealership locations in the region and are rebranding them.

Bill Payne and his son, Will Payne, said today they have purchased MarxModa dealerships in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Traverse City from seller Joe Marx.

The dealerships offer Herman Miller products, along with items from about 100 other office furniture manufacturers.

Marx will retain three MarxModa showrooms in Lansing, Detroit and Flint and continue expanding in southeast Michigan under the MarxModa brand, which he founded.

The Paynes’ new company will be rebranded as Trellis, effective in about 60 days, they said.

Trellis will be headquartered in Grand Rapids, in a renovated historic space at 37 Ottawa Ave. NW.

“We think of a trellis as an element of architectural style and design within a garden, but most importantly, it is a framework, a support system for growth and stability,” Bill Payne said.

He said Trellis will focus on “keeping the look, feel and access to the world-class contemporary, progressive design products and work environments that Herman Miller offers, supported by an incredible knowledge of the local region and impeccable service.”

“We see the direct connection between work environment and an organization’s work culture, style and managing budgets,” Bill Payne said. “Together, I believe we can make a huge impact in helping organizations raise the conversation about design in work environments.”

Bill Payne retired as vice chair of Amway a few months ago after 40 years with the company.