New Industry Collective Launches to Empower Small Business Furniture Manufacturers
May 27, 2025 – A bold new force has emerged in the contract interiors industry: The Collaborative Network, a peer-driven community and incubator created to uplift and accelerate small business furniture manufacturers in the contract interiors industry…
Founded by four longtime friends and respected industry veterans—Michelle Warren, Sid Meadows, Julie Dillon, and Erin Torres—The Collaborative Network offers exclusive programs designed to close the visibility and support gap faced by entrepreneurial manufacturers across the industry.
“For years, we’ve watched small business manufacturers quietly build exceptional brands: innovative, service-first, resilient,” says Co-Founder Michelle Warren. “But they’ve been doing it without the resources and networks that the major players have. We built The Collaborative to change that.”
Small Business, Big Impact
With an estimated 3,000 small business manufacturers operating in the interiors market, The Collaborative Network seeks to provide a much-needed platform for connection, strategy, and shared success. These companies, though often overshadowed by larger competitors, are the backbone of the industry—nimble, creative, and driven by a deep commitment to their customers.
“The big players have bigger budgets, playbooks, strategic partners and research firms,” adds Co-Founder Sid Meadows. “Small manufacturers? Nothing. We saw that gap and decided to fill it.”
Partner Julie Dillon, a seasoned sales strategist, underscores the importance of equipping small brands with the tools to build smart, scalable sales networks:
“One of the biggest mistakes small manufacturers make is underestimating the power of a strong rep network. It’s not just about finding reps, it’s about finding the right ones and giving them the strategy and support to succeed. The Collaborative helps companies do exactly that.”
What The Collaborative Offers
The Collaborative Network currently offers three flagship programs:
- CEO Peer Group – A structured mastermind for business owners to exchange insight, troubleshoot challenges, and accelerate growth.
- Emerging Business Incubator – A strategic mentorship program helping new and early-stage manufacturers scale with confidence.
- VP of Sales Peer Group – A supportive network for sales leaders to share best practices, solve problems, and fuel business development.
More programs are in the works, including peer groups for Marketing Directors and consulting services tailored to small business needs.
Built By the Industry, For the Industry
The Collaborative Network isn’t just a resource—it’s a movement. Born from decades of combined industry experience and launched by leaders who’ve lived the small business journey, it shines a spotlight on the brands that have long delivered excellence behind the scenes.
“This is about changing the narrative,” says partner Erin Torres. “Small brands aren’t just ‘up-and-comers’—they’re powerhouses in the making. We’re here to help them grow, be seen, and take their rightful place at the table.”
Join the Movement
The Collaborative Network invites small business furniture manufacturers, industry advocates, and supporters to join the community. Whether you’re looking for mentorship, connection, or a trusted place to collaborate, The Collaborative is ready to welcome you.
Come meet us in person at NeoCon! Visit The Collaborative Network in the INDEAL showroom, suite 1086, and learn how we’re building a movement for small business manufacturers.
Saturday & Sunday – 2 PM to 4 PM. Monday & Tuesday – Come meet with us and relax after a long day at the INDEAL Happy Hour 3 PM to 5 PM
To learn more, visit www.thecollaborative.network or contact sid@thecollaborative.network.
About The Collaborative Network
The Collaborative Network is a peer group and incubator platform exclusively for small business furniture manufacturers. Founded in 2025 by four industry leaders with over a century of combined experience, The Collaborative offers strategic support, connection, and programming to help small brands grow into powerhouse companies.