Ideoli is racking up some serious air miles in search of the perfect international markets to manufacture its products in. We are in beautiful Thailand, gaining a better understanding of their booming manufacturing industry. Ideoli’s founders are constantly pushing the envelope of manufacturing excellence – assigning its various product offerings with the best international market needed to support it. We have spent some time here – working with several manufacturers and local contractors needed to support our growing furnishing business for national account restaurants. The size and expertise found in the furnishing space here gives us the peace of mind needed to establish our manufacturing footprint in Thailand. Bon is an expert in the furniture design and production arena here in Thailand – working closely with Ideoli’s founders to support their client’s custom furnishing needs. Bon says, “We have a long history of the craftsmanship. We have a good design and we like good quality. This is what we are trying to do. We try to offer the client with European quality product with competitive price. Not only in labor but we also invest a lot in high end equipment. We appreciate a good design, we try to learn and adapt. We also try to create our identify on design with our own products.” Ideoli’s is always looking for new markets – and being in Thailand is an example of its dedication to doing so.
As Ideoli continues to grow internationally, so does the Ideoli team. Our team spans from around the globe. Our team is full of different cultures, meet the team who makes Ideoli shine. From born and raised in Mexico, to Long Island, New York with parents who were born in Ireland. From Athens, Greece, to Bayamon, Puerto Rico. What a diverse team – but wait, there’s more! From Kavala, Greece, to Buenos Aires, Argentina. We are loving the international culture at Ideoli. Can’t wait to see where the team expands to next!
Welcome to another installment of Chris’ Tech Corner. Where Chris showcases a new product, feature or technology from the world of Ideoli. Take it away Chris! “Our new LED Cylinder is a phenomenal design we’ve been working on for months. We’ve been focused on every single detail possible down to the: 1) razor edge of the reflector; 2) different beam angles you can have and 3) all different options you can have with our standard package,” says Chris Hartswick, Ideoli CPO and Co-Founder. Leading-edge technology with the end user in mind – always. “We’ve developed a brand new technology called VAZI TECH™. It’s a dual mounting technology that allows you to change from a pendant mount to a surface mount in the field without any special tools required,” says Chris. And there you have it – something new about our products.
We recently visited India on business and fell in love with the local cuisine. With so many flavors and colors in Indian food, the tastes are unbelievable. From Biryani to Tandoori, and Samosas to Dosa, the list of offerings is large. Mouth watering is an understatement. Indian food, whether eaten in India or abroad is always a good choice.
We are beyond thrilled to announce our next chapter of INVIGORATE YOUR COMMUNITY – where Ideoli embeds itself in local communities to help make a difference. Our latest project takes us to Michoacan, Mexico. A part of the world surrounded by beauty and beautiful people. Ideoli is on site, working with local schools that lack the basic essentials needed to create an invigorated environment to learn in. We are helping to fix this, and we are documenting the journey along the way. Stay tuned as we invigorate this community.
In our everyday lives, we take for granted the ease of navigating through major cities using google maps. In China, we recently started using google maps where it was previously banned. And by doing so, we found out to stay the heck away from it. “These are the joys of being in a country with a different language. GPS is totally off. We go to many other countries and GPS will register where you are at but here in China specifically you put in a location and it’s completely different,” says George Stroumboulis, Ideoli CEO and Co-Founder. In between meetings in Shanghai, we had major issues of local addresses appearing in different locations throughout the city. Causing delays and frustration. “The GPS English doesn’t register to Chinese. Nobody one can help you. I’m about 12 minutes late for a meeting. Luckily the client is aware and understands. The joys of running around and being late,” says George Stroumboulis, Ideoli CEO and Co-Founder. The solution? Use Apple maps or Baidu maps instead. You will thank yourself for listening.
As the sun sets on a Sunday night, we get ready to board a red-eye flight from Los Angeles to New York…On a weekly basis. Today consists of bouncing around the city for several key client meetings. To maximize the day, we jam pack meetings into a perfectly orchestrated chaotic agenda. “I’m meeting Chris and then we have a series of back-to-back meetings in Manhattan. Then we have to head out just north of Manhattan to a condominium project we’re working on with our partners. Very exciting stuff happening,” says George Stroumboulis, Ideoli CEO and Co-Founder. From taxis, to subways to cars – whatever it takes to get from point A to B to Z. Best way to top the night off before heading back to the airport for a 6-hour flight home? A basketball game, of course. That is how we do our weekly 24-hour trips to New York to stay connected.
Ideoli positions itself with leaders in their fields – learning and absorbing any way we can. Fotini Iconomopoulos is one of these experts – when it comes to negotiations and communication in the corporate world, “My name is Fotini Iconomopoulos and I am a negotiations consultant who helps companies create value all over the world.” We spent some time with Fotini in our New York office and asked her to share her top pieces of advice for creating value with partners. First of all, start with why. Understand what’s motivating both parties – you as well as them. The next piece of advice, “Second, I would say listen. So, if they are telling you what’s motivating them, make sure you’re paying close attention to the other party.” Listening is key and we agree. What is the last piece of advice to creating value with partners? “Third, I would say get creative. If you want to create value, that requires creative thought.” We appreciate this insight, Fotini. Be prepared to be flexible. Do some brainstorming and come up with solutions instead οf trying to stay fixed in one mindset. Let’s start getting creative! Facebook-f Linkedin-in Tumblr Envelope
After the installation of our statement chandelier in the flagship store for American Girl in New York City, we expanded internationally with them – building several new locations throughout the Middle East. We are super excited about how our products look and enhance the clients space. Every store needs that “wow” factor that drives the consumers into their store. At the American Girl stores in the Middle East, our stunning chandeliers are THE focal point. It’s very promising to see what we’re doing over here and the reaction our clients have. Makes it all worth it. The next time you’re in the Middle East, swing by the American Girl store in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Bahrain to see how Ideoli can inspire creativity and light up your retail spaces.
When the boys get together, they talk about some really random shit. On a recent road trip, they talked about their love/hate relationship with their Fitbits. “What are your thoughts on the Fitbit?”, says George Stroumboulis, Ideoli CEO and Co-Founder. “I enjoy the Fitbit, of course I have my Fitbit on,” says Chris Hartswick, Ideoli CPO and Co-Founder. “How many steps have you walked today? I will destroy you,” says George. “I believe it says 2,200 steps,” says Chris. “I am at 3,200 steps,” says George. Get on the Fitbit wagon, grab a friend and start tracking your daily steps to keep you in check. “I like it. Chris bought me this as a present,” says George. “I did,” says Chris. “To keep us motivated,” says George. Tell them George and Chris sent you!
Ideoli is honored to announce winning an LIT Lighting Design Award for its LED diamond-style chandelier. The Light in Theory Design Awards are international honors organized by Farmani Group and bestowed upon the world’s best lighting product designers and lighting implementers. Ideoli won this award within the chandeliers category by creating a beautiful, custom lighting fixture that looks realistically like a large diamond. Ideoli created this chandelier for a national jewelry retailer for several of its flagship locations across the United States, to serve as the focal point for customers visiting the stores. “We’re thrilled and humbled to win this prestigious award,” says George Stroumboulis, CEO and Co-Founder of Ideoli. “We’re passionate with creating world-class products for our clients, and winning this global award helps reinforce that we’re on the right track in our short company history.” The fixture itself measures almost six feet in diameter, and it represents the exact cuts of a GIA diamond. Ideoli created this effect through a unique construction process using high quality materials from around the world, including an advanced, color-changing LED lighting system. “As a custom manufacturer, we pay close attention to every detail that goes into the design, construction and installation of our products so that we can deliver something that will wow our clients,” says Chris Hartswick, Chief Product Officer and Co-Founder at Ideoli. Thank you for the pat on the back, folks!
Our journey begins here is Los Angeles. We have a big trip ahead of us with multiple stops. The only thing normal in our business is absolutely nothing. We are on a quick 72-hour trip leaving Los Angeles, stopping in Europe and then off to the Middle East, with a jam-packed schedule along the way. Our typical cross-the-world trips include client meetings at their offices, on-site tours at their stores and hotels and, of course, some socializing along the way. It’s very promising seeing what we’re doing over here and the reaction our clients have. Makes it all worth it. Our 72-hour client trips are very important to support our great relationships and learn how we can continue to invigorate their spaces. At Ideoli, we strive to connect globally. And with the ability to be anywhere in the world in less than a day, we take advantage of that. Until next time, Ideoli will see you on the road at our next destination!