John Jerman, founder and president of Office Furniture Warehouse, has been selected to participate in the Goldman-Sachs' "10,000 Small Businesses" program.
The public-private partnership, co-chaired by Warren Buffet, Michael R. Bloomberg, Lloyd Blankfein and Dr. Michael Porter, seeks to help entrepreneurs create jobs and economic opportunity by providing access to education, capital and business support services. The program is based on the belief that, “Provided with the right mix of training and support, America's small business owners can grow their companies and create meaningful impact in their communities."
Mr. Jerman is among 136 men and women from 36 states (plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico) whose businesses generate a combined $345 million in revenue. Selection into the program was based on the review of Office Furniture Warehouse’ company history and performance. The company was runner up in the 2011 Chamber of Commerce Small Business Company of the Year and won the award in 2014. Furthermore, the company has grown significantly in recent years and both leadership and employees are involved in supporting several worthwhile causes with regard to environmental sustainability, cancer treatment, and community programs, said officials.
Mr. Jerman has completed orientation and will be traveling to Boston to attend Babson College in September for the first round of courses. The program is a mixture of online and in-person courses held at Babson, as well as three "Work Weeks" during which Mr. Jerman will collaborate with other small business owners to develop detailed, step-by-step growth plans for their respective enterprises.
Sixty percent of participants have experienced job creation in their organizations and 81.9 percent have increased revenues in the 30 months following graduation from the program, compared to respective national averages of 23 percent and 45 percent. While the program's impact boasts attractive revenue and job creation statistics, the focus on helping small business owners improve their communities is of key interest to Mr. Jerman and the team at Office Furniture Warehouse.
“This honor is for our entire organization," said Mr. Jerman. "The team we have assembled over the past six years is a unique group of competent, caring people. Without the team effort and amazing performance, I would not be the recipient of this opportunity. Office Furniture Warehouse is on the cusp of reaching a new plateau in employee engagement and economic growth. I’m thankful for the mentorship that I will be receiving in the months to come.”