D. J. De Pree - Herman Miller Millwright Story

Beginning fall 2006, BarryBlog was once vibrant and daily, but now rather sleepy and sporadic. But if you look through the archives or Google Search Herman Miller and BarryBlog, chances are you'll find the many times I've spoken of the great company Herman Miller. I've gained a deep appreciation since I first experienced the performance and aesthetic of their wares at a small design firm in East Lansing Michigan, right out of college. The owner of that shop bought only Herman Miller, and I have been hooked since. Then while working as a senior art director in a small Grand Rapids marketing communications consultancy, I had further opportunities to learn about the company. While in Grand Rapids, I spent hours at their refurbished product store which at the time was called REMARK. I so miss that great store.

In the must read "The Design of Herman MIller", by my hands down favorite writer, Ralph Caplan, I learned how D. J. De Pree founded the company based on his Biblical worldview. As I read that, it was easy to compare with the current company who employs me, Tyndale House Publishers. Like D. J., Ken Taylor built a company with people as a priority. Like D. J., Ken realized how important people are to the overall day to day success of the business.

So tonight while I was further researching Herman Miller, I came across this wonderful example of how D. J. approached business, and more specifically, the people who worked for him.

Someday I would love to help grow Herman Miller using my God given skills. Like Tyndale, they are one of the few great companies left.

See for yourself, in D. J. De Pree's own words.