Podcast
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April 4, 2024

Revolutionizing Office Sustainability through Circular Economy with Reseat CEO Brandi Susewitz

Michel Gagnon
Michel Gagnon
CEO of Stun&Awe

In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Brandi Susewitz, the founder and CEO of Reseat, a groundbreaking marketplace that aims to solve the pressing issue of office furniture waste.

Brandi's journey from industry expert to tech entrepreneur is a testament to her passion for sustainability and her commitment to driving positive change.

After being laid off during the pandemic, Brandi recognized two key problems plaguing the office furniture industry: the lack of a plan for existing furniture when companies move or renovate, and the staggering statistic that 98% of all contract furniture ends up in landfills, with less than 2% being properly recycled or given a second life.

This realization sparked the idea for Reseat, a platform that connects companies with excess furniture to those in need, fostering a circular economy and reducing waste. As Brandi eloquently stated, "I really believe with all of my heart and soul that reuse is the future. It's the only way to really save this planet."

Building Reseat from the ground up was no easy feat, but Brandi's determination and industry expertise paved the way. By leveraging technology and forging strategic partnerships, Reseat has become a driving force in the circular economy, enabling companies to track their carbon emissions and make informed decisions about their furniture assets.

Brandi's journey from industry expert to tech entrepreneur is a testament to her resilience and unwavering commitment to sustainability. As she navigates the challenges of scaling Reseat, her vision for the future is clear: a world where every piece of furniture has a unique identifier, enabling companies to track their assets and make informed decisions about their environmental impact.

In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of Reseat's business model, the role of technology and partnerships in enabling a circular economy, and Brandi's insights on the future of sustainable office furniture solutions.

Podcast Transcript

Key Takeaways:

  • Addressing Office Furniture Waste: Reseat tackles the critical issue of office furniture waste, providing a platform for companies to repurpose excess furniture and reduce their environmental impact.
  • Enabling a Circular Economy: By connecting buyers and sellers, Reseat fosters a circular economy, giving furniture a second life and reducing the strain on landfills.
  • The Power of Technology: Leveraging technology and partnerships, Reseat enables companies to track their carbon emissions and make informed decisions about their furniture assets.
  • Brandi's Entrepreneurial Journey: From industry expert to tech entrepreneur, Brandi's story is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and a commitment to driving positive change.
  • Envisioning a Sustainable Future: Brandi's dream of a world where every piece of furniture has a unique identifier highlights the potential for technology to revolutionize sustainable practices.

"I had noticed really early on in my career that companies that I was working with to sell them new office furniture for their new building didn't have a plan for what they were already sitting in.”

Here's what we unpacked in our conversation:

01:32 Starting Reseat After Being Laid Off During the Pandemic to Solve Key Problems

02:57 The Two Key Problems with Office Furniture Waste that Even Big Tech Faces

04:52 Building Reseat: From Idea to Impactful Marketplace

07:38 Exploring the Business Model and Market Dynamics

11:54 The Role of Technology and Partnerships in Circular Economy

16:48 Brandi's Logistics Strategy or the Best Way to Sell Used Office Funiture

22:27 How Much Can You Make Selling Used Furniture on Reseat

25:39 Brandi's Journey: From Industry Expert to Tech Entrepreneur

27:21 How Brandi Found Her First Team Members

30:30 Facing Challenges and Envisioning the Future of Reseat

42:56 Closing Thoughts and Looking Ahead

Tune in to this insightful episode to learn more about Reseat's innovative approach to solving office furniture waste and Brandi's vision for a more sustainable future.

Podcast Transcript

Full Transcript ->

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