EP 125: BUILDING A MERCHANDISING POWERHOUSE WITH ZENGENIUS

Ready to Zen? Let's go!

ZenGenius specializes in providing Visual Merchandising, Creative Direction, and Special Events support to retail brands, businesses, and organizations of all types. Going on 25 years, ZenGenius has been a proud part of the creative and retail design communities across the globe.

Michelle and the team kick things off by talking about the beginning of ZenGenius and how it evolved into the powerhouse it is today. The ZenGenius team also shares stories from their projects, including a weed store, and how they approach working with each of their clients. Discussion topics also include leaving the corporate world, prop and inventory management, event and convention planning, and more.

MEET THE TEAM:

Joe Baer is the Co-Founder, CEO, and Creative Director of ZenGenius, Inc., a creative design firm based in Columbus, Ohio, founded in 1999 with Paul Cook. Joe is on the Editorial Advisory board for VMSD, has been a regular judge for the International Visual Merchandising Competition, and created and hosts
the popular Iron Merchant Challenge held annually at the IRDC Conference. Joe now sits on the Advisory Board for the Masters of Retail Studies at Columbus College of Art Design and is on the Board of PAVE Global.

Dedicating much of his career to leading engaging workshops, visual merchandising training programs, and interactive visual challenges, Joe Baer celebrates the art of visual merchandising and inspiring event design in all he takes on. Joe brings along a talented team of creatives that are ready to problem solve and bring "the calm to the chaos," a motto at ZenGenius.

Paul Cook / Co-Founder + Senior Visual Merchandiser
LuAnne Baer / Director of Finance + Operations
Meg Lefeld / Director of Business Development + Senior Project Manager
Stephanie Bair-Garant / Director of Visual Merchandising + Talent
Emily Shirey / Director of Visual Merchandising + Events
Jill Shindler / Event Design Manager
Jalpa Patel / Interior Architect
Jen Dragonetti / Visual Project Manager, NYC

What’s Inside:

• How ZenGenius began and grew into the powerhouse it is today
• How ZenGenius works with their diverse client base
• Insights into prop management and event planning

This episode is sponsored by Patrick & Company, a wholesale sales agency proudly representing nationally and internationally branded companies. Located in the Dallas Market Center, for over 30 years they have been the go-to source for retailers helping to discover those unique, sought-after, and stylish brands. 

Mentioned In This Episode:
ZenGenius Website
ZenGenius on Instagram
ZenGenius on LinkedIn
ZenGenius on Facebook
ZenGenius on TikTok