Businessman Don Griesdorn, who for three decades as chairman ran bkm Total Office in East Hartford, has sold his distributorship to an affiliate of office-furniture-equipment giant Steelcase Inc. as Griesdorn readies to retire.
Bkm, one of Steelcase’s biggest authorized distributors, is being absorbed into Steelecase’s Office Environments of New England LLC (OENE) division in Boston. Both businesses will continue operating under their respective corporate banners, officials said Wednesday.
Financial terms were not disclosed.
Effective immediately, Larry Levine joins bkm as president; he has more than 25 years of contract furniture experience. Former bkm President Dan Sabia is now an executive business consultant.
Robert Kelly will continue to run OENE as president. Orlando Corsi, who is both operating chief and finance chief, will expand his role to both enterprises, authorities said.
Bkm began business in 1933. Griesdorn bought it in 1977.
“I’ve had a long-standing vision of creating a stronger presence in the New England marketplace,” Griesdorn said in a statement Wednesday. “I’m excited to see that vision come to life as these two great organizations come together.will provide customers with expanded audiovisual, architectural systems, floor covering and technology solutions, as well as the most comprehensive offering of contract furniture and services available in New England.
OENE serves corporate and institutional office customers.
