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Furniture dealership finds a fit with ergonomics

Jeff Meltzer matches bodies with furniture.

The Skokie business owner started doing this more than 25 years ago, before ergonomics was really talked about. Meltzer is the founder and president of Applied Ergonomics, a full service contract furniture dealership and ergonomic consultancy.

Meltzer mixes in ergonomics when designing every office. Height adjustable tables, monitor arms, specialized desks that minimized reaching are some categories he addresses when designing offices. "I excel in office furniture but bring ergonomics into everything," said Meltzer, 60.

In addition to doing consulting at offices, he also works with people in chronic pain. "I can design a space that will relieve the pain," said Meltzer, adding that the client is often also receiving therapy or other support.

While the right chairs, desks and tables are important in an office, Meltzer stresses the need to stand up throughout the work day. "You need micro breaks. You have to let your body fluids flow and your organs readjust," he said.

While the majority of Meltzer's business is general office furniture, ergonomics plays an important role. "It's gratifying to take someone out of pain," he said.

Starting the business in his home, he now has six employees and has watched the industry change. "The biggest change is that the world has caught onto the fact that ergonomics in the office is important," he said.

Meltzer, who studied business at the University of Michigan, works with an array of clients, specializing in car dealerships, medical clinics and law firms. "We very custom oriented. Every job we do looks different," Meltzer said.

A new look

Pancor Construction and Development in Elgin completed a renovation of the exterior of the Wyndham - O'Hare Hotel located at 1450 East Touhy Ave in Des Plaines. The new modernized exterior, including stone veneer, is hardly recognizable as the hotel it was a few months back. A fully renovated lobby, bar, breakfast area all add to the updated look of the interior. Additional meeting rooms for local businesses and future guests will be transformed. Guestroom renovations are still in progress and should be completed before years end.

Loan secured for CVS Caremark HQ

Aries/Conlon Capital has arranged a $31.5 million five-year, floating rate loan on behalf of Accesso Partners LLC to refinance Riverwalk Phase II located at 2100 E. Lake-Cook Road in Buffalo Grove.

The Class A 258,995 square foot office building serves as the corporate headquarters for majority tenant CVS Caremark.

Paul Gaines, Accesso partner's managing director of debt capital, selected Aries/Conlon Capital.

"I've known and worked with Aries and Neil Freeman for many years," he said.

"I knew the team would not only close the loan within the time constraints, but would also secure the most advantageous terms available," Gaines said.

New owner

Sergio Cardoso has become sole owner of RE/MAX Countryside in Hoffman Estates, purchasing the ownership interest of his former partner Enrique Aguilar.

"Sergio has demonstrated his managerial skills ever since he and Enrique acquired RE/MAX Countryside five years ago, and I know he has some excellent ideas he plans to implement in the coming months to help the office reach a new level of success," said Jack Kreider, executive vice president and regional director of the RE/MAX Northern Illinois network.

Cardoso, 48, has been in real estate professional since 1999 and joined RE/MAX in 2001. He is a resident of Crystal Lake.

How sweet

Nestlé Toll House Café by Chip, an international bakery cafe chain that often operates in malls, started serving a wide assortment of freshly baked confections at its newest location at the Shell gas station and convenience store at 1605 S. River Road in Des Plaines.

The cafe offers freshly baked cookies, specialty baked treats and customized cookie cakes, as well as an array of savory items, including flatbreads, paninis and wraps.

Ziad S. Dalal, president of Crest Foods Inc., is the franchiser of Nestlé Toll House Café by Chip.

This is the brand's 5th location in Illinois and among more than 160 cafes systemwide.

Des Plaines craft soda company pouring it on with an iconic brand

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Synergy Flavors expanding its Wauconda HQ

Pancor Construction and Development in Elgin completed a renovation of the exterior of the Wyndham - O'Hare Hotel in Des Plaines.
Aries/Conlon Capital arranged a $31.5 million five-year, floating rate loan on behalf of Accesso Partners LLC to refinance Riverwalk Phase II.
Nestlé Toll House Café by Chip started serving an assortment of freshly baked confections at its newest location at the Shell gas station and convenience store in Des Plaines.
Jeff Meltzer, founder of Applied Ergonomics in Skokie, talks to clients about office furniture. Courtesy of Applied Ergonomics
<a href="https://www.appliedergonomics.com/">Applied Ergonomics</a>, a full service contract furniture dealership and ergonomic consulting firm. Courtesy of Applied Ergonomics
Jeff Meltzer
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