DeskMakers Acquires Operating Assets of Peter Pepper Products 

DeskMakers, a leading manufacturer of office furniture, has acquired the operating assets of Peter Pepper Products, which will continue to operate as a standalone division, retaining its name, customer service team, and sales representatives. 

Phil Polishook, CEO of DeskMakers. Photos courtesy of DeskMakers

Peter Pepper Products, in operation for more than seven decades, has evolved from a residential goods provider to a company offering waste and recycling receptacles, display cases, and literature racks—products in categories often overlooked by other companies. For the leadership at DeskMakers, the range is unique, and complements their own line. We felt that we had a great opportunity to acquire a longstanding brand that everybody knows,” said Phil Polishook, CEO of Deskmakers. 

 Discussions were put on hold in the midst of the pandemic and the challenging business landscape. While practically every sector felt ripple effects, DeskMakers’ open-plan benching and table business was the most impacted, as people sought more soft lounge seating options for communal areas. Even with the uncertainty of the past few years, Polishook believed the synergy between the two manufacturers was ideal, and that it was only a matter of time before an agreement was reached. We are very dealer focused, and Peter Pepper Products has a similar approach. They see the big picture there, and that made sense as we were thinking about the acquisition.” 

Location was another factor taken into consideration when talks finally resumed, and with both firms headquartered in California, integration has been easier overall. Polishook noted that while some manufacturers have pulled back on producing more goods, he expects that the unique Peter Pepper items will only enhance the collective offering. I love the accessories category, and their product mix is just fun,” he explained. They are easier to ship and assemble, and so from a product standpoint, we are able to manufacture or distribute almost all of it.” 

DeskMakers is a leading manufacturer of tables, like the Avalon series, with a variety of storage configurations.

Shifts in the market have necessitated a review of which furniture and accessories will be utilized in the post-COVID workplace, and Polishook has identified renewed areas of interest. As workers return to the office at least part-time, enclosed spaces call for a variety of work surfaces that are just as important as the seating options that have proliferated. We are definitely seeing less and less open-plan business, and more table business,” he said. We have had a surprising number of private office jobs, and that will remain strong for us.” 

With a variety of dimensions and materials available, the Ribbon casegoods collection from DeskMakers is suitable for corporate environments.

While many companies are refreshing their interiors, there will also be an emphasis on creating new items that can add style without the bulk—or expense—of larger pieces. There is time now to update compact coat hooks, planters, and clocks,  as well as other objects that are often forgotten because they are viewed as utilitarian basics. Peter Pepper Products is really good at things like trash receptacles and coat hooks; those items that are more on the quirky side of the office furnishings spectrum. We are excited to be able to develop new products and market what they already have,” Polishook noted. 

Even in an increasingly digital world, Polishook explained that there is an untapped potential in terms of what can be done with racks and display elements, especially in the segments where printed materials are still used to inform consumers. In healthcare applications, there are still a lot of brochures, and that’s not going away,” he said. Even though they can be pedestrian, I believe there is some room for innovation in styling.” 

The Timo round receptacle from Peter Pepper products can be used indoors or out.

 As corporate leaders and media outlets post their predictions and trends for the new year, Polishook is looking even further ahead of the curve to be able to produce a steady stream of in-demand furnishings and accessories for today’s office settings. I am really excited about the end of 2024 and 2025, because I think the back-to-the-office momentum will continue, with people at smaller regional offices. There is going to be a demand to redevelop those spaces and buildings.” 

Yet, in an industry where change is constant, the Peter Pepper Products heritage is a source of pride, and its essence will remain intact. ”I think it is important to keep the brand separate, not just another product line within DeskMakers,” Polishook added. Peter Pepper Products is beloved in our industry, and we will continue to honor that as we move forward.”