ABOUT SYMBIOTE
History of Symbiote
---An Inauspicious Beginning
---An Agreement
---The Lab
---Evolution of the Workplace

History of Symbiote

Part 1:
An Inauspicious Beginning

Like many a new enterprise, Symbiote was born out of adversity. Symbiote got its start because its founder, Travis Randolph, choose to judge negative developments as opportunities rather than tragedies.

1984
Travis was working for Herman Miller at the time. He was one of the key players in the development of the Action Factory product line. But all was not rosy at Herman Miller (they seldom are in the volatile office furniture industry). The Action Factory line was serving a small niche in the industry... too small for Herman Miller. Travis had a wealth of ideas on how to add products and accessories to the product line, making it more versatile and potentially more marketable. But he met with resistance from top management, who chose to put more emphasis on the lucrative office markets.

Meeting frustration at Herman Miller, Travis decided to pursue his ideas independently. He negotiated a collaborative effort with Herman Miller and started Symbiote to develop additional products and accessories that would enhance the Action Factory product line.

Travis teamed up with Jim Hamm, a local entrepreneur, and brought his wife, Sandra, into the enterprise. They set up shop in Travis's studio in Saugatuck, a rambling garage-like workspace they called "The Works." From the beginning, Symbiote designed and manufactured custom products for Action Factory... products that Herman Miller had little interest in developing. Travis and Jim added new frame sizes, more components, lighting, more work surfaces, and a wide selection of ergonomic components. Sandra kept them sane and honest with practical advice and her financial acumen.

1985
It didn't take long for their fledgling business to get off the ground. Symbiote moved out of "The Works" and into a much larger industrial space in Holland, Michigan.

Continues on next page
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(Top two) Early examples of the Herman Miller Action Factory line. From the beginning Action Factory was used in light manufacturing and high tech applications.

(Third Down)"The Works" is where Travis Randolph, Jim Hamm and Sandra Randolph started Symbiote in 1984. Like many high tech industries that started in the 80's and 90's, this one also started in a "garage."

(Bottom)The Holland location where Symbiote made it's home for several years.