From Bernie Donaldson
As we continue our Founders’ Insights series, it’s not just about where we’ve been, it’s about the people helping shape where we’re going.
Some relationships in this industry go beyond business. Matt Ruder and I have known each other for over 20 years. We worked in the industry together as sales reps and built a great friendship along the way.
So, when the opportunity came to bring Matt into Office Revolution, it felt like a natural next step.
Today, I’m proud to introduce owner and principal, Matt Ruder.
Built to Go Get It
From Matt Ruder
Entrepreneurial spirit was something ingrained in me early on. The core of this spirit stemmed from my father and grandfather, who both owned multiple businesses. They passed down a simple message: If you want something, go get it.
After graduating college, my dad pushed me to go out and do it on my own. That is what led me to start Ruder Group, a premier commercial interiors rep firm.
I led the group for over two decades and by the time the pandemic hit, I felt I had a true knowledge of the ins and outs of the business, but also realized I had done what I set out to do. I had a strong team in place, and I was confident they could run the business, so they took on ownership of Ruder Group and I went on to pursue other endeavors.
Stepping Outside the Industry
I have always believed there is value in doing different things and learning from different types of businesses.
One example is my bar, The Pearl Club. It started as a real estate play. We bought the building and looked at how to round things out, but it turned into something more. It gave me exposure to a completely different industry.
I also helped my brother grow his business, Spikeball, as an early investor. What started as a business run from his basement grew into an opportunity to go on Shark Tank, which helped grow it tremendously. It has been fun to be part of and to watch it scale over time.
One thing I’ve realized being involved in so many different businesses is how unique each sector and market really are. Their P&Ls are different. What drives them is different. But at the same time, the core values and lessons carry over. Being an entrepreneur doesn’t get easier over time, but you become more comfortable and confident the more you know. You start to understand the patterns and how things work.
It has been a great way to gain perspective and apply that thinking back into other businesses, including Office Revolution.
Returning to the Industry
After leaving Ruder Group, I wanted to try something different. I got into product development and worked with manufacturers to understand what they needed and how products come to market.
I did some consulting with HALCON and helped develop a chair that I’m excited to see launch at Neocon 2026 in a few weeks.
What I realized during that time is how long that process is when you are working with a large manufacturer. It takes a lot of time and patience, which made me realize I missed the pace of the furniture contractor business. I missed being closer to the decision-making and seeing things move.
That is what pushed me to start looking at what was next.
Why Office Revolution
I have known Bernie and Neill Malone for years. We have worked together in different ways and I have always respected how they operate. The values they have built into the company and how they treat their employees, clients, and the A&D community stood out.
I never went into this thinking I would own a furniture dealership. But if I was going to do it, it was going to be with the right people. The timing felt right, and the group was an ideal fit.
Office Revolution already has a strong foundation. It has a great baseline and a great set of bones, but as we envision our future and what’s next, our leadership team has a shared vision: let’s make something that’s great, even better.