march, 2023
manufacturer profile
interview
LOLL designs
Spotlight on Sustainability
A conversation with Catie Kill, Business Development Rep at Loll Designs
What inspired the use of recycled and post-consumer materials in Loll's outdoor furniture, and what are some examples of the materials used in your products?
I love the story of Loll's beginnings. It's what initially drew me to the brand. Believe it or not, our Adirondack chairs were originally created from skateboard park by-product material. The founders the company, Trueride, had the idea of repurposing the excess ramp material into ultradurable outdoor furniture. The waste became a bigger concern as municipal skate parks gained traction throughout the country. One day, during a joyride through Duluth, our HQ city, the founders realized that a modern-looking Adirondack chair didn't exist yet. And thus, the Lollygagger was born!
How does Loll aim for a zero waste initiative, and what steps have they taken to achieve this goal?
Upon starting my role at Loll, I was invited to join the internal "Green Team." This team comprises Loll employees who work on sustainability initiatives through subcommittees. It's important to stay agile in this space and exciting to collaborate with colleagues to ensure we're all informed. I'm currently leading a Zero Waste certification initiative.. existing certifications that came from these efforts are Cradle to Cradle and LEED! We are also proud to be a member of 1% for the Planet. Researching the various accreditations and third-party certifications that acknowledge and support our thoughtful manufacturing approach has been an interesting experience.
What types of commercial spaces is Loll product most suitable for?
Our line of contract grade product is wonderful on rooftops, green spaces, and amenity areas of any kind. The weight of our product offers peace of mind that things won’t blow away or be taken off site, in addition to that we have great security options and a line of Heavy Duty (HD) product. Interestingly enough, one of our largest installs is indoor at the Seattle public library.. check it out!
What’s next for Loll? Are there any new designs we’ll be seeing in 2023?
We’re very proud to have Mac Plumstead as our Design Director, leading the charge to keep our designs sharp and relevant. Having been recently acquired by Landscape Forms in 2021 as well, we’re hoping to see a variety of materials like metal introduced into our line made up of strictly HDPE sheet material at this time. I imagine we’ll stay true to our founder’s intent to resist over-designing and maintain clean, modern lines.
What kinds of trends are you seeing in outdoor furniture for 2023?
It feels like outdoor furniture is going through a similar movement that we’ve seen in the indoor ancillary furniture space.. Loll started in the residential field and has made a grand entrance into the contract realm due to its durability and the desire for something more playful and cost effective in the contract space.
When should clients consider placing their orders for outdoor furniture so they have it in time for spring/summer months?
I am excited to say that our lead times are 6 weeks plus transit for soft seating, and just 4 weeks plus transit for anything outside of that.. plus we have stock options for orders the require more urgency. It’s always better to be ahead of busy season and get those orders in but given that our product is produced in the Midwest, customers can have peace of mind if they put off ordering until closer to rooftop and patio season.. is it June yet?
What are some of your favorite collections/pieces from Loll?
I can’t help but love the original Lollygagger design, with a bottle opening tucked under the arm of the chair for ultimate ease and relaxation. I also love the Lago chair for something with a bit of a smaller footprint. There is a notch feature that holds a wine glass stem on that piece as well! Something I’ve found my contract customers are excited about is our storage and planter offering, which make for great options indoors as well! Should I just mention every line at this point? Our accessories are so cute, dog bowls are my favorite gift for clients, and the Lollygagger bar cart is going to be on full circulation throughout the Spring season as I host happy hours to familiarize the market with our product!
What makes Loll stand out from other brands?
Loll’s company culture shines through our line of product.. the passion, commitment, and spirited approach that I witnessed from our team at HQ in Duluth really makes for a compelling brand. The story of our beginnings stemming from Trueride is remarkable, and the fact that we’re US made helps create jobs, reduces our carbon footprint, and allows for quicker lead times. And on top of all of that, our product is just plain reliable! And that, you can’t beat.
How does Loll outdoor furniture endure Chicago's harsh weather, and what factors should be taken into account while choosing it for an outdoor space in such conditions?
Our durable HDPE can be left out year-round as it’s designed to weather all four seasons. There is no need to store or cover Loll furniture in the winter which is music to a facilities team’s ears! Loll furniture will not rot like wood or teak, and requires no paint, stain, or ongoing maintenance to keep its appearance. Our replaceable parts are key in making product last, and it’s a huge part of our sustainability story. We sell the parts at cost and expedite shipping so fixing damaged furniture is a breeze and budget friendly too!
If a designer or client wants to see Loll product in person, where can they go to experience Loll product firsthand?
We don’t have a showroom in Chicago... yet. But I’m happy to order full size samples for customer review, and I have a small set of samples that can be messengered out to clients, designers, or dealers when necessary!
Corporate Concepts:
Catie Kill:
Corporate Concepts:
Catie Kill:
Corporate Concepts:
Catie Kill:
Corporate Concepts:
Catie Kill:
Corporate Concepts:
Catie Kill:
Corporate Concepts:
Catie Kill:
Corporate Concepts:
Catie Kill:
Catie Kill:
Corporate Concepts:
Catie Kill:
Corporate Concepts:
Catie Kill:
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more on catie
Catie is based in Chicago and covers the greater Midwest for Loll Designs. Having grown up in Atlanta, GA, she began her career in Chicago as Business Development for Corporate Concepts 5 years ago. Before joining Loll, she became part of the MillerKnoll ancillary team, starting with a Muuto sales role and quickly taking on other lines as the Herman Miller and Knoll organizations merged. This is when she learned of and fell in love with Loll’s brand and story! Catie enjoys being dedicated to the line as they continue to grow into the commercial furniture space. She shares a common appreciation for the outdoors, the environment, and outstanding design.
CATIE KILL
Business Development Rep
catiek@lolldesigns.com
lolldesigns.com
lolltrade.com
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