Frost-barber, Inc.

What Frost-barber, Inc. does

Frost-Barber of LA, LLC is a Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based commercial furniture dealer founded in 1946, operating as a Steelcase Premier Partner at Diamond Level (2022) and serving corporate, education, and healthcare organizations throughout the state. The company distributes Steelcase and its family of brands — Coalesse, Designtex, Orangebox, AMQ, Smith Systems, Viccarbe, HALCON, West Elm, Blu Dot, FLOS, Tom Dixon, Extremis, Steelcase Learning, and Steelcase Health — together with Microsoft Surface Hub 2 solutions, with distribution supported by an exclusive Steelcase dealer arrangement for Louisiana.

The product portfolio spans ergonomic seating (e.g., Gesture chair with 3D LiveBack technology, 12-year warranty, Wirecutter Best Office Chair 2015-2020), height-adjustable desks (Ology), technology-integrated collaboration furniture (media:scape, Steelcase Roam co-developed with Microsoft, Steelcase Flex Media Cart), acoustic and sound-masking solutions (QtPro, Sonet Qt), architectural products (Designtex Casper Cloaking Technology on glass walls, Surface Materials), and a Quick Ship Program offering 5-business-day fulfillment. Frost-Barber bundles these products with workplace consulting, space planning, project coordination, procurement, installation, relocation, inventory management, lifecycle management, and warranty services, and supports sales through a 7,000 sqft Working Showroom at 9322 Interline Avenue, Baton Rouge.

Commercially, Frost-Barber runs a project-based, quote-driven business with no publicly disclosed pricing; revenue is generated through one-time commercial furniture sales plus bundled professional services. GTM combines enterprise field sales targeted at architects, interior designers, facility managers, and corporate buyers with inside-sales and a website 'Request a Quote' workflow. Named customers span Fortune 500 corporates (BCBS, Turner Industries, LWCC), universities and K-12 systems (LSU Middleton Library, Baton Rouge Community College, Park Elementary, Truman Early Childhood), healthcare systems (Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital, Baton Rouge General), and small/creative firms (Envoc, JCW Creative). The company is privately held under the legal name Frost-Barber of LA, LLC with 11-50 employees, no disclosed institutional ownership, and Chris Laderer appointed as President/CEO in 2022.

Name

Frost-barber, Inc.

Legal name

Frost-Barber of LA, LLC

Website

https://frost-barber.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1946

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Frost-Barber of LA, LLC is a Louisiana-based Steelcase Premier Partner Diamond Level (2022) commercial furniture dealer serving corporate, education, and healthcare organizations across the state via a 7,000 sqft showroom and full project lifecycle services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Baton Rouge

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Commercial Furniture Sales: Frost-Barber generates revenue primarily through the sale of commercial furniture and architectural products, including desks, tables, seating, storage, and technology integration solutions. Products are sourced from Steelcase and other brand partners.
2. Furniture Installation Services: The company provides installation, relocation, and project coordination services as part of their dealer value proposition, bundled with product sales for enterprise customers.
3. Space Planning and Consulting: Workplace consulting and space planning services are offered as part of the customer journey, helping clients design and specify furniture solutions for their spaces.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Frost-Barber is a commercial furniture dealership and workplace design services provider distributing Steelcase and its family of brands (Coalesse, Designtex, Orangebox, AMQ, Smith Systems, Viccarbe, HALCON, West Elm, Blu Dot, Extremis, Tom Dixon, FLOS, Steelcase Health, Steelcase Learning) along with Microsoft-co-developed technology solutions. The company sells commercial furniture, architectural products, and technology integrations, complemented by end-to-end services including workplace consulting, space planning, project coordination, procurement, installation, relocation, inventory management, lifecycle management, and warranty service, serving corporate, education, and healthcare customers throughout Louisiana from a 7,000 sqft working showroom in Baton Rouge.

Product overview

Frost-Barber is a Steelcase Premier Partner dealer serving Louisiana that offers a comprehensive portfolio of commercial furniture and workplace solutions. Their product ecosystem centers on Steelcase and its family of brands (Coalesse, Smith Systems, turnstone, Orangebox, AMQ, Viccarbe, HALCON) plus featured partners like Designtex, FLOS, Blu Dot, Extremis, Tom Dixon, West Elm, and Microsoft. The core portfolio includes ergonomic seating (Gesture Chair), height-adjustable desks (Ology, Migration), technology-enabled collaboration furniture (media:scape, Steelcase Roam, Steelcase Flex Media Cart), acoustic solutions (QtPro, Sonet Qt), and accessories (lighting, whiteboards, power management, computer support). Products are organized into categories: Collection, Participating Contracts, Desks + Tables, Storage, Architecture + Space Division, Technology, Accessories, Surface Materials, and Quick Ship. The company also provides workplace consulting, space planning, project coordination, procurement, installation, relocation, inventory management, and lifecycle management services, supported by a 7,000 sq ft working showroom in Baton Rouge.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Gesture Chair Ergonomic office seating with 3D LiveBack technology, 360-degree arms and adaptive bolstering designed for technology-driven postures; for corporate and professional office buyers. Wirecutter Best Office Chair for five consecutive years.
• Ology Height-Adjustable Desk Height-adjustable desk supporting workplace wellbeing with intuitive controls, optional antimicrobial protection, and CarbonNeutral product certification option; for corporate, education, and healthcare workplaces.
• media:scape Technology-integrated collaboration furniture bringing people, space, and information together through wireless content sharing and video collaboration; for enterprise meeting and team spaces.
• Steelcase Roam Mobile stands and wall mount system co-developed with Microsoft for Surface Hub 2, enabling teams to collaborate anywhere with easy mobility and flexible placement; for enterprise meeting rooms and huddle spaces.
• Steelcase Flex Media Cart Technology-agnostic mobile cart holding monitors up to 65 inches wide for video conferencing and screen sharing across open plan areas, training rooms, and meeting spots; for enterprise training and huddle spaces.
• QtPro Sound Masking System Direct-field sound masking system providing consistent sound throughout spaces across multiple zones with network control for enterprise environments; for corporate and healthcare open offices.
• Sonet Qt Personal Sound Masking Personal sound masking system based on Qt Quiet Technology that mimics soothing airflow to improve concentration within individual workstations; portable and easy to install for open-plan offices.
• Coalesse Ensemble Lounge System Modular lounge seating combining intuitive performance with infinite design expression; lounge modules on a scalable rail system with freestanding screens with zippers for assembly, disassembly, and future reconfigurability. Achieved BIFMA LEVEL 3 certification and SCS Indoor Advantage Gold indoor air quality certification.
• Jean Nouvel Seating Collection Modern lounge seating collection by architect Jean Nouvel and Coalesse Design Group including chairs, sofas, and ottomans with elemental pebble-like forms that can be combined freely to shape any space; for premium corporate and hospitality lounges.
• Quick Ship Program Expedited shipment program offering popular Steelcase-family-brand products in as soon as 5 business days for private offices, panel-based workstations, benching, conference rooms, cafes, and social lounges; for time-sensitive corporate and small-business orders.
• Steelcase Flex Collection Flexible furniture collection for modern workplaces including height-adjustable desks, mobile power solutions, and modular components designed for agile reconfiguration; for dynamic enterprise office environments.
• Steelcase Surface Materials Comprehensive surface materials program including textiles, paints, laminates, veneer, and glass plus partner collections from Designtex, Gabriel, Kvadrat, and Pollack; specified alongside Steelcase furniture for corporate, education, and healthcare projects.
• Workplace Solutions Services End-to-end project services including workplace consulting, space planning, project coordination, procurement, installation, relocation, inventory management, lifecycle management, and warranty service; bundled with furniture sales for corporate, education, and healthcare customers across Louisiana.

Quantifiable outcome

• Wirecutter has named Steelcase Gesture the Best Office Chair for 5 consecutive years (2015-2020)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers19 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, secondary and minor.

• SteelcasecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFrost-Barber is an authorized Steelcase dealer and Premier Partner at Diamond Level (2022). They sell the full Steelcase product portfolio including seating, desks, tables, storage, technology solutions, and surface materials. Steelcase provides global support resources, product training, and marketing backing.
• CoalessecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCoalesse is a Steelcase brand focused on fine craft and high design. Frost-Barber offers Coalesse products including the Jean Nouvel Seating Collection, Coalesse Ensemble Lounge System, and accessories like Emu Heaven Vase and Emu Re-trouve Vase.
• DesigntexcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDesigntex is a Steelcase brand providing textiles, wall coverings, and Casper Cloaking Technology. Products include performance fabrics, upholstery, and architectural films for glass walls that ensure data privacy.
• OrangeboxsecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOrangebox is a Steelcase brand focused on 'Smartworking' solutions, creating furniture that fosters collaboration while providing contemporary aesthetics and visual/acoustic privacy.
• AMQsecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAMQ is a Steelcase brand offering flexible furniture solutions for open-space offices which are agile, modern in design, and ship quickly.
• Smith SystemssecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSmith Systems is a Steelcase brand focused on learning environments, believing every student and teacher deserves the best possible space to inspire learning.
• ViccarbesecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSteelcase partner Viccarbe's contemporary furniture is designed by prestigious international designers and is useful in homes as well as offices.
• HALCONsecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHALCON creates furniture tailored to the modern workplace with exceptional innovation, uncompromising design, and master craftsmanship.
• West ElmsecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSteelcase and West Elm are creating workplace solutions with differentiated residential design and a commitment to world-class innovation and industry-leading performance.
• MicrosoftcoreTechnology or IntegrationSteelcase and Microsoft are developing technology-enabled workplace solutions built on Microsoft Azure IoT technology. Steelcase Roam was co-developed with Microsoft for the Surface Hub 2.
• ExtremisminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExtremis, a Steelcase partner, provides outdoor furniture intelligently designed in non-standard ways.
• Tom DixonminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTom Dixon's lighting and accessories are internationally recognized for pioneering use of materials and techniques, with aesthetic inspired by British roots.
• FlossecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFlos is the world's foremost lighting designer combining beauty and technology to create modern, classic solutions. Available through the Steelcase partnership.
• Steelcase LearningsecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSteelcase Learning helps schools and colleges create effective and inspiring active learning environments with insight-led approach.
• Steelcase HealthsecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSteelcase Health designs healthcare environments that enhance patient and caregiver experiences and builds stronger connections between them.
• Blu DotminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBlu Dot is a Minneapolis-based designer and maker of modern furnishings, spanning multiple home and office categories. Full portfolio available through Steelcase partnership.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Haworth: Major global office furniture manufacturer competing with Steelcase. Comparable commercial contract furniture and workspace solutions portfolio, competing with Frost-Barber and its dealer peers on large enterprise specifications.
• MillerKnoll (Herman Miller + Knoll): Combined office and contract furniture powerhouse (Herman Miller, Knoll, Design Within Reach, Colebrook Bosson Saunders). Competes for the same enterprise and healthcare furniture specifications that Frost-Barber and its Steelcase peers target.
• Steelcase: Global office furniture manufacturer and Frost-Barber's primary product partner. Operates broadly across seating, desks, architecture, and technology with a global dealer network; Frost-Barber is one of its authorized Louisiana channel partners.

Emerging players

• Branch Furniture: Direct-to-consumer office furniture brand offering ergonomic task chairs and height-adjustable desks at lower price points than Steelcase. Represents the emerging DTC threat to traditional commercial furniture dealers, particularly in SMB and prosumer segments.
• Fully (by Herman Miller): DTC office furniture and ergonomic accessories brand, now part of MillerKnoll. Competes at the lower end of Frost-Barber's addressable customers with affordable standing desks and seating sold primarily online.

Direct peers

• Total Office Solutions: Steelcase Premier Partner offering commercial furniture, workspace planning, and installation services. Directly comparable in business model, customer mix, and value proposition.
• Office Logic: Steelcase Premier Partner commercial furniture dealer with showroom and full-service project delivery. Closely mirrors Frost-Barber's GTM: enterprise field sales, space planning, installation, and Steelcase Diamond-tier portfolio offerings.
• Tangram Interiors: Steelcase Premier Partner and commercial furniture dealer serving California. Operates with the same multi-brand Steelcase dealership model, showroom-driven sales motion, and vertical coverage across Corporate, Education, and Healthcare—making it a directly comparable peer at a different geography.
• Workplace Elements: Authorized Steelcase dealer providing workplace furniture, space planning, and project services to corporate, healthcare, and education clients. Comparable operating model to Frost-Barber with multi-brand Steelcase-family offerings and bundled services.
• Midwest Commercial Interiors: Steelcase Premier Partner and commercial interiors dealer serving the Midwest. Similar showroom-based, full-service project delivery model across Corporate, Education, and Healthcare verticals as Frost-Barber.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCd4q4x5nQc5BKpLvJYNYKqQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/FrostBarberofLA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/frost-barber
• Instagraminstagram.com/frost.barber

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Frost-barber, Inc.