Corporate Commitment
As a business owner, Mary Witte recognizes that consulting services are only as valuable as the return on the investment of the recommendations. Her commitment to her customers is just that; that the design solutions and job administration in expediting design are focused on creating profitable environments.

Mary Witte has been in the business of creating profitable projects since 1983. Today, Mary owns and operates r.o.i. Design. Her responsibilities include development, concept design, planning, and creative direction.

Profile
Born in Grand Rapids Michigan, Mary has lived and worked in New York, NY and Honolulu, HI. Returning to Grand Rapids, in the mid-1980’s, Mary purchased Designers Workshop, a custom woodworking firm focusing on restaurant millwork. Single-handedly, she developed the company into a leading producer of high-end custom furniture.

In 1993, Mary established r.o.i. Design by separating the interior design discipline of Designers Workshop from the manufacturing entity.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Owner and Creative Director, r.o.i. Design
1993-Present
Accomplishments
Previously a fine arts educator, writer, curator, retailer and social worker, Mary Witte’s diverse experience has played an integral role in her ability to efficiently and successfully run a business. Her energetic leadership style and creative influence are the driving forces behind the company’s many accomplishments and industry-wide recognition. Mary is proud to solve interior design challenges for clients of all sizes and types throughout the Mid-West.

Managing Member, Accelerate ROI LLC
2008-Present
Accomplishments
As an outgrowth of her work in design and development, Mary identified her customer’s need for more than design and planning. By adopting the theories and practices of “Customer Experience Management”, Mary and independent consultants have developed a consultancy that holistically looks at companies; their facility, their marketing, their technology and their performance. Industries being served include Hospitality, Finance, Medical, and Real Estate.

Senior Vice President and Member of Board of Directors, Grand Rapids Furniture Companies
1991-1997
Accomplishments
Mary successfully merged Designers Workshop with the Grand Rapids Furniture Companies (then the John Widdicomb Co.) in 1995 and divested her interest in the partnership in 1997. During this strategic partnership, she designed three lines of furniture, one of which was acknowledged industry-wide by winning the American Furniture Design Award.

Owner and Creative Director of Designer Workshop
1985-1991
Accomplishments
High end custom millwork and furniture for the discriminating corporate customer

Prior to 1985
Mary worked as a manager in theater arts and retail from 1980-1985. Prior to that she worked at the Hospitality House in Honolulu, HI, for five years where she operated a B&B ministry for the Christian Reformed Church. Her work there included facility and kitchen management. Prior to 1975 she earned her living as a painter and visual artist.

EDUCATION
1974-75
Brooklyn Museum School of Art

1978-1980
University of Hawaii, Art History

1985-1990
Aquinas College, Fine Arts (Completed core work for BFA)

1990-1991
Spring Brook College, Bachelors in Marketing

HONORS & ACHIEVEMENTS
Mary is an allied member of A.S.I.D, affiliate member of the A.I.A. and proudly served as the Michigan president of A.W.I. for three years when she traveled and spoke extensively on architectural millwork.

Mary is honored to receive the American Furniture Award for development of “Beba” Coffee Table for Bexley Heath. Witte also conducted extensive research in European Decorative Arts while at Cooper Hewitt in NYC.

Mary was a speaker for NeoCon on the subject of the “New American Home”. She has been a guest on NPR’s pilot design program “Open House”.

While having served on a variety of boards, currently Mary sits on the board of directors for Williams Kitchen and Bath a 60M distribution company based out of Grand Rapids, MI.