 Scot Davidson, CEO Founder
At 52, Scot Davidson looked back on his career - 30 years in management, marketing and sales, the last 12 of which, as CEO of a technology manufacturer. His insight: something wasn't right!
The mad, never-ending pursuit of simple profit for the shareholders, drives managers to fundamentally disconnect from themselves, their community and daily life.
Reason enough for Scot to hang up his hat and leave for Baja, California.
During this two-month sabbatical, Scot realized that he was privileged to allow himself the pursuit of his own personal passion. He learned that there could be more to the rest of his life, than can be measured by the money standard.
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, a descendent of Oregon Trail pioneers, Scot had always felt a deep connection with nature.
During this epic turning point, Scot recognized that the traditional relationship between business and environment left much to be desired. The classic profit model has no way to recognize the deep impact business can have on society. In the form of resource depletion, pollution, and a negative impact on people. Scot decided to adopt principles of sustainability, as his personal and business mission.
In 2005, Ecowork LLC was formed to design and manufacture quality business workspace furnishings, based only on recycled and rapidly renewable materials. Ecowork contributes to business sustainability through reduced depletion. While carrying the sustainability message to the business community.
These principles are also followed by Ecowork, in design and corporate ethics.
Through the course of his professional career, Scot has contributed to society in other ways. Notably as a founding board member of Tread Lightly, the first industry-government partnership with a sustainability mission. And as founding Chairman of Big Brothers Big Sisters, of Southwest Washington.
Scot earned his Bachelor's degree at Washington State University and an M.B.A. at the University of Dallas. He has been married for 32 years to his high-school sweetheart Karen, who is an RN and Social Worker at Southwest Washington Medical Center.
The couple lives with their Golden Retriever in the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area of southern Washington State, a perfect place to pursue Scot's other passions of windsurfing, snowboarding and mountain biking. Scot and Karen have two grown daughters who also live in the state.
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Erez Steinberg, Designer
As 21-year old Erez Steinberg arrived in America, he dreamed of experiencing everything the country had on offer. Most specifically, he longed for physical and spiritual discoveries, through which he could find his way, fully express himself, and make a great contribution to society.
A year later, Erez followed his heart to the mountains of New Mexico, where he took the sole responsibility of caring for an established and self-sustaining organic farm.
The experience connected him to the need for preserving nature in a way that would have an enduring impact on future generations. Working with Native Americans in the area, he learned to fashion dwellings based on adobe construction principles, and the value of using natural local materials to create enduring and beautiful structures. These experiences laid the foundation for his interest in eco-design.
From New Mexico, Erez was naturally drawn to the beautiful city of San Francisco, with its blend of technology, new age spirituality and a multi-cultural environment.
While studying architecture, he soon became disillusioned with its primary emphasis on technology and modern materials. There was little interest in sustainability.
Redirecting his path to industrial design, Erez once again became frustrated with practices that promoted disposability. To him, this was a call for change.
This call led Erez to connect with an experienced industrial designer, who helped him see the intrinsic connection between design and our daily lives. life. He saw the possibility to connect design with nature in a way that would contribute to society well over time. The experience focused Erez toward career of industrial eco-design.
In 1992 Erez founded his studio in west Oakland. The industrial area around the studio was a treasure trove of recycled and waste materials. It served as a motivation and inspiration to but those materials to work.
Not long after, he met his wife, Gia, a Graphics Designer. In 1994 they formed Studio EG, to explore and promote the design, development and production of products using recycled and reclaimed materials.
In 1995 the Ecowork line of office furniture was launched, to critical acclaim and design awards around the world. Even today it boasts of utilizing 95% recycled materials, a position few other products in its class can lay claim to.
In addition to other interests, Erez continues to serve a Chief Designer for the Ecowork product suite. Amongst Erez's client list, are famous names like Benetton, Apple, Fila & NEC. Erez's work is on display at the Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco.
Erez continues to guest lecture at the College of Arts in Oakland, as well as universities throughout the country. Erez and Gia live with their two daughters age four and seven, in Oakland, California.
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