Successful people have Plan b
Our Team
Who We Are
Plan b Southwest LLC is an independent manufacturers rep group focusing on products and solutions that transform our customers workspaces. We are deliberate and focused on working with manufacturers that are equally committed to the overall experience with products that continue to be at the cutting-edge in design and function for today’s work environments. Plan b was established on the basis of combining Terry’s installation and service background with Melissa strong dealer sales experience. Both have over 35 years in the Contract Furniture Industry. This well-rounded dynamic lies at the heart of their success.
Meet Melissa
Melissa began her professional journey after graduating from Southern Methodist University and briefly working in the Reprographics Industry over 35 years ago. Her contract furniture career began as an Account Manager at a large Steelcase dealership. Melissa raised her family at that dealership for 20 years. After leaving the dealership, Melissa was a Market Manager at Kimball Office for 4 years before moving into the Independent Representative role. It started with Almquist One, LLC, and then in 2015, Melissa partnered with long-time rep Terry Dixon to form Plan b Southwest, LLC. Plan b covers the Southwest region; specifically, Arizona, New Mexico, Las Vegas and El Paso. Plan b also represents several lines in Hawaii. Melissa has been an Industry Member of IIDA Southwest Chapter as City Center Director, and currently, as the VP of City Centers, for over 10 years. IIDA participation has enhanced her ability to appreciate and understand the interior design community, and thus the entire contract furniture market. Melissa is also a long-term member of Angel Charity for Children, Inc. — a philanthropic organization that supports the enrichment of the lives of children in Pima County. She has been a member for 18 years serving on the Board in various capacities and serving as General Chair in 2011. Whether it is her role as independent rep, industry partner or philanthropic volunteer, or her newest role as grandma, she’s loving every minute of it!
Meet Terry
Terry has been working in the Commercial Furniture industry for more than 35 years. His experience includes leadership roles in office furniture installation and service, as well as office furniture dealer and manufacture operations and representation. Terry believes the role of a professional manufacturer's representative is threefold: to ensure an increased product knowledge, support the customer and manufacture’s vision and mission, and communicate in a responsive manner. Terry is retired from the US Coast Guard. He served five years on active duty during the Vietnam War Era and twenty years as a member of the US Coast Guard Reserve. His duty stations and responsibility included New York Harbor, Officer in Charge Stony Point Light, Air Station San Diego, CA, Station Channel Islands, CA, and Coast Guard Recruiting Office Ventura, CA. Terry is now a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary serving as a Flotilla Commander. Before traversing the waters of the commercial office furniture industry, Terry worked retail in various leadership positions, including Store Manager, District and Regional Manager, and Director of Internal Loss. Being a part of the business community and helping small businesses grow is one of Terry’s personal passions. He has been part of several Chamber of Commerce organizations across the nation, in addition to the International Facilities Managers Association, Society for the Advancement of Management, and Los Angeles County Small Business Speakers Bureau. But his favorite past time? Well that’s sailing. He is a certified US Sailing and Coastal Navigation instructor. He also sat on the board of the Ventura Sailing Foundation.