Your school library isn’t supposed to be a dusty collection of books no one checks out. The entire library experience has changed as fast as technology has, and we can help you update your library and give it the face lift you need.

A Few Great Ideas 

Small Group Workspace – If you haven’t yet designed a spot for small groups to work withing your library, it’s certainly time. Collaborative learning is very much the focus today, and including a space where groups can get together and create that next big project is an absolute must.

Creative Play Space – If your library is designed for smaller children, it needs to include creative play space. Here, brightly colored walls are a must, as are smaller bookshelves and lots of table space complete with games, puzzles, and more to help promote those important pre-reading skills that will turn students into lifelong readers in the future.

Tech Central – While students still rely on printed texts for some things, the chances are good that they want access to e-readers and more while they’re in the library, so build in a space to allow them to use that tech. You’ll want to ensure you’re a wi-fi hotspot, and you may also want to build in charging ports here and there so students can plug in when the juice is running a bit low.

Why Carroll Seating Company?

We’ve been working with schools just like yours for more than six decades, developing beautiful spaces that help enhance student learning. We carry a complete line of shelving and furniture options for libraries of all shapes and sizes, from those for very young preschoolers to those designed for the heaviest academic environments.  We’re continually working to include the right pieces for better functionality.

The real difference with Carroll Seating Company, though, is that we work with you to meet your needs. From the moment you first call, you’ll be working with an individual project manager, ready to help you choose your equipment and get it installed. We also have add-on services you’ll love, including custom casework that will help your environment promote reading and research in a way you never thought possible.

To learn more about what we can do for your library, contact us today by calling 847-434-0909 to get started or visit us online to learn more.

The demands on student housing are getting more complex by the year. Whether on the campus of a boarding school, a college, or a university, student housing has to be virtually amazing to even begin to rank among the best. If you’re like many campuses, you’re probably wondering what you can do to amp up your offerings. Let us help.

The Experienced Choice

Carroll Seating Company has been working with campuses like yours for decades, creating  architecturally stunning casework in a variety of different settings that helps define a space. From design to installation, we meet the needs of our clients again and again. When you contact us, you’ll work one on one with your personal project manager to ensure your dorms are not only completed in time for the students to start the fall term, but also to help make certain you’re getting the stunning design you wanted from the outset. With the right materials at the right price, there simply is no better choice than Carroll Seating Company for your dorm casework.

A Few Options to Consider 

As you think toward that new dorm update, there are a few things you might want to include for your students to enjoy this fall.

  • Comfortable Lounge Spaces – These always rank well with students, as they don’t just want the spaces where they sleep to be great, but they want the spaces where downtime happens most to be plentiful and ready to serve. Consider incorporating a few of these on every floor.
  • Reading Rooms – Few schools would be complete without excellent places to study, and incorporating soundproofed reading rooms that allow students to get at least a little studying done on campus is an absolute must.
  • In Room Shelving – Students have lots of stuff to store, so consider building in a variety of shelving options. From cubbies that fit just under beds to shelves around the beds and closets, the more space you can include, the better students will feel about staying in your dorms.

To learn more about how we can help your student housing go from blah to tweeted about regularly, contact us today. We’ll get that wow factor you’re looking for from your students. Call us today at 816-471-2929 or visit us online today.

 

 

School libraries are changing fast. Like classroom designs, they have to meet very different needs than they once did, and with that change comes a necessary shift in bookcase options. Before you design a new school library or offer a facelift to the old one, though, exploring the many choices available to you is a good idea. Take a look:

  • Single or Double Faced: blog4Depending on the layout of your library, you may want to go with single or double faced book cases. Single faced are those that have a back panel with shelving on a single side. They work best against the walls of your library space. Double faced shelves have panels on both sides for sturdy book storage that makes the most of the available space in your library. You may need a combination of the two to achieve the right layout.
  • Construction Materials: Today’s school libraries are as much about feel as they are about the contents of the library itself, and going with bookcases that are a bit different can give you that warm feel you want. Wooden bookshelves offer you a classic look that comes in a number of different finishes. Steel bookcases are lighter and less expensive and can sometimes come in non-traditional finishes like school colors. You can also choose from newer options like those with wood and steel for the classic look without the cost.
  • Shelves: You typically have the option of going with adjustable or fixed shelving with each book case purchase. Adjustable shelves give you flexibility to change the layout at some point in the future to help make your library a bit different every single year. Fixed shelving, though, may be a must in elementary library settings so students can reach the bookcases.

No matter what bookcases you choose, let us help. Contact us today to reach a personal project manager who can help you select the right layout for your space.

Investing in new wall padding for your gym is an absolute must to help protect your athletes. Simply purchasing the first option you see, though, just won’t work. Instead, a bit more effort needs to go into your selection. Consider this:

  • Your Wall Padding Has to Be a Perfect Fit: blog2 No two gyms are the same, and it can be tough to get the right fit for yours. Work with a company that offers custom measuring solutions to help ensure you get the fit you need. Don’t forget to ask about custom configurations to work around doors, outlets, and other features of your gym.
  • Your Wall Padding Has to Be Safe: There are lots of wall padding options out there, but not all of them will protect your athletes. Don’t go for the flimsy stuff just because it leaves a little wiggle room in your budget. Instead, select wall pads that are made for maximum protection.
  • You Need Help: You may need installation help. You may need service and support. You may need help instantly or you may need help in a year. Sooner or later, though, you’re going to have a question or concern, and you’ll need a team to turn to who has been there over the years for facilities just like yours. Select only a provider who will be there again and again, no matter what you need.
  • Your Wall Padding Has To Look Amazing: Think you have to go with something boring for your wall padding? Think again. From bright colors to logos and other sources of inspiration, your wall padding can enhance the entire look of your facility, so don’t choose anything that won’t do exactly that and allow you to imagine the design possibilities.

Ready to get the right wall padding to meet your needs? Contact us today to learn more.

How often do you notice the little things in an office? It may actually be more often than you think. The smallest details can leave an impression on potential team members, clients, and more. Nowhere is this more true than in the woodwork you choose to grace your offices. Go fast and cheap and people will think the same of your company. Choose to make it count, and the professionalism your office will exude is certain to be immeasurable. High quality architectural woodwork says a lot about how much you care about your office surroundings, and Carroll Seating Company can help you make the right impression from the outset.

The Perfect Finish

blog2aWhether you’ve just finished a full office remodel or you’re moving into a brand new space, the finishing touches mean so much to the space. Choosing to go with custom architectural woodwork means significantly altering the aesthetics of the whole space.  By adding the right designs to your offices, you’re creating accents that can be both functional and beautiful at the same time.

The Ideal Team

Not every team, though, can give you the look you want. Only a group with the experience of Carroll Seating Company has the extensive knowledge you need to build out intricate, functional designs that will complement your company’s image. From the moment you contact us, you’ll know a very different experience is in store for you. We offer a dedicated project manager, a vast selection of ideas and products, and the significant skill necessary to tackle even the toughest projects from start to finish. To learn more about our architectural woodworking services or any of our previous project designs, contact us today to get started. We’ll be happy to come up with the ideas necessary to help get your dreams off the ground.

There are few things you can count on these days. The world has changed so much just within the last decade, it’s hard to predict what might happen in the next. One thing you can always count on, though, is the level of customer service you can expect from Carroll Seating Company. The perfect way to get the solution you need now, Carroll Seating has the right products at the right time along with the service you need most.

Carroll Seating EmployeesA Historic Name
Carroll Seating Company is hardly the new kid on the block. Initially founded in 1952 by Patrick Carroll, Sr. who was selling church pews out of his basement, we work with a number of different markets today including K-12 schools of all shapes and sizes, colleges and universities, healthcare facilities, labs, and even sports venues. We’ve spend more than half a century building relationships with the right manufacturers, and by employing the best project managers and installers in the business, you get the perfect design solutions to meet your needs.

The Best Possible Service
Our return customers don’t just come back to us again and again for great products, though, A big part of the reason they continue to return is our customer service. When you contact us, you don’t just get a voice on the phone. You get a dedicated project manager ready to take a closer look at exactly what your facility needs right now. Even if you’re not entirely sure what you’re looking for, we’ll work to help you find the perfect product at the perfect time. We have a complete staff that includes design professionals who can help you come up with the ideal solutions, no matter what your spacing or even budget concerns. It’s our commitment to you.

To learn more about our product line or our customer service, please contact us today.

Choosing the right bleachers for any area is never an easy task. It can be difficult to decide what might work best in the area, what’s ideal for fans, and what’s going to look amazing. In certain spots, though, reverse fold bleachers might be perfect.

reverse-fold-bleachersWhen They Shine  . . .

Most venues are looking for more recoverable space, and this is the ideal setting for reverse fold bleachers. There are some settings when you need the space behind bleachers for other events and activities. For example, in a school gym, you might be able to use that mezzanine space for batting cages, gymnastics equipment, or even other sports practices. During a game, though, you need that added seating for your patrons. With reverse fold bleachers, both are absolutely possible. Instead of just getting seating or just getting added space, you can have both without the hassle of having to choose between these two important factors.

Special Considerations

It’s important to note that reverse fold bleachers aren’t always going to be the answer. For example, you can typically only have between 18 and 22 rows if you’re going with the reverse fold choice. As they get higher, the floor mounts tend to get a bit more unstable, so you don’t want them too high for safety reasons. They also may not be the right choice in some venues, so talk to a professional before you make any final decisions.

If you’re thinking about reverse fold bleachers, take the time to give us a call today. We’ll be happy to make an on-site inspection to see if reverse fold bleachers might be the right choice in your situation. We can not only match you up with the right product to meet your needs, but also handle the installation! Contact us today to learn more

Traveling bleachers can be the perfect way to make sure more fans can see your games on every possible occasion, but getting the right set to meet your needs isn’t always as easy as you may think. It involves a fairly complex process, but this quick guide can help.

Indoor or Outdoor? Traveling bleachers can work well in a number of different settings, but not all of them are all weather choices. As a result, you may need to choose exactly how you might be using yours to get a better understanding of exactly what you need.

portable-bleachersCheck the Codes. Local code requirements for traveling bleachers vary greatly from state to state and municipality to municipality. You may want to check or have the company you’re working with do some checking before you make any orders. Safety is a must with systems like these, and complying with codes is a big part of keeping things a little safer for fans and players alike.

Size Matters. Understanding both how much seating capacity you need and how much space you have to work with is the single most important task on your list as you work to find portable bleacher systems that fit your needs. Remember that the lifespan on a product like this is more than three decades, so the last thing you want to do is get something your facility will outgrow in a matter of years.

As you search for the right portable bleachers to meet your needs, be sure to include Carroll Seating Company in the process. The leader in bleachers, portable seating, and more, we’ll help you take a close look at every aspect of the process to ensure you get something that meets your needs now and in the years to come. Contact us today for more information.

College dorm designs are becoming increasingly complex. While it was once enough to simply have a standard room with two beds and two desks as well as a bathroom on every floor, these days, colleges have to create a very different home away from home for those students who choose to live on campus. We were recently asked to work on the first new dorm in 40 years at Northern Illinois University, and our innovation and creativity made the project nothing short of success. 

One-Thousand Units and Counting
The project itself was quite varied. With 1,000 different units in the complex as well as common spaces and a sizable community center that included a food court, recreation facility, and a lounge, creating a number of different challenges to overcome. Durability was a must in a college setting, as was the custom casework that would be necessary to give the residents the right level of space throughout the units while making everything look amazing at the same time. Our results were fantastic. 

In the 80 cluster kitchens inside the complex, we installed the casework necessary to make them functional thanks to Case Systems Inc. Throughout the full 1000 units inside, we installed closet shelving and rods as well as solid surface tops and sinks. We also created an amazing look at the security desk thanks to the custom wood veneer panels. We installed a custom wood veneer mail counter to help make certain students had the mail facilities they needed, and in the food court, we created a custom checkout station to make certain students could get in and out with ease.

Diversity Means Everything
As a company, we’ve met many challenges in the past, but few quite like this one. It was a unique opportunity to step things up to the next level, and everyone loves the results, particularly the students who now call that building home.

Employee lockers are a wonderful way to make certain employees have a secure storage area, but in some professions, they’re more than just a good way to make sure your employees have a bit of personal space. For firefighters and police officers, lockers are a must-have. Before you choose just any set of lockers to outfit a new station or facility, though, there are several things you must keep in mind. 

  1. Durability. Keep in mind what will be stored in these lockers. These aren’t junior high textbooks. In most cases, you’re going to see heavy, expensive gear in every single locker, so make sure you’re getting a product that will tackle that gear without a problem.
  2. Materials. Along with durability, you want to make certain that the locker you choose is made from materials that will ensure a long life. Go with something that includes heavy-duty construction. Steel is usually a good choice. A powder coat finish may also help. The last thing you want to do is replace lockers like these on a regular basis.
  3. Use. Lockers for firefighting gear are likely going to be very different than security lockers for weapons. Don’t think for a moment that there’s a one-size-fits-all solution for police and firefighters. You may even need to go as far as a custom solution depending on the type of locker you need.

First responders need real storage solutions that help them do their jobs effectively and the first off-the-shelf locker you find simply won’t handle that level of reality. Before you outfit a new station or facility, carefully consider your locker options to make certain these heroes get the storage space their jobs demand.

Levi Curtis, Project Manager

Levi Curtis,  Project Manager & Estimator email our team
In my free time I enjoy hunting, fishing, and working on our farm with my sons.  My wife and I enjoy traveling and the chaos of the boy’s youth sports.

Tammy Winship, Accountant

Tammy Winship,  Accountant email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

Kelli Brandon, Project Manager

Kelli Brandon,  Project Manager & Estimator email our team
When not at the office I enjoy painting, baking, and spending quality time with my three grandkids.  .

Mandy Kohlbrecher, Project Manager

Mandy Kohlbrecher,  Project Manager email our team
Bio coming soon.

Eddie Scheer, Sales

Eddie Scheer,  Sales email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

Dustin Hecht, Project Manager

Dustin Hecht ,  Project Manager email our team
Dustin is a life-long woodworker with a passion for crafting. When he's not in the workshop, he might be found tinkering with cars or hitting the links for a round of golf. Dustin is a family man, happily married to Courtney, and together they have two daughters.

Mike Yager, Sales

Mike Yager,  Sales email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

Doug Mead, General Manager KC and STL

Doug Mead,  General Manager KC and STL email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

Jordon Lanning, Repair & Service

Jordon Lanning,  Repair & Service email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

John Underwood

John Underwood,  Warehouse Manager email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

Jacob

Jacob Allen,  Rproject Manager & Estimator  email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

Connie Gillam,  Repair & Service

Connie Gillam,  Repair & Service  email our team
When out and about I enjoy spending time with my husband Michael and our 5 grandkids.

Brock Christopher,  Sales

Brock Christopher,  Sales email our team
On the weekends and during the evenings, a majority of my time is spent playing soccer with my 7-year-old Kade or working on various projects with my 12-year-old Kael.  During the fall you can find me doing anything related to the KC Chiefs or Mizzou Tigers.

Stephanie Vogl,  R&S Admin

Stephanie Vogl,  RS Admin email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

Suzi Johnson,  Project Accountant

Suzi Johnson,  PM Coordinator email our team
I have spent most of my life in Illinois. I enjoy traveling and taking photos. I need coffee to function. My life revolves around my fur child, Norman.

Dineen O’Keeffe,  Project Accountant

Kevin Morkin,  Insurance / Warehouse email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

Dineen O’Keeffe,  Project Accountant

Dineen O’Keeffe,  Project Accountant  email our team
I enjoy spending time with my family. 

Sarah Maynes,  Project Manager/ Estimator

Sarah Maynes,  Project Manager/ Estimator  email our team
When I am not at work I enjoy baking.

PJ Carroll

Ludwig Hoeft,  Project Manager / Estimator email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

PJ Carroll

Sam Shapiro,  Project Manager  email our team

Sam is a safety trained supervisor of construction whose experience ranges from factory to field.

He enjoys hiking, road trips, and rock concerts.

Mike Gillam

Mike Gillam  General Manager & Director of R&S   email our team
My life outside of the office consists of trips to remote locations and spending time with my family and five grandkids.  I love the Lord and doing His work.

PJ Carroll

Patrick J. Carroll,  President  email our team
Patrick Carroll, Jr. assumed the positions as President, in 1998.

Alexander Klopp

Alexander Klopp  Sales   email our team
When I am not in the office I enjoy my life in the western suburbs as a Husband of 30 years, father of 2 adult children and an active member in our local Presbyterian church. Passions include family adventures with one-of-a-kind experiences.

Tim Haggerty,  Sales  email our team

“When I am not working, I like to enjoy time with my family living an active life style that includes, live music, sporting events, golfing, fishing, and skiing.” 

 

Evan Carroll,  Sales & Special Projects email our team

Evan Patrick Carroll, following an internship from 2003- 2005, joined as full-time sales in 2008.

Tom Madura,  Controller  email our team

Outside of the office, I love spending time with my wife, 3 kids and our dog!  My hobbies include playing golf and practicing guitar which I keep working at. 

Meredith Pollard (Carroll),  General Manager  email our team

When I am not at the office, I enjoy my life in Roscoe Village, downtown, with my husband Mike, son Cameron and our dog Addy!

PJ Carroll

Patrick J. Carroll
President

Patrick Carroll, Jr. assumed the positions as President, in 1998.

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