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Press Release — The Zaf Group Partners with Storr

Posted on by Fidan

The Zaf Group Partners with Storr, Strengthening a Century-Old Legacy in North Carolina

Chicago, IL & Raleigh, NC — October 1, 2025 —

The Zaf Group (TZG), the family office of former GE, Motorola, Nortel, and Blackstone executive Mike Zafirovski and his wife Robin, is pleased to announce its strategic partnership with Storr Office Environments, one of the Southeast’s premier workplace solutions providers and among the largest Steelcase dealers in the United States.

Founded in 1914 and headquartered in Raleigh, NC, Storr has built more than a century of trust with clients through its long-standing partnership with Steelcase and its customer-first approach. In addition to offering high-performance office furniture and architectural products, Storr has steadily expanded its portfolio of workplace services — from strategy and design to move management, refurbishment, and ongoing facility support — while maintaining a strong culture of community engagement and charitable giving, upholding its simple guiding principle: “Do what’s right, do your best, and treat others as you would like to be treated”. These offerings are uniquely tailored to reduce complexity, extend the value of client investments, and ensure long-term satisfaction.

This partnership reflects TZG’s commitment to family- and founder-led businesses with enduring values and a long-term vision. Together, TZG and Storr will focus on continuity, stability, and investment in people — strengthening the foundation that has made Storr a trusted partner for generations, while equipping the company for its next chapter of growth.

Mike Zafirovski

“Storr is a remarkable company — not just for its legacy of charity in the community, but for its outstanding team, deep customer relationships, and unwavering values,” said Mike Zafirovski, Founder and Chairman of The Zaf Group.

“We are honored to partner with Tom, the Storr leadership, and the broader Storr team. Our goal is to support and enhance what already works, elevating the organization’s capabilities while preserving its strong cultural foundation.”

“Partnering with TZG allows us to preserve the authentic Storr experience while unlocking new opportunities for growth,” said Tom Vande Guchte, CEO of Storr.

“Mike and his team understand the dynamics of family-led businesses, and we’re excited to see how this collaboration will strengthen our ability to serve clients, invest in our people, continue our tradition of giving back to the community, and stay true to our heritage.”

Tom Vande Guchte CEO of Storr

For TZG, this marks another step in its values-based strategy to grow exceptional companies. Following its successful partnership with ACP CreativIT — a rapidly expanding U.S. IT solutions provider — and the transition of ABCO Systems earlier in 2025, TZG remains committed to building long-term value by investing in great teams, strong cultures, and sustainable growth strategies.

Together, TZG and Storr will continue to deliver the deep-rooted client partnerships, local presence, community commitment, and exceptional service that have defined Storr’s history — now reinforced by TZG’s resources, network, and long-term perspective.

About The Zaf Group (TZG)

The Zaf Group is a family office established by Mike Zafirovski and his wife Robin, dedicated to partnering and growing family- and founder-led businesses with a long-term mindset. Its portfolio includes ACP CreativIT (IT solutions), the recently transitioned ABCO Systems (systems integrator), and now Storr (office & workplace solutions). TZG’s mission is to build great companies guided by values-based leadership, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to people development.
Learn more at www.thezafgroup.com

About Storr

Founded in 1914, Storr Office Environments is a trusted leader in workplace solutions across North Carolina and the Southeast. As a premier Steelcase dealer, Storr provides high-performance office furniture, architectural products, and a complete range of services tailored to customer needs — including Workplace Strategy and Design, Office Relocation and Reconfiguration, Furniture Repair and Refurbishment, Facility Maintenance and Day-Two Support, Records Management, PreOwned Furniture Solutions, Cleaning and Sanitization Services, Delivery and Installation, and Secure Storage.

Storr’s century-long success is rooted in its customer-first approach and strong charitable commitments: every solution is designed to simplify complexity, maximize value, and strengthen both client partnerships and the broader community.
Learn more at www.storr.com

What Makes Founder-Led Businesses Unique

Posted on by Fidan

Family- and founder-led companies have always been the backbone of the U.S. economy. They account for over 60% of GDP and employ more than half of the nation’s workforce. Despite their critical role, these businesses are often overlooked or misunderstood by investors seeking short-term returns. But family-owned businesses possess some unique characteristics that are especially relevant in today’s fast-moving business landscape. Here’s why we pay close attention when a founder or family is still at the helm.

A Long-Term Mindset
Founder-led companies are usually built for the long haul. Founders think in building a legacy, not just making it to the next quarter, and are more likely to invest in innovation, reputation, and relationships over time even if it means short-term sacrifices. In a world of economic swings and constant disruption, it’s the companies with long-term orientation that tend to remain focused and adaptable

Deep Customer Relationships
Many founders started by winning one customer at a time — personally. That early commitment to solving real problems, being available, and listening deeply often carries through as the company grows. This results in family-owned companies having very strong customer loyalty, and usually a brand built on trust, not mere marketing spend.

Cultural Clarity and Purpose
Founder-led companies often have a culture shaped by the founder’s values. That kind of clarity is hard to replicate in professionally managed organizations and larger corporations where leadership turns over frequently. Family owned businesses usually have stronger team alignment and faster decision-making. They tend to hire and retain people who understand the company’s purpose and direction.

Operational Discipline with an Owner’s Mentality
Many founders grow their businesses with limited resources. That experience builds into their operational habits: running lean, solving problems directly, avoiding waste, and maintaining a close, hands-on approach to operations. This “owner’s mindset” translates into companies that are more resilient, especially in uncertain markets.

As a family business ourselves, we believe founder-led companies carry something deeply valuable: long-term vision, strong culture, and a deep sense of ownership.

When a founder is still at the helm, or their values still shape the organization, you tend to find a clarity of purpose that’s hard to replicate. These businesses usually know who they are. They’ve weathered ups and downs not by chasing trends, but by staying true to their customers and teams. They’re often leaders in niche industries with loyal clients, deep operational knowledge, and strong reputations.

But founder-led doesn’t mean perfect. Succession planning can be unclear. Growth may have outpaced systems. Founders might struggle to delegate or scale sustainably. That’s where thoughtful partnership can make a difference, one that respects the founder’s legacy while unlocking new potential.

TZG’s own approach is to combine values-driven leadership with professionalization and strategic support creates powerful outcomes for our portfolio of family owned businesses.

For long term investors like us, focused on strategic stewardship, not quick flips, these kinds of companies offer more than financial upside. They offer alignment with our own values, and the chance to help something already great grow even stronger.

If you yourself are, or know a founder or a family business owner thinking about the future, feel free to contact us. We’re always interested in speaking with well run family businesses that are profitable, resilient, and ready for the next chapter, especially in B2B services, niche manufacturing, or healthcare, where operational excellence and reputation matter deeply.