Chuck Donally has become a key figure in revolutionizing the office furniture landscape in St. Louis.
Since the founding of P•O•E in 1988, alongside partners Larry Born and Bob Funke, Donally has consistently pushed for innovative space solutions that meet evolving client needs.
The company initially began as a Kimball dealer and quickly grew in stature, securing major projects like the $10 million Southwestern Bell Headquarters.
In the 1990s, P•O•E transitioned from Kimball to Haworth, one of the premier names in the office furniture industry.
This strategic shift marked the beginning of Donally’s vision to bring modern, adaptable interiors to St. Louis.
Under his leadership, P•O•E became the city’s first “Preferred” Haworth dealer and eventually the exclusive distributor for Haworth’s dynamic and environmentally friendly Organic Workspace solutions.
Donally’s impact was felt beyond just furniture distribution. By focusing on adaptable and sustainable interiors, he introduced a new way for companies like Express Scripts and Enterprise Holdings to think about office design.
His goal was to create work environments that could evolve with the changing needs of businesses.
In 2018, P•O•E celebrated its 30th anniversary and continued to solidify its place as a leader in workplace planning.
Moving the company’s headquarters multiple times over the years to better reflect its growing stature, P•O•E finally settled at 222 Millwell Drive in Maryland Heights.
The location now serves as a “Living Laboratory,” a concept championed by Donally, showcasing innovative office solutions in a real-world setting.
The company also expanded into the Springfield, Missouri market, reflecting its steady growth.
Reflecting on his journey, Donally’s career is marked by an emphasis on client satisfaction and the ability to adapt to constant change.
His influence extends beyond just office furniture, positioning P•O•E as a full-fledged workplace solutions firm.
P•O•E continues to thrive under the leadership of Mark Stegeman, who has been recognized as “Best Boss” in St. Louis, a testament to the work culture Donally helped establish.
Donally’s legacy in St. Louis office furniture is one of innovation, adaptability, and client focus.
His efforts have not only reshaped physical spaces but have also had a lasting impact on the way businesses in St. Louis approach their work environments.