During our 2026 NeoCon visit, we added a twist to our normal annual trip activities. Valley Design hosted a special gathering to recognize two significant milestones: 40 years in business and more than four decades of NeoCon attendance by Co-Founder and CEO Butch Isensee.
Tuohy Furniture, who is a neighboring business and partner here in southeast Minnesota (and where Butch worked prior to starting Valley Design), graciously opened its showroom for the casual occasion, and their team helped make the evening a success from start to finish.
Surrounded by customers, longtime business partners, and industry friends, we had the opportunity to celebrate not only these milestones, but also the relationships that have helped shape Valley Design throughout the years.
Throughout the evening, stories were shared, memories were revisited, and conversations highlighted the growth, challenges, and accomplishments that have defined the last four decades.
It was great to spend time with colleagues and friends who were in Chicago for the show, whether attending or exhibiting at The Mart or Fulton Market.
Bringing together so many familiar faces in one place served as a reminder of just how interconnected the commercial furniture industry can be and how valuable those connections become over time.
While the evening recognized Butch’s longstanding involvement and influence within the industry, it also served as a tribute to the customers, suppliers, partners, and friends who have contributed to Valley Design’s success over the past 40 years.
Looking back on the experiences we’ve shared and the relationships we’ve built made for a memorable evening and a meaningful start to another NeoCon.
