Meet Rick Beach & Joe Barnette

In the world of commercial office furnishings and supplies, few people bring the depth of experience and client-first dedication like Rick Beach and Joe Barnette. These two seasoned professionals, both based in Lexington, Kentucky, are trusted advisors for businesses, schools, nonprofits, and healthcare systems looking to build smarter, more functional workplaces.

Together, Rick and Joe represent over 75 years of industry experience. But even more important than their combined tenure is how they work: with precision, passion, and an unwavering commitment to solving problems for their clients.

From Independents to FriendsOffice

Before becoming part of the FriendsOffice team, both Rick and Joe owned and operated independent dealerships in Kentucky. Rick and his wife founded Rees Office Products, which they ran for 34 years before selling it in 2017. Rick has continued serving his clients and customers under a broader network of support.

Joe also ran a successful independent operation (National Office Suppliers), bringing with him a strong focus on ergonomic furniture, healthcare, and call center environments. After decades in the industry, he and his organization joined the FriendsOffice team in 2022 to expand their ability to serve clients with even more resources behind them.

What’s notable is that both of these professionals made the shift from ownership to partnership not because they were done, but because they saw the power in combining their personalized approach with FriendsOffice’s wide-reaching capabilities.

Real Results, Lasting Impact

Joe Barnette has specialized in furniture solutions for healthcare, call centers, and high-performance work environments. Some of his favorite projects include furnishing all the lobbies at Frankfort Regional Medical Center, outfitting the Fayette County Health Department, and managing an entire facility installation for a manufacturer in Torreon, Mexico in just seven days.

More recently, we joined Joe on-site post-installation at God’s Pantry Food Bank in Lexington. The result? A beautiful, remodeled facility and workspace that is as functional as it is inviting. Joe’s long-standing relationship with the project lead made communication and execution seamless. Together, they selected furnishings from KFI (reception areas), AIS (desking), Sit-On-It Seating, and cafeteria tables from The HON Company. The installation supports the nonprofit’s mission while staying well under budget—a huge win.

Joe says what sets him apart is what happens after the sale:

“I manage the project from beginning to end, coordinating with the design team, contractors, facilities team, and installers. That hands-on involvement makes a big difference.”

Rick Beach, who focuses primarily on commercial furniture, still performs a lot of the design and layout work himself. He takes pride in returning to client spaces post-installation to hear feedback firsthand and look for ways to improve future results.

We joined Rick on-site during the early stages of a furniture installation for Whitaker Bank. This project was a great example of Rick’s ability to stay hyper-aware and focused on client satisfaction. He personally knows the family who runs the organization and has worked closely with their project manager for years. This trust, built over decades, makes a visible difference in execution and collaboration. The full-floor installation included HON Accelerate panel systems, 45 cubicle workstations, private offices, and Ignition 2.0 seating.

One of Rick’s early career wins was also in banking, a major installation that built his confidence in taking on large-scale, high-stakes projects.

“Providing solutions and solving problems is what I bring to my customers. Following up on the smallest details and showing a personal interest in the customer—that sets us apart from others.”

When big-box competition arrived in his town years ago, Rick’s emphasis on local service and relationship-building helped his independent dealership thrive while others closed their doors.

Why Local Experience Still Matters

When clients work with Rick or Joe today through FriendsOffice, they don’t just get two experts, they have access to an entire team of designers, customer service specialists, delivery professionals, and project coordinators. But what never changes is the personal investment Rick and Joe bring to every job.

They understand workplace needs across verticals and building types. They know which products deliver real value and long-term durability. And perhaps most importantly, they make sure the entire experience, from layout to delivery to installation, goes smoothly.

Conclusion
Whether you're furnishing a new healthcare wing, upgrading your office lobby, or solving a complicated space challenge, Rick Beach and Joe Barnette bring the insight and experience to get the job done right. With FriendsOffice behind them, they’re ready to take on your next project, and prove that relationships and results are what truly matter in today’s workplace.