Chris Cerrato, who grew up in Sherwood, graduated in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in business from Washington University in St. Louis. He started in sales as a manager with Dillard’s Fine Jewelry after college. He worked in sales for nearly 20 years with Innerplan Office Interiors in North Little Rock, rising to vice president of sales and marketing.
Cerrato formed Evo Business Environments in 2013. The commercial interiors firm has grown from revenue of $3 million to $13 million and a staff of five to 20.
Cerrato also owns Heights Golf, a full-service Little Rock golf shop opened in October 2020 with his son, Casey.
What led you to strike out on your own and launch Evo Business Environments?
I had been in the commercial interiors business for 20 years and always dreamed about how I would do things differently. Then, with perfect timing, came a perfect opportunity. Herman Miller, the biggest name in office furniture, called me. My sons were married and finishing college. If I was ever going to be my own boss, this was it. And my wife said, “Go for it!”
How has the firm evolved?
The name Evo was inspired by the amazing process of things evolving to get better. And the workspaces we create are evolving rapidly. We started with five employees and no installers, warehouse staff or delivery trucks. We knew that to provide an amazing customer experience we needed to add more great people and in-house capabilities. Now we have 20 employees, including nine in warehouse/installation, five delivery trucks, some pretty sweet tools and a penthouse office with a view of Pinnacle Mountain. I think we are the perfect size: large enough to take great care of our customers, and small enough to make changes quickly and efficiently.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love the people I work with. My co-workers at Evo have the perfect blend of working hard for the customer (and each other) while having fun. We get to work with incredible design and construction professionals every day. And of course, we love our customers. We love the joy and satisfaction that come with helping companies and organizations maneuver through the process of remodeling a space or furnishing a new building. The coming together of these groups to create beautiful, practical spaces is extremely fulfilling. I enjoy coming to work.
What challenges have you encountered during the pandemic?
A few weeks ago, I would have said “not many.” But then three of our installers tested positive for COVID, and as soon as they were able to return, two more tested positive. Balancing our concern for our employees and customers while continuing to get the job done has been our greatest challenge this year.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
“You gotta risk it to get the biscuit.” Jimmy Fallon.
Mistakes are said to offer powerful lessons. What important mistake helped to shape your career?
Years ago, I presented a PowerPoint presentation at a project interview and didn’t make the cut. I was told my presentation felt impersonal and distant. I have never made that mistake again.
Who are your mentors, people who made a difference in your life?
My junior high football coach, Billy Goss, taught me at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes football camp that Christians can live out our faith in fun and inspirational ways. My first boss in the interiors industry, Paul Holland, taught me to get out of the office and go see people in person. It’s all about relationships, and those are built face to face.
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