AIS Builds Leaders: How Culture Redesigned And WTFP Are Powering Career Growth

AIS (Affordable Interior Systems, Inc.) is a leading U.S. manufacturer of high-quality, affordable office furniture with a reputation for speed, efficiency, and workplace innovation. With 30 years in business and a rapidly growing workforce, AIS has always believed in investing in people as much as products.

Vice President Deanna Zarrella shared, “What sets AIS apart is that anyone can get a job, but what we offer is a career. We’ve had many success stories where someone comes in for one role and, through training and development, we identify skills and create a customized career path for them. That’s been part of our culture for the last 8 years.”

As AIS grew, however, the leadership noticed a gap: while technically skilled employees were being promoted into leadership roles, many lacked the soft skills to lead effectively. “We promote employees because they are technically skilled, but we lacked leadership training. Leaders directly impact engagement, retention, and performance. I’m not a trainer, nor is my HR team, so meeting Adriana from Culture Redesigned was huge. She understood manufacturing, bilingual needs, and customized training for us.”

AIS’s training provider, Culture Redesigned, led by Adriana, recognized the workforce needs for AIS. Adriana says, “They wanted to provide leadership skills. Their employees are bilingual, but some of them have bachelor’s and master’s in other Spanish-speaking countries. So, we tried to really think creatively because we knew they didn’t need English as a second language. What we were trying to prepare them for was leadership positions.”

To meet those needs, Culture Redesigned facilitated training in both English and Spanish: “Even though they speak English fluently, we realized they would learn and retain more if the class was in Spanish. That adjustment made a big difference in how employees felt about coming to training and how much they participated.”

The program was customized for AIS’s culture. “They have a great culture! They’re a very diverse company. So, we were working on really creating frameworks, regardless of what level you’re at, that you could really practice. So, we’re talking emotional intelligence, effective communication, anti-harassment, conflict resolution… everything has been tailored for them, and the training materials become theirs so new employees can learn the same frameworks.”

The results were immediate and inspiring. Adriana noted, “I think the employees have responded well. They want to come, and they want to learn, not just go through the motions. They’re very engaged in all the activities.”

Deanna saw a similar perspective, she says, “One of the biggest takeaways is conflict management and situational leadership. Before, we promoted people without giving them the soft skills to lead. Now, they’re applying what they learn every day. I hear feedback like ‘I just used what I learned in module 15 this week.’ It’s not material they file; it’s being used actively on the job.”

The program also gave growth opportunities for individuals. “Some individuals in the training are becoming team leaders. One moment that stood out was when they had to do a three-minute leadership presentation. Many were overwhelmed by public speaking, but after doing it, they felt proud and accomplished. The feedback was very positive, and they realized they needed to take that step even though it was unfamiliar. “Much of this progress was made possible through the Workforce Training Fund Program (WTFP), which enabled AIS to invest in long-term employee growth. Deanna praised the fund’s accessibility. Deanna says, “There’s a stigma that the grant is clunky or burdensome, but it’s actually very simple. The state has kept it easy – like putting gas in your car. Reporting is straightforward, payments are timely, and support is responsive. Overall, it’s been seamless. I’d encourage businesses to apply.”

Adriana shares why these workforce programs matter to companies: “AIS has been very creative about cultivating talent, supporting working mothers, and helping people with degrees from other countries grow within the organization. They keep retention in a healthy place and are a poster child for manufacturing. Programs like this complement workforce strategy. State investment in private company training makes a big difference in helping employees gain new skills, which benefits both the employee and the company.”

With 90 employees added and 64 already trained, AIS has strengthened its culture of continuous improvement. “Employees are more motivated and loyal,” said Deanna. “They see leaders who support, coach, and inspire them. That reduces turnover and builds a culture where people want to stay and grow. We want AIS to be the premier employer in North Central Massachusetts, where it’s not just a job, it’s a career.”

With the support of the WTFP grant and Culture Redesigned leadership training, AIS is equipping today’s workforce with the leadership skills needed to drive the company forward.