Top prize in contest is an office makeover

Montgomery County companies eligible to win free services

ABC-TV's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" has risen in popularity since the series began in 2004.

So, it has made sense to some to apply the concept to the business environment. Thus was born Montgomery County's first Extreme Office Makeover.

The idea was borrowed from ARRC Technology of Bakersfield, Calif., a business partner of Mosaic Technologies of Rockville, said Scott Samborn, a principal at Mosaic, which is organizing the contest in partnership with the National Association of Business Owners and Entrepreneurs. ARRC coordinated an office makeover provided last year to a California wedding planning business, with other companies such as landscaping firms chipping in to provide services valued at $50,000.

"The concept worked great there," Samborn said. "So, we figured it would be good for Montgomery County, too."

Others have organized similar contests. For instance, the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, along with Microsoft, awarded a makeover package worth some $35,000 to a Seattle theater company. Almost 50 businesses applied.

For the Montgomery contest, Mosaic has lined up numerous companies to provide services to the lucky winning business. Those include Rockville public relations firm RMR and Associates, Bethesda financial services company RCD and Associates, Rockville law firm Whittaker and Associates, Poolesville water business IMC Water Coolers, Bethesda accounting and consulting firm Reznick Group, Bethesda business consulting company Pensare Group, restaurant chain Urban Bar-B-Que, Web developer Sisarina, Falcon Crest Commercial Contractors and Action Coach.

The value of services that include technology, marketing, financial, Web development, legal, accounting, coaching, water, construction and food runs more than $50,000, Samborn said.

"In just the first few days, there has been great interest by business owners wanting to apply, and by others wanting to help," Samborn said.

To be eligible, businesses must have operated in Montgomery County for at least two consecutive years by Nov. 30 and have at least three employees. Home-based businesses are not eligible.

Applications will be accepted through Nov. 30, with the winner to be announced in February. Every company that enters will receive a free technology analysis valued at $250, Samborn said. The community service element will play a big role, both in choosing the winning business and in companies donating services, he said.

"We want to make sure that the winning company is really deserving," Samborn said. "A lot of work and time is involved in this."

For information, go to www.extreme-office.com or call 240-399-3900, ext. 7025.

In Gazette on August 14: Read original article