Global Warming Minnesota Style

Greetings from the Tundra,

Some people ask, can you really leave this beautiful furniture outside all year long? The bench in the photo is an antique we found in a remote village of Java, Indonesia. It now resides in a suburb of Minneapolis, Minnesota at JL's sister, the Thorsgaard's home. The photo is of our daughter Eva and her friend on the second day of winter, December 22nd.

This bench is left outside year round and like all teak furniture, it fades to a beautiful gray patina with no up keep.

Getting out of the Arizona desert and up in a Minnesota winter makes it really feel like the Holidays. Enjoy the season.

Designer Suess Unveils New Teak Line At Barrett-Jackson Show

Well, the news we have waited to hear for a while has happened. World renowned indoor and outdoor designer, Mark Suess will make an appearance to introduce his new creations at the Barrett-Jackson show, January in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Check back here to find out the exact dates he will be in Scottsdale. There will be a seminar associated with this along with an official unveiling to the media and the public.

Here is the official information:

Dec. 21, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Global Surroundings, LLC introduces the Mark Suess Collections of teak furniture for indoor, outdoor living
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Phoenix-based Global Surroundings is introducing the Mark Suess Collections of teak furniture at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event Jan. 13-20.

“The Barrett-Jackson event is the perfect venue to introduce the Mark Suess Collections to the world,” said Global Surroundings owner JL Jackson.

With dramatic dimensions, luxurious fabrics and a bold new take on traditional teak, the Mark Suess Collections bring casual furniture to new levels of style, scale and comfort.

“The discerning clientele attending Barrett-Jackson appreciates the finer things in life, and the Mark Suess Collections deliver,” Jackson said.

“Barrett-Jackson has transformed into a must-attend event, with patrons from all over the world not only attending to witness exquisite collector vehicles cross the block, but to take part in the lifestyle elements that are just as much a part of the experience," said Craig Jackson, CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company.

“We are proud to partner with Mark on his two latest collections, Bellasera and Tuscano. Mark is a very special talent," JL Jackson said. “Not only is he a visionary for outdoor living, but he also is a very hands-on designer. After Mark drew the designs, he worked side by side with our Indonesian craftsmen to convey his ideas for creating these exquisite pieces.”

The Mark Suess Collections are at home inside or out, crossing the threshold of what traditionally have been viewed as two distinctively different furnishing styles.

“These new collections have the same grand proportions as today’s luxury homes. The furniture supports the architecture and invites large-scale outdoor spaces to be lived in comfortably,” Suess explained.

The Mark Suess Collections will be on display in the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event’s “Lifestyle” Pavilion at Westworld in Scottsdale.

About Global Surroundings, LLC: As the global leader in sustainable, ecologically friendly furniture, Global Surroundings is a designer, manufacturer and importer. JL and Jay Jackson founded Global Surroundings in 1998 after living and traveling several years throughout Southeast Asia.

Mark Suess

Global Surroundings Skates Along With Bali Roadmap

Remember this date: December 15th, 2007.

The Bali Road Map is going to change the future of our climate and change the way people look at our business. Clearly the United States is finally going to be on board with the rest of the world on climate change and it will trickle all the way down to the furniture industry in a big way.

Ten years ago when we began this business, we used recycled teak wood to build furniture simply because it looked cool and was a good story. Now today the world is realizing that keeping your carbon footprint to a minimum is good for everyone.

In 2008 look for us to incorporate more designs with reclaimed teak and even other mediums.

Whether you are a retailer, a designer or an end user, the time is now to hop on the eco-friendly train. This is not "greenwashing". This is real, and now the tipping point has finally arrived. Welcome to our journey.

Here is a photo of one of my recent trips to Bali. Sometimes I inline skate to be very eco-friendly in small villages as I look for interesting finds.

Tuscano Bar Introduced

Recently we introduced the Tuscano Bar and Bar Stool to the Mark Suess Collection. The Bar is very elegant and because it is made of teak wood, it can be used inside or out.

The Bar Stool is of teak an iron and is very durable. The heavy iron used will not blow away. The hand carving on each piece is stunning.

See these pieces at the Barrett-Jackson Auction coming up in Janary in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Paddy O To Open New Store In Scottsdale

Paddy O' Furniture is set to open their newest location about January 1st on Scottsdale road just south of the 101. This will be a fabulous new store showing off furniture both indoors and out.

Their furniture is always displayed beautifully and the quality is top notch. Check out our Rusteaka Collection as they are the exclusive retailer in the valley. Please email us at jay@globalsurroundings.com for further information.

Suess Collections To Be Unveiled At Barrett-Jackson

When you introduce the most beautiful outdoor teak furniture in the world, it may as well be at a special place. Non other than the most famous car auction in the world. Furniture at a car auction you say? It has been widely known that the Barrett-Jackson auction has turned into much more than cars.

There is an entire "Lifestyle Pavilian" that includes everything from Jewelry, High-end electronics to Lear Jets and now of course the unveiling of the most high-end teak furniture available anywhere!

Mark your calendars for this once in a lifetime showing, January 12-20th in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Here is their web site to learn more: http://www.barrett-jackson.com/

Its too early to announce yet, but we may even have the designer himself, Mark Suess making a appearance at the show. Please come back here to the blog to learn more.

Here is a sampling of what we will be showing:

and

Get ready to see first hand the most beautiful and comfortable outdoor teak furniture ever unveiled!

Rusteaka Collection Hot in Texas

It seems lately the Rusteaka Collection is seeing the hottest reception right now in Texas. We have two retailers in particular, that are doing an outstanding job with Rusteaka. Covering Austin and San Antonio is the very stellar outdoor retailer: Greenhouse Mall. They have two locations in the Austin area and one in San Antonio.

Rusteaka fits in well in the Hill Country and they are the premiere retailer in the area.

The Arrangement is a fabulous furniture store with locations in Dallas and Houston. They bill themselves as "The Best of the New West Home Interiors". Their vision is to create unforgettable home and office settings inspired by the spirit of the west. The store in Dallas is absolutely stunning. If you are headed in to see our products, we suggest you move quickly. On the last two shipments, the furniture is being sold when its still in the back warehouse.

We worked in conjunction with them to design a custom bed. Made of reclaimed teak wood, a carved headboard, this bed is very unique. Texas is a big state but these two retailers cover the 4 major cities very well. Please look them up and check out Rusteaka!

Eco-Friendly Teak Furniture

November 29

Outdoor Chat Tables perfect for the "Outdoor Living Room"
We are pleased to introduce this new Rusteaka Chat Table. At 42 inches square it is the perfect table to complement the Rusteaka Club Chairs in an "Outdoor Living Room". Made of reclaimed teak wood with a Varathane applied to the top of the finish, this table is a great addition to a Tuscan themed backyard or restaurant.
It is higher than a typical coffee table and lower than a dining table, making it perfect for eating and drinking from your favorite club chair, like the Rusteaka Club.

The Rusteaka Chat Table with Slatts on top for rain to go through.

November 16, 2007

Tuscan Style Table and Chairs Perfect for Contract Projects

Recently we introduced the Tuscano Round Table and Bellasera Benches. Made of fiberglass reinforced cement with a rustic patina applied, the Tuscano Table is perfect for the project that requires an old-world feel with the materials that will last up to the rigors of a commercial project.
The Bellasera Benches are perfect for dining around the table or work great around a firepit outside. Made of teak wood, the Bellasera Benches are not only beautiful but practical too.

October 15, 2007

New sized Lawas Bench Introduced

By popular demand the Lawas Bench has been made in a new smaller depth to accomodate entry ways and areas that do not have room for the original Lawas. The painting and overall design remains the same. This has our dark stain with a wirebrush finish. The carving is uniform and the painting has friendly earthtones.
The stain has a Varathane sealant over the top to be left outside.

This is a great bench around a golf course.

October 7, 2007

Photoshoot of Mark Suess Collections -

The photoshoot the weekend of October 6th was a huge success with many thanks going to the assistance of Photographer Chad Duxbury, and Valley Commercial & Residential Realty, for the use of the spectacular old world tuscan estate in prestigious FireRock Country Club of Fountain Hills, Arizona that is for sale.
We knew the Mark Suess Collections were a hit from the incredible success of the Chicago Casual Show in September. By providing the atmosphere to place the Mark Suess Collections into, they really complimented the look of this beautiful mulimillion dollar home.

Click here to see a preview of the products in their element.

September 24, 2007

Chicago Casual Show Review - "Best of Show"

The introduction of the Mark Suess Collections was a huge hit. Many retailers and members of the media pronounced the Mark Suess Collections, "Best of Show". "Stunning, Beautiful, the most gorgeous outdoor furniture I have ever seen", were some of the comments overheard during the wine & cheese reception at the show.

Mark Suess, JL and Jay Jackson at the Chicago Casual Show.

Click here to see more of the Chicago show.

September 7, 2007
Chicago Casual Show - Special Reception
Monday, 3-6 pm, Booth 9052, 8th floor.
We will be having special wine & cheese reception introducing Mark Suess and his new collections in our booth. Meet Mark and learn the inspiration behind the unique, beautiful teak collections. Discover the best designs in outdoor living.

Tuscano Club Chair designed by Mark Suess.

August 25, 2007

Mark Suess Collections - He does it again....

Mark in Bali, Indonesia.

Mark Suess has been designing furniture for years. I believe his latest collections created exclusively for Global Surroundings is his best work ever.
We are fortunate to unveil his newest collections at the Chicago Casual Living Show September 17-21. We will be in Booth 9052 on the 8th floor. Monday, September 17th we will be hosting a reception from 4-6 pm introducing his latest collection.
Distribution will be very limited on these exciting new collections. Here is the press release :
Global Surroundings, LLC Introduces Mark Suess Collections Teak Furniture.
More details about the upcoming show: http://www.globalsurroundings.com/marksuesscollection.htm

July 15, 2007

Head West Young Man, Head West.

Lounging in the comfortable Rusteaka Club Chair in Glacier National Park.

After many years at various trade shows and meeting many end users and retailers, many people have said our stuff would really work in the high end ski communities in the Rocky Mountains.
So early July I decided to head to Montana and work my way all the way to New Mexico. Here is just a list of the some of the high end areas I was at starting in Montana: Bozeman, Missoula, Kallispel, Big Fork, Whitefish, Big Mountain and Big Sky.
I then traveled to Jackson Hole, Wyoming where I saw first hand how the Billionaires are truly pushing out the Millionaires. I was fortunate to say with a friend who "house sits" a wealthy guys home in Teton Village and his 100 acre estate next to the ski mountain. The neighbors are the Waltons, Duponts, Carlsons and others.
The big growth for our furniture appeared to be on the west side of the Tetons in eastern Idaho. Many world class resorts for golfing, fly fishing and skiing are popping up everywhere in what was once farm land.
Heading further west brought me to Ketchum, Idaho, home to Sun Valley. The theme started to resonate home by now how global warming is shortening their ski seasons and affecting their quality of life in the mountains. When I explained how eco-friendly our reclaimed teak furniture is, retailers really started to take notice.
From Idaho, I pointed the minivan south with my full load of samples in tow. Salt Lake City, Utah was a good fit for our indoor and outdoor lines. The same in Park City where the 2 to 10 Million dollar estates are growing like weeds. Similar growth in Deer Valley all the way to Heber City.
Next came Colorado, the granddaddy of high end ski communities. Some areas in Colorado I covered were: Frisco, Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain, Vail, Beaver Creak, Edwards, Eagle, Glenwood Springs, Basalt, Aspen, Crested Butte, Gunnison, Montrose, Ridgway, Telluride, and Durango.

The large scale cabins and lodges are perfect for our Rusteaka look.

Heading south again brought me to Santa Fe and finally Taos New Mexico where our versatile furniture complimented the pueblo style very well.
After leaving Phoenix the end of June, I drove to Texas and then north to Minnesota. After leaving Minnesota I headed to the mountains and within 5 miles of Canada in Glacier National Park. From there I drove all the way to New Mexico and finally headed back to Phoenix.
8000 Miles and 5 weeks on the road. A trip of a lifetime. Time to rest.... Well, at least till September when I head off to Chicago promoting our new line of Mark Suess Collections at the Chicago Casual Show.....

Up a creek with more than a paddle.

June, 25th, 20007

Furniture the size of Texas.
Although We have been working with the Don Bennett and HC Haynes as our sales Reps in Texas and surroundings states for over a year, I still wanted to write on our blog what a wonderful job they do for selling to retailers in both indoors and out.
Their expertise and knowledge is unrivalled and we truly enjoy our relationship with them both. I wanted to include this Press Release, albeit a bit over due.
Global Surroundings, LLC Announces Bennett & Haynes as new Reps.
Scottsdale, AZ. September 1st , 2007 -- Global Surroundings, LLCGlobal Surroundings announces the hiring of Bennett & Haynes as manufacturers sales representatives to their sales organization.
“Don Bennett and HC Haynes have over 70 years of sales experience between them in selling both indoor and outdoor furniture”, explained Global Surroundings owner, JL Jackson. “Our partnership with them is important because not only do they know Texas and the surroundings states so well, but they also sell into both the indoor and outdoor markets.”
“We are grateful to have the experience and support of both Don and HC on our team”, said Jackson.
Bennett & Haynes’ territory includes Texas, Louisiana, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri. Don Bennett is located in Dallas, TX. Phone: 972-771-5290 and HC Haynes is located in Austin, TX. Phone: 512-327-6426.
About Global Surroundings, LLC: As the global leader in sustainable, ecologically friendly furniture, Global Surroundings is a designer, manufacturer and importer. JL and Jay Jackson founded Global Surroundings in 1998 after living and traveling several years throughout Southeast Asia. Contact: Jay Jackson, Global Surroundings LLCPh: (480) 543-8889 Fax: (866) 393-1307 jay@globalsurroundings.comVisit http://www.globalsurroundings.com/ for more information.PO Box 19927, Fountain Hills, AZ. 85269

June 13, 2007

OK, I have written in May after my trip to Indonesia and now I am just getting back to writing again.
After a few days on the road in California, I came home to my mail and opened the June issue of Casual Living Magazine. I was pleased to see 3 of our retailers won awards for 2007. Congratulations to Hauser's Patio and Rattan ( Most Fashionable Retailer), Paddy O'Furniture, (Best Use of Accessories - Multistore), and The Greenhouse Mall, (Best Outdoor Display - Multistore).
I especially want to thank Doug of Hauser's for believing in our company to include photos of our Rusteaka Collection on his floor with his beautiful pillows. Here is a photo: http://www.globalsurroundings.com/casuallivingjune07.htm

May 20, 2007

In the middle of May, 2007 I made the trip to our factory in Java, Indonesia. I was fortunate to have the prominent designer, Mark Suess accompany me to work on the new outdoor line that Mark and Global Surroundings will debut in September at the Casual Market in Chicago.
Although we will not release information out on this new line until the show, I can only say that outdoor and indoor living has definitely merged into a beautiful and comfortable world.
Click here to see more of our trip.