Eric Heller '72 Takes Seat at Entrepreneurial Table with Unique Logo Chairs

April 8, 2004

April 8, 2004, Greencastle, Ind. - An idea by 1972 DePauw University graduate Eric Heller and his business partner -- to sell Herman Miller chairs that feature university logos -- has become an entrepreneurial hit, notes an article in today's Grand Rapids Press. The Michigan newspaper says in the year since Heller and Bob Dentzman founded their company, the chairs have become hot sellers. The company has contracts with "at least 30 major universities whose alumni now can show their school spirit by purchasing a logo-themed chair."

The story points out that "Heller played football at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana," and schools "that have approved the use of their logos for the Aeron chair include Michigan State, Purdue, Northwestern, the University of Southern California, the Air Force Academy and Grand Valley State University. Some schools offer logo chairs to graduates. For example, graduates from the University of Notre Dame's executive M.B.A. program have the opportunity to buy an Aeron chair with the Notre Dame logo." They're priced from $725 to $899.