CORE Business Interiors<\/a> has been named a winner in The Business Journal\u2019s 2026 Family Owned Business Awards.<\/p>\nThe Fresno-based commercial interiors company was founded in 2009 by Tom and Lisa Zimmerman and their daughter, Andrea Benson. What began as a small family business has grown to about 70 employees serving clients throughout the Central Valley and Central Coast.<\/p>\n
The company provides workplace strategy, interior design, furniture procurement, modular interiors, flooring, project coordination and installation services.<\/p>\n
Starting a company in 2009<\/p>\n
CORE was born after the firm where Benson and her father worked went bankrupt during the recession.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the end of 2008, my dad and I worked for another firm that went bankrupt, and so we decided to start our own,\u201d Benson said in the company\u2019s FOBA video.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a great time to start a company in 2009,\u201d Tom Zimmerman added dryly.<\/p>\n
The founding philosophy centered on creating a positive workplace, providing clients with tailored design services and giving back to the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we started, we knew more about what we didn\u2019t want a company to be than we did about what we did want it to be,\u201d Lisa Zimmerman said. \u201cWe wanted it to be a positive work environment. We wanted to be excited to come to work every day, and in addition to providing an amazing service for our clients, we wanted to benefit the community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Designing for the client<\/p>\n
Tom Zimmerman said the company\u2019s approach also distinguishes CORE from firms that impose a signature style on clients.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe actually are designing for our customer,\u201d he said. \u201cWe really want the outcome that they get to be what is going to work for them.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Two generations of the Zimmerman family are involved with the business, with a third generation learning the ropes in Zoe Benson, right, Andrea\u2019s daughter. Photo by Backstory Creative<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
A handoff in progress<\/p>\n
CORE is transitioning to its second generation of family leadership, with Benson serving as CEO. Tom Zimmerman remains founder and Lisa Zimmerman serves as chief financial officer. The company said its succession plan calls for gradually shifting leadership responsibilities to Benson while maintaining mentorship from her parents and strengthening the internal leadership team.<\/p>\n
Benson\u2019s leadership developed through hands-on experience across the business. In the video, Tom Zimmerman described watching her grow from a college graduate into a leader who took on responsibility beyond her experience at the time.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe wasn\u2019t afraid to stretch herself,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Lisa Zimmerman said her daughter\u2019s leadership, vision and execution made her a natural fit for the role.<\/p>\n
More than $1 million given back<\/p>\n
Benson said her priorities as CEO include maintaining the company\u2019s community focus while building on the foundation her parents created.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think that overall our vision is really making an impact in the community,\u201d Benson said. \u201cWhat I really love is us having the opportunity to not only create really inspiring spaces, but also to give back to our community, no matter what that is.\u201d<\/p>\n
CORE has donated more than $1 million since its founding, supporting organizations including Fresno Mission, CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties, Marjaree Mason Center, Central California Food Bank, Ronald McDonald House Charities and educational groups, according to the company\u2019s FOBA application.<\/p>\n
The company has won six Haworth Best in Class Awards and a 2019 Outstanding Business-School Partnership award from Fresno Compact. Benson was named to Business Street\u2019s 40 Under 40 list in 2014, and CORE and Benson received CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties\u2019 annual partnership award in 2025. CORE is also a certified Women\u2019s Business Enterprise through the Women\u2019s Business Enterprise National Council.<\/p>\n
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