Pittsburgh native knows the importance of giving back to those in need

When you are born with seemingly insurmountable challenges, you understand the importance of giving to those who need help. That’s how it was for Ed Meyer, who was born into a blue-collar Pittsburgh family. His father worked endlessly to be sure he could put food on the table for his family. Ed’s mother battled with anxiety and depression. Their struggles didn’t end there.

Ed was born with lymphangioma, or a cystic hygroma, a cyst most commonly found in the neck. Ed needed surgery immediately after birth. Doctors had to remove a portion of the hygroma, believing that if they didn’t, he was going to choke. Two days after Ed was born, he was baptized and given his last rites, with many thinking he wouldn’t survive the medical challenges that lay before him. Seven days later, another surgery was performed and more of the hygroma was removed.

Over the next six months, Ed had several more surgeries. He also developed a staph infection during his stay at the hospital. Ed would need many more surgeries for many years. How would a family that was barely making ends meet find a way to care for this sick child?

Unfortunately for his parents, no Children’s Free Care Fund was available to help them through Ed’s surgeries and treatments. With loans and donations, they scraped together enough to pay for the surgeries. By the grace of God and the wonderful care of his doctors, the lymphangioma was reduced, and Ed was given the chance to live a normal life.

Ed’s family faced financial and emotional challenges for years, but Ed was a Pittsburgh boy who was determined to not only change the course of his life, but also to make a difference in the lives of others. As an adult, he started several small businesses, the largest of which is Tri-State Office Furniture. The company has the largest selection of new, remanufactured, and quality used office furniture in the Tri-State area. The new furniture is from some of the most recognizable names in corporate and residential office furnishings.

Ed wanted to help others start a business if they were on a limited budget. He also wanted to help the environment, and does so by saving and refurbishing old furniture otherwise destined for the landfill. With new, used, and refurbished high-quality furniture choices, Tri-State Office Furniture can accommodate any client’s needs, and they do so with incredible customer service.

The pride Ed takes in his furniture and in his business is no different from the pride he takes in the love of his life, his children, his mother, his sisters, and his employees. His dedication to the people who work for him and the people he meets each day is served with passion and enthusiasm. These are the qualities that Ed possesses. They stem from the experience of conquering an illness as a small boy. He understands the gift of life. Ed has battled a second undisclosed illness for the past several years, but through treatments and the grace of God, he survives.

This year, to help those in need, Tri State Office Furniture is sponsoring the 2018 Pittsburgh Magazine Ultimate House. All benefits of the tours go to the Children’s Hospital Free Care Fund. Ed’s hope is to make a difference in the lives of children and their families so they do not have to struggle like he and his family did.

A proud small-business owner and Pittsburgh native, Ed Meyer welcomes the opportunity to meet you and discuss your business needs. When you buy from a small business, you aren’t helping a CEO buy a third vacation home. You could help a little girl get ballet lessons or a little boy get his team jersey. You could help a mom put food on the table, a dad pay a mortgage, or a student pay for college. In the end, helping others is what life is all about.