Specialties
Visual Merchandising, Event Design & Decor, Artist Collaborations, Creative Gifting
History
Established in 1999.
As a creative agency rooted in the principles and practice of visual merchandising, we provide solutions for brand activation through visual strategy and development, planning, sourcing, implementation, and hands-on execution, bringing life to consumer experiences across all platforms. Employing the best visual merchandisers and designers, we're your resource to create a visual experience that elevates your space to the next level, drives consumer traffic, and increases sales.
Founded in 1999 in Columbus, Ohio, by creative directors and visual merchandising experts Joe Baer and Paul Cook, ZenGenius was built on the belief that our unique talents are an opportunity and a gift to help the world through visual merchandising.
More than 20 years later, ZenGenius has built an extensive network of visual merchandisers, creative directors, stylists, and designers, who constantly question, tinker, and challenge the status quo to bring life to your brand through visual experiences.
Meet the Business Owner: Joe B.
From humble beginnings as a visual merchandiser for Lazarus Department Store in Ohio, to his role as a visual manager for Macy's/The Broadway stores in the 1990s, Joe's passion for visual merchandising has followed him throughout his retail career. After returning to Ohio in 1996 to work with the renowned Columbus-based design firm Chute Gerdeman, Joe later co-founded ZenGenius, Inc. with partner Paul Cook in 1999. Their fierce entrepreneurial spirit and strong desire to give back to the community, established ZenGenius as industry-leading visual merchandising experts in Columbus, later expanding nationwide. Often you'll find Joe emceeing community and industry events, supporting the local arts community, or mentoring students from The Ohio State University and beyond. In recent years, his passion for education and fostering a new generation of talent has brought him closer to the mission of PAVE and its fundraising efforts.