The Hairdresser Phenomenon

Julianne Ingles

I've noticed something about Ben Lenz, owner of Lenz Design, a graphic design business in Chicago. He's a very focused individual. As I sit here surrounded by distractions - I've the attention span of a flea - and try to focus on this article and stop listening to the two women here at the library gabbing away, rather loudly, I pause and try for a moment to pretend that I am Ben Lenz. It does seem to help, for a few moments anyway.

My first impression was that Lenz's ability to focus has led to the success of his business (the ladies are still chatting away). But yesterday I had an interview with him, and, hmm, I think there may be more to it than just that.

After many years of freelance graphic design work for a Swedish Bio-Medical company, Lenz was in need of some creative challenges. He stepped out of his comfort zone and Lenz Design was born. The first five years of business he had two employees. There was a lot of activity in the office - gluing and pasting and doing mock-ups - but soon the way he did business began to change. Now Lenz works solo and 90% of his work is done at the computer and by email.

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