Supporting the Communities That Have Supported Us
For more than 40 years, CJ & Associates has believed that success comes with responsibility. Supporting our communities isn’t something we do once a year. It’s one of the ways we live our values every day.
Beyond Workplace Design
Giving Back Is Part of who we are
Our work may begin with furniture, design, and workplace strategy, but our purpose reaches far beyond the walls of the spaces we create. We believe GREAT companies have the opportunity to make a difference, and we’re proud to support organizations that are changing lives every single day.
Since the day CJ & Associates was founded more than 40 years ago, giving back has been part of our story. It’s a value that has been passed from one generation to the next and remains rooted in our culture today. We’ve been fortunate to build strong relationships with clients, partners, and businesses we now consider friends throughout Wisconsin. We believe success comes with a responsibility to give back and help strengthen the communities that have supported us for decades.
Additionally, we’re proud to support professional organizations and associations that strengthen our communities, inspire future generations, and advance the commercial design profession. Here’s a look at just some of the nonprofits, educational initiatives, industry associations, and local organizations that are part of our story. As our community grows, so does our commitment to finding new ways to make a difference.
Featured Organizations
Making an Impact
Every organization we support shares a common purpose: making lives better. Whether it’s helping students pursue careers in design, ensuring children have access to nutritious meals, or supporting lifesaving heart research, we’re proud to be part of something bigger.
Empowering the Next Generation
Through two scholarship endowments, CJ & Associates proudly supports future interior designers at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point and business students at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. Investing in the next generation of professionals helps strengthen both our industry and the communities we serve.
When our team took a closer look at our own design department, we discovered that many of our designers are graduates of UW–Stevens Point. It was a powerful reminder that supporting today’s students helps shape tomorrow’s workplace design leaders.
Our UW-Whitewater Scholarshi began many years ago by Curt & Judy Rudy, founders of CJ & Associates, as they have always been passionate about a college education as it was something that could never be taken away from an individual. Our incredible CJ team includes many UW-Whitewater graduates including Kim Hastings, Greg Rudy, Zack Hastings, Josh Rudy, and Jeff Hall.
That commitment is reflected throughout our own showroom. During our 2026 renovation, we honored both universities by naming our conference room and meeting spaces the Pointer Room and Warhawk Room, creating a daily reminder of the importance of investing in future generations.
A Cause Close to Our Hearts
Heart disease has touched the CJ & Associates family in many ways, making the mission of the American Heart Association especially close to our hearts. We’re proud to support its efforts to advance research, improve education, and raise awareness so more families can live longer, healthier lives.
Our commitment goes beyond donations. From participating in Go Red for Women initiatives and community events to serving in leadership, giving back is part of who we are. Our President, Kim Hastings, proudly serves on the Milwaukee Board of Directors, and every Friday you’ll find our team wearing red in support of heart health. Throughout the year, we also bring the mission into our workplace through fun traditions like chili cook-offs and other team events that raise both awareness and support for this important cause.
Helping Feed Local Children
Weekend hunger is a reality for far too many children in our communities. That’s why CJ & Associates proudly supports Blessings in a Backpack – Southern Wisconsin Chapter, helping provide food to local students who may not have enough to eat when they’re away from school.
Our involvement goes far beyond writing a check. Brand & Marketing Strategist Mackenzie Rudy currently serves on the Waukesha Advisory Board of Directors, and our team enjoys taking part in events like the annual Kickball Tournament, Race to Feed, and other fundraisers throughout the year. It’s one more way we’re able to come together, have some fun, and support an organization that’s making an incredible difference for local families.
Organizations We're Proud to Support
Inspired By Our CJ Team
Each year, employees nominate causes that are important to them, helping us give back to the communities and organizations that have touched their lives.
Professional Affiliations & Partnerships
Our commitment extends beyond the workplace. We’re proud to be active members of professional associations and organizations that support the commercial design industry, encourage professional growth, and strengthen the Wisconsin business community.
Together, We Make a Difference.
Every project we complete gives us an opportunity to invest in the communities where we live and work. Whether it’s supporting students pursuing careers in design, helping families in need, advancing heart health research, or strengthening local nonprofit organizations, we’re grateful for the opportunity to make a difference alongside our employees, clients, and partners.