Built on Experience. Driven by Relationships.
the riff group is a family-owned installation company built on experience, reliability, and long-standing industry partnerships. The team brings decades of hands-on expertise in commercial furniture and architectural system installations.
Leadership That Guides Every Project.
Susan Schlear, Owner
Susan graduated from Moore College of Art and Design in 1993 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Illustration. She brings more than 15 years of experience in graphic design and publication, managing projects from concept through completion.
In September 2024, Susan joined the riff group. While the industry was a shift from her previous roles, she brought with her a strong familiarity with the trades. Growing up with a father who spent more than 45 years in the Philadelphia Carpenters Union, and being married to a union carpenter, she developed a natural understanding of the industry and its culture.
As co-owner of the riff group alongside her husband Bob, Susan oversees the company’s administrative operations, sales, and marketing efforts. She is focused on supporting the continued growth of the company while maintaining the strong relationships and family-oriented culture that define the riff group.
Bob Schlear, Owner
Bob began his career after graduating from the Carpenter’s Apprenticeship Program in 1989. He spent more than a decade working as a carpenter and lead foreman for a major installation company before joining the riff group in 2002.
As Director of Installation Services, Bob played a key role in the company’s growth by implementing systems for estimating, job tracking, field payroll reporting, and customer relationship management. His leadership helped strengthen partnerships with many of the region’s leading furniture dealers and manufacturers.
In 2018, Bob became President of Installation Services, continuing to expand the company’s capabilities and client relationships. In 2025, Bob and his wife Susan became owners of the riff group, continuing the company’s long-standing commitment to providing expert furniture installation services for dealers, manufacturers, and end users throughout the Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Delaware regions.
The People Behind Every Successful Installation
