Modular office furniture--that's SMED International's business. Despite the seemingly boring nature of their line of work, their is still a sense of unsolvedness (What does SMED stand for?) and intrigue (they are fending off a hostile takeover).

This post reminds me of a game I play in traffic. I pick out nearby trucks, and call the numbers on the side. When the recptionist picks up, I tell them that I am sitting next to their truck in traffic; invariably they ask if I am calling to report bad driving. They always chuckle when I tell them that I am not calling about that, but am merely curious as to what their company does. If they're still amenable to questions, I ask how the business is going, what the truck is hauling and if this job is a job they really enjoy, or what they'd rather be doing. Be friendly and polite--These people are another glimpse of the city.

The mystery of SMED, resolved. I'd be curious to see transcripts of your calls.