Fifty years in the furniture business, both in retail & manufacturing, has given me a unique perspective on the furniture business.
My career started in 1970 thru 1980, in retail, as a salesman with Levitz furniture and ultimately as a buyer for the Florida division of Federated Department Stores.
I started my manufacturing experience with Brookwood Upholstery as Merchandise Manager, and after 5 years left to become VP of Merchandising for the Berkline Corporation. I also was the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of the Stratford /Simmons Corporation.
After 6 years I left to move back to North Carolina, where I was with Klaussner Furniture as Merchandise Manager for their motion and imports divisions. I left Klaussner and assumed the position OF VP of Sales and Merchandising for the Woodmark Corporation.
My desire to return to Florida, where I was born and lived a good portion of my life, led me to leave NC and dedicate myself to selling furniture on the road.
I initially carried Preview Upholstery but was fortunate enough to acquire Excelsior Designs for the state of Florida.
My past experience has put me in contact, in everyday working situations, with some of the best reps in the business.
What I learned from them is that nothing takes the place of hard, smart work. You cannot stay at home and expect your business to grow. A rep’s work is done on the road, in the stores, with the buyers, and most importantly with the sales people and designers who are striving to make a living selling the product.
My mantra is “Show Up”. The more the stores see you, and the more product knowledge you impart, the more comfortable they are to promote your product, and I am dedicated to making that happen!
