IHFRA Honors Emmet Root with 2018 Icon Award

Furniture World News Desk on 3/10/2018

Emmet Root is the founder of Furniture Sales of Mid-America.

The International Home Furnishings Representatives Association recently announced that it will present the Icon Award to Emmet Root at the Furniture Industry Awards Gala on April 16. The Icon Award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to the industry throughout their career, displaying leadership traits to guide and mentor individuals who are the future of the furniture industry.
Emmet Root is the founder of Furniture Sales of Mid-America. He has been on the road for 60 years and has attended over 250 national markets, with over 120 of those markets in North Carolina. His furniture career began working for his father at Dayton Hudson Department Store. When his father left his 25-year career at Dayton Hudson to become a furniture sales representative, Emmet assisted his father's young rep agency.
The October 1957 Market in Hickory/Lenoir was Emmet's first taste of the furniture industry. In 1963 Emmet founded Furniture Sales of Mid-America, still operating today, 55 years later. Over the years Emmet pioneered many lines in the Midwest: Bernhardt, Benchcraft, Douglas Dinettes, Ligo, Silver Tables, Pilliod Cabinet, and Liberty Chair. Currently, Emmet represents Progressive Furniture, Cozzia Massage Chairs, Hughes Furniture, and Woodcrest Bunkbeds.
While selling on the road, Emmet was also involved in many other aspects of the industry. As a furniture distributor with warehouses in Omaha and Denver, Furniture Sales of Mid America was one of the first importers of Asian products in the 1970's. As a leader of his wholesale furniture distribution business, the Manufacturer's Wholesale Furniture Association elected Emmet President and later Chairman of the Board.
Over his career, Emmet also had interests in furniture retail stores, furniture leasing, and rent-to-own stores, even an unpainted furniture factory. In the early 1990's, Emmet's son Mike joined Furniture Sales of Mid-America. Together they expanded the company to call on retailers in over 15 states west of the Mississippi. In 2008, Emmet's grandson Jay joined the firm making it one of the only sales rep firms with three generations actively working. Over the years Emmet and his company have been honored by various factories receiving over 50 awards in recognition of their sales distinctions.
Emmet and Fran have four boys - Mike, Terry, Tim, and Dan and seven grandchildren. Emmet and Fran were very involved in Omaha civic and charity events such as co-chair of the March of Dimes Campaign in Omaha, President of the Notre Dame Club, Serra Club of Omaha, and St Margaret Mary Church Board of Education.
Emmet has a passion for jogging and golfing. For over 40 years Emmet has logged the miles, he runs recently passing the 100,000-mile mark. Emmet loves golf, counteing eight hole-in-ones and multiple rounds of shooting better than his age. At 84 years old, Emmet puts many younger golfers to shame. If you play golf with him, expect that he will want to walk 18 holes and carry his own bag.

For more information on the April 16, 2018 Furniture Industry Awards Gala, contact the IHFRA Office at 336-889-3920 or email info@ihfra.org or Text FIAG to 80258 for event updates and Reservation Form.