Jeff Katz, The Fulton Stores
The Greater New York Home Furnishings Association (GNYHFA) announced that Jeff Katz, General Manager of The Fulton Stores has been chosen as the recipient of the 2010 Jerry Gans Memorial Award.
The Fulton Stores operates in Brooklyn, the Bronx and Queens, New York, offering high quality furniture, a vast array of styles, and excellent value.
The Jerry Gans Memorial award honors prominent members of the furniture industry for distinguished service. This year, for the first time, this award will be presented at a jointly held formal dinner and dance that includes members of both the Greater New York Home Furnishings Association and Metropolitan Furnishings Association at The Landmark, located on Route 17 South, East Rutherford, NJ, Saturday evening, December 4th, 2010.
Throughout his career, Mr. Katz has devoted himself to pursuing best practices in furniture retailing. He oversees merchandising and buying for the six-store chain, and manages the substantial accounts receivables portfolio that Fulton has accumulated over the years. He was also instrumental in helping the GNYHFA to head off retail licensing legislation that would have forced NY retailers to post large bonds with New York City. (Feel free to add or edit).
“We are so pleased that Jeff will be accepting the Gans award this year,” said Andy Gans, for whose father the Award is named. “He is widely respected in the home furnishings community, not only for his ability to run a profitable family business through these tough times, but also for being a good friend to his suppliers, and a role model to his employees. His leadership is reflected in the way Fulton Stores is perceived in the industry and by its customers.”
Mr. Katz will share the spotlight with two individuals honored by the Metropolitan Furnishings Association. Eric Bernstein of Berkshire Furniture, Union, NJ will be presented with the Howard Liveright Award. Chris Clarizio, a furniture representative for Klaussner Home Furnishings and widely known for his work with the Dean Michael Clarizio Cancer Foundation, will be named Dean of IHFRA.
A commemorative Journal is being prepared so that friends, family and business associates can honor Jeff Katz, Eric Bernstein and Chris Clarizio with a message.
“This event will be a fantastic holiday season party for New York and New Jersey retailers, reps, manufacturers and suppliers,” said Chris De LIsa, President of GNYHFA. “We’ve chosen a beautiful new venue for this year’s dinner and dance that offers a central location, beautiful facility, fantastic food, drink, networking and entertainment.
For more information about the event, to make dinner reservations or reserve space in the Journal to honor Jeff Katz, please contact Alan Granetz, email: metrofurnassoc@gmail.com telephone: 908-725-3460. Production questions about the Journal should be directed to Russell Bienenstock, 914-235-3095 or 2010journal@furninfo.com.
About Fulton Stores & Jeff Katz: The Fulton Stores began its 70+-year run in the 1930’s with Jeff’s grandfather Harry Gordon. Harry was a custom peddler in those days that would go door to door throughout Brooklyn offering a variety of merchandise for sale. From bibles to refrigerators he would see his customers every week and bring them whatever they needed for their homes. Since almost no one he saw could afford to pay outright for the larger items, he established accounts for them on which they would pay from 50cents to a few dollars every week. Over time, he built up a business and could afford to hire a few other salesmen who would do the same thing. Eventually, it was time for a store and Fulton Outfitters was established.
Since the time he was young, Jeff was coming in to the store regularly with his dad, Phil, who was brought into the business by Harry along with Harry’s sons Richard and Ken Gordon. One store grew to two and then three and right out of college, Jeff decided that the family business was right for him. From the early 80’s he immersed himself in the family business, adding and managing additional locations as opportunities arose.
Today, with the help of another family member, Darren Gordon and the guidance of his dad and uncles, the family furniture business has survived the transition to the 3rd generation. Something that many other family businesses do not make it through, and an achievement Jeff is truly proud of. The other thing he feels proud of is his family. Together with his wife of 25 years, Wendi they are raising two bright and beautiful daughters Sadie, and Hannah.
About the Jerry Gans Memorial Award: The Jerry Gans Memorial Award is given in recognition of an individual who has distinguished himself/herself with deeds and service to the industry. This award was established in the name of Jerry Gans who gave honor and dignity to his profession.
About GNYHFA: The Greater New York Home Furnishings Association has served Home Furnishings Retailers, Reps, Manufacturers and Suppliers to the industry for over 60 years. Affiliated with IHFRA, the GNYHFA offers many programs and networking opportunities.
About MFA: The Metropolitan Furnishings Association is a not-for-profit organization is designed to foster, promote and protect the interests of those engaged in the New Jersey’s home furnishings industry. The Association is composed of retailers, representatives, designers, manufacturers, transport, and other service related industries. Its mission is to create and foster a spirit of mutual respect and esteem among fellow members in the home furnishings industry. MFA also provides a voice for the furnishings industry both in Trenton and Washington and provides other member benefits.