HFRA Honored Ron Wanek With Icon Award During High Point Market

Furniture World News Desk on 10/25/2022

Pictured Left to Right: Ron Wanek, Ashley Furniture (Icon Award) Neil Friedman, Legacy Rep Award, David Koehler, Johnny Janosik Furniture, Retailer of the Year Award, Jack Hawn, Zenith Global Logistics, Pillar of the Industry Award, J. Michael Anderson, Legacy Rep Award, Craig Anderson, Rising Star Award, Tommy Leflein, Distinguished Service Award.

More than 600 home furnishings professionals filled the Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center at High Point University to celebrate with the honorees of the International Home Furnishings Representatives Association’s 26th annual Furniture Industry Awards Gala.

The annual event, known as FIAG, is IHFRA’s yearly event that honors outstanding participants in the home furnishings sector.

“Our theme, Students of the Game — The Class of 2022 Honor Roll, dovetailed perfectly with the new venue, the recently-completed Conference in the heart of High Point University,” said IHFRA Executive Director, Ray Allegrezza.

This year, IHFRA honored Ron Wanek, the founder of America’s largest home furniture manufacturer and retailer, Ashley Furniture Inds., with its coveted Icon Award.

According to IHFRA, The Icon Award recognizes  an individual who has made significant and withstanding contributions to the industry throughout the course of his or her career.  Through selfless acts and service, the recipient has displayed the leadership traits to guide and mentor the future of the industry.

Jack Hawn, CEO at Zenith Global Logistics, was presented with  the Pillar of the Industry Award, which is presented to an industry leader who has distinguished him or herself with creative work and effort to improve, enhance and benefit relationships among reps and other segments of the industry. 

Top 100 retailer David Koehler, CEO of Johnny Janosik Furniture, was presented with the  Retailer of the Year Award.

The Retailer of the Year Award recognizes individuals or organizations that have distinguished themselves through industry leadership, business achievement, and service to their community.

Tommy Leflein, a veteran independent sales rep and IHFRA past president, was awarded the group’s Distinguished Service Award. His is IHFRA’s highest honor bestowed to a member of the organization who, by deed and action, has enhanced the image of the home furnishings sales representative in the community and industry.

Two IHFRA members, Neil Freidman and J. Michael Anderson, each received the Legacy Rep Award.  The Legacy Rep Award is given to a rep who has been on the road for 30 years or more, is still active and has established relationships that have lasted throughout the years.

Craig Anderson was honored with  the Rising Star Award given to a rep who has been on the road for five years or less and displays qualities that make them stand out to both their retail customers and manufacturers.

In his opening remarks, Allegrezza recognized each of the honorees for their professionalism, dedication, integrity and success. He also said that they shared another trait—a strong moral compass.   In recognition of that, IHFRA, in cooperation with the City of Hope, presented each honoree with a beautiful hand-crafted compass made by a family-run company in Scotland.

In addition, IHFRA surprised AICO president Martin Ploy, who is retiring this year,  with a certificate of appreciation for his numerous contributions to the industry.

“Last year, we hosted FIAG as a virtual event, and it was great, but with the furniture industry being so familial and social, we were thrilled to go back to an in-person platform,” said Allegrezza. “And for me, the icing on the cake is hosting our gala at High Point University’s stunning convention center, $170 million-dollar state-of-the-art facility.”

Based on feedback from attendees and the honorees, Allegrezza said that the event was given an A+.  “Thanks to the support from all of our sponsors and the hard work from the IHFRA staff, the event was a huge success and created lots of positive energy and buzz to help kick of the market.”

About IHFRA

Founded in 1934, IHFRA is the largest association dedicated to serving independent home furnishings sales representatives. 

Based in High Point, North Carolina, IHFRA currently has in excess of 1,600 members and is the central hub of communications, education and programs for home furnishings sales and marketing professionals. For more information, visit www.ihfra.org.