Mattress Firm, Inc., one of the nation’s leading specialty mattress retailers, announced the promotion of Jason Goodman to director of multi-channel business development, a new role, and the return of founder Paul Stork as manager of franchising.
Goodman will oversee the multi-channel sales department, as well as maintain oversight and overall responsibility of the franchising department. His added focus includes expanding and growing the company into new revenue channels that provide untapped or underdeveloped opportunities.
Goodman has 14 years of experience within the furniture industry and has held several roles at Mattress Firm. Most recently, Goodman served as manager of franchising and in two years grew the department from 52 franchise locations to 78 locations. He strengthened the franchise foundation with a keen focus on growth, consistency and clear standard operating procedures to prepare for more aggressive expansion in 2011.
“Jason has been a key player in expanding the Mattress Firm brand and, as we continue our strategy for growth, his role in the niche markets of franchise and external revenue streams will prove to be instrumental in establishing Mattress Firm as the number one specialty mattress retailer in the nation,” said Steve Stagner, CEO of Mattress Firm.
Stork, one of Mattress Firm’s three founders, is returning as the manager of franchising and will work closely with Goodman on the growth of the department. Stork will have day-to-day responsibility for assisting the current franchise owners in the growth and development of their businesses. He has a long-standing relationship with many franchise partners and vendors, which allows for a seamless transition into the role. Additionally, Paul will pursue new franchise markets and implement best practices across the network.
“I am excited to be back and see how much Mattress Firm has grown since it started in 1986. I am particularly excited to be part of the franchising department because it gives me a chance to re-connect with old friends and business partners and interact with all functions of the company,” said Stork. “Additionally, it provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs to grow a successful, profitable business from a model that has continued to evolve since Harry Roberts, Steve Fendrich and I started the company 25 years ago.”
Stork co-founded Mattress Firm with Roberts and Fendrich in Houston, TX. He severed as president for 15 years and led the sales, merchandising and operations functions. His return to the organization completes the homecoming for all three founders – Roberts rejoined in January 2010 in a franchise development role and Fendrich recently returned as chief strategy officer in September 2010.
“We are thrilled to have all three founders of Mattress Firm back with us in roles that are centered on our growth,” said Steve Stagner, CEO of Mattress Firm. “You can feel their passion for Mattress Firm when they enter a room and they have a tremendous amount of industry knowledge that will help propel future growth.”
About Mattress Firm, Inc.: Houston-based Mattress Firm (www.mattressfirm.com) is one of the nation’s premier specialty bedding retailers, offering a broad selection of both traditional and specialty mattresses from leading manufacturers, including Tempur-Pedic, Sealy, Simmons, Stearns & Foster, and Sleep to Live. Founded in 1986, Mattress Firm’s purpose is to improve lives one night at a time. With more than 600 stores across 22 states, Mattress Firm offers consumers the benefit of highly trained, knowledgeable sales professionals, a broad product offering, and competitive prices in an attractive and comfortable store environment. Mattress Firm is majority owned by J.W. Childs Associates, L.P. (“JWC”), a private equity firm based in Boston, MA investing in middle-market consumer products and specialty retail growth companies. Since 1995, JWC has invested in more than 40 companies with a total transaction value of over $12 billion.