Bush Industries, Inc., a leading global manufacturer of reliable and affordable furnishing solutions for work and home, announced today the company has completed the final phase of separating into two distinct operating divisions – Bush Furniture and bbf. Effective immediately, each division assumes their brand name and will operate as a separate strategic business unit of Bush Industries.
Bush Furniture will continue to focus on the retail furniture market and e-commerce channels, and bbf will continue its focus on the commercial furniture market. Both businesses will operate autonomously with separate profit centers and dedicated resources; however, they will continue to share select services such as information technology (IT), human resources and finance.
“Over the past 18 months, Bush Industries has been aggressively transitioning to this business
model,” said Jim Sherbert, CEO of Bush Industries. “We’ve completed a successful rebranding of
our divisions, built an impressive portfolio of products and services, and formed valuable
strategic partnerships -- all of which results in two very strong concepts positioned for even
greater growth and success. We are excited about the transition and the future of both Bush
Furniture and bbf.”
To support each business unit, the company is reinvesting to enable expansion in the areas of
sales, product development, marketing and distribution. The sales organizations of each
division will continue to grow with the addition of internal and independent sales
representatives. Each will have a devoted national sales force to help drive more multi-channel
sales opportunities and support the expansion in the retail furniture market.
New Leadership Structure
With this transition, Bush has appointed a new leadership structure. The two business units will
be managed separately under the leadership of Patrick Theimer, president of Bush Furniture,
and Jim Garde, president of bbf. Both Theimer and Garde will report directly to Jim Sherbert.
“As current executives of Bush Industries, both Patrick and Jim bring the diverse, solid
leadership experience and industry expertise needed to drive each of these businesses to the
next level,” added Sherbet. “I have tremendous confidence in both of them and their role in
guiding Bush Furniture and bbf into the future.”
Patrick Theimer joined Bush Industries more than two years ago as executive vice president of
marketing and e-commerce. He has been responsible for the strategic and tactical
implementation of all product and brand marketing and ecommerce design. He brings to the
role of Bush Furniture President years of executive leadership experience in ecommerce
operations, marketing and channel management, and finance with companies such as eDiets,
Boston Proper, Inc. and Triarc Companies.
Jim Garde has served as chief financial officer and executive vice president of Bush Industries
since 2006. Through his vast executive-level financial and operations experience with Bush and
companies such as Heidelberg Digital LLC and Heidelberg Web Systems, Inc., he brings to his
new role a disciplined management focus and proven track record of leading company
operations and increasing profitability.
An 18-Month Transition
Over the past year and a half, Bush has implemented an aggressive marketing strategy with its
rebranding efforts, new product lines, and new partnership initiatives. In August 2010, Bush
announced its partnership with kathy ireland Worldwide® (kiWW®) and launched kathy ireland
Office by Bush Furniture. In June 2010, the rebranding of its commercial division as bbf created
a stronger, contemporary brand, aligned to the transactional requirements of small and
mid-sized businesses, as well as specific market niches such as the serious office-at-home
professional.
In addition to the rebranding efforts undertaken for Bush’s commercial division, Bush also
organized Bush Furniture to include five main collections: kathy Ireland Office® by Bush
Furniture, my|space® by Bush Furniture, Bush Furniture Signature, Office Connect and
Workplace Solutions.
About Bush Industries, Inc.
Bush Industries, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of case goods and ready-to-assemble furniture
designed for office and home applications. The company operates two North American divisions
– bbf and Bush Furniture – along with its Rohr division in Germany and its China operations.
With a 50-year legacy built on quality, safety, reliability and durability, Bush Industries is the
trusted leader in designing furnishing solutions that meet work and home needs. The company
is headquartered in Jamestown, N.Y., with manufacturing and distribution facilities located in
western New York, Pennsylvania, China and Germany. For more information, visit
www.bushfurniture.com.