Futorian Furnishings Adds 23 Sales Team Members

Furniture World Magazine

Futorian Furnishings, Inc. has expanded its sales force, adding 23 new sales people, completing its changeover to an entirely company rep sales team with no independent contractors. The move is designed to enhance service levels to all customers. "Our goal is to out-service the competition," explained Larry Adelman, CEO of Futorian. "We have expanded our sales team and have opted to bring all reps in-house to form a totally integrated sales force." The new sales team members just completed a four-day course at the company's Stratolounger plant in New Albany as part of a new emphasis on training in areas such as customer service skills, product knowledge and merchandising tactics. The sales team also is being armed with merchandising materials ranging from dealer ads to a new CD-ROM which features products and a variety of advertising and merchandising options for customers. "We are making changes in response to our customers' needs and our growth objectives for this year and beyond," said Adelman. Since joining Futorian last May, Adelman has made a number of changes, including revitalizing the product line, revamping the company's management team and moving the company's headquarters to Bannockburn, IL, north of Chicago, where a new showroom will be part of the site. Following nearly a year of reorganization and change at the company, Adelman reports 1998 first quarter Stratford sales up 26.4 percent overall compared to the same period last year. Simmons Upholstery has also gained strength in trade sales, reporting a 17 percent gain over the same period last year. Futorian Furnishings, Inc. represents Stratford, Simmons Upholstery and Barcalounger, offering motion furniture upholstered stationary furniture and sleep sofas under the Hide-A-Bed brand name. Territory Managers: James Castellan, William Craven, Todd Evans, Tim Fausel, Michael Hester, Mat Herman, Michael Hester, Richard Knapp, Jill Martinez, Carla McQuire, Robert Monson, Rick Morgan, Duane Richardson, Helene Rouse, Andy Truell National Account Managers: Pat Kirby, Eileen Zalud, Gary Hagan. Inside Sales Reps: Larry Andersen, Cynthia Esposito, Janice Olson, Robert Remington, Marla Zidman.