Densford Named Steltimeier Winner

Furniture World Magazine

The International Home Furnishings Representatives Association announced that Allan Densford of Oakton, Virginia, has been named the 1998 Rudy Steltemeier Award of Member Excellence winner. A member of the Maryland/DC Chapter, Densford was chosen because of his outstanding service to IHFRA, his chapter, and sales professionals. Densford began his career in the furniture industry in 1962 in Washington, DC, in the family business, William E. Miller Furniture. Over the course of 22 years, he worked in all facets of the retail business, though primarily as Director of Operations. After the store closed in 1984, he entered the manufacturing side as an investor and sales representative. Currently, he represents Salem Square, Contemporary Furniture Designs, and Bucks County Furniture. His involvement with IHFRA includes serving as Program Chair for four years, Chapter President in 1992-1993, and Chairman of the Board in 1993-1994. In addition, he currently serves as the chapter's liason to the Home Furnishings Council. Densford has also been a major force in legislative education, helping lead the political fight of the independent representative on Capitol Hill. The Rudy Steltemeier Award is given to an IHFRA member who has exceeded in their generosity of time and effort in the industry. The award goes to a representative who devotes time to help young novice representatives as well as retailers entering the business. It was established to honor Rudy "Pappaw" Steltemeier, a veteran sales representative from Tennessee who mentored over 20 young, enterprising sales professionals during his 66 years on the road. Steltemeier was known for his commitment to retailers, at time using his own money to make it possible for stores to carry his furniture. Densford was honored at IHFRA's 4th Annual "March on Washington," a meeting and conference dedicated to educating legislators on the needs of the self-employed, small business sales professionals. It was held March 1-4th, at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, DC. E-mail:  ihfra@aol.com or to visit IHFRA's web area Click Here.