LA-Z-BOY Announces Reorganization Of Sales Management Team

Furniture World Magazine

La-Z-Boy Incorporated, the nation's largest manufacturer of upholstered furniture, has announced the reorganization of its sales management team for the company's residential division. According to Kurt Darrow, vice president of sales for La-Z-Boy, the changes are designed to maximize regional sales opportunities and accommodate growth in the company's national accounts. Don Svenby, formerly national accounts sales manager, has been named Midwest regional sales manager for La-Z-Boy. The position previously was held by Coleman Cody, who recently transferred to the company's merchandising department. In his new role, Svenby oversees sales activities in six states, including Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota, and supervises a team of 21 representatives. In addition, he retains responsibility for the Montgomery Ward, HomeLife and Art Van accounts. "Don has been handling our national accounts business since 1995 and has done an excellent job," said Darrow. "The expansion of his responsibilities reflects his outstanding performance and our confidence in his ability to positively impact field sales as well. " Svenby has extensive retail field management experience from his 20-year career with Weberg Furniture, a top 100 furniture retailer. While at Weberg he was regional sales manager overseeing nine Colorado and Illinois stores. He also has a diverse background in sales management, store management, merchandising and operations. Chip Stewart has been hired as national accounts sales manager. In this position, Stewart is responsible for all of the company's other national furniture chains, including Rhodes, Haverty's, Heilig-Meyers, Farmer's, Leath and Badcock, as well as its rental and military business. Stewart comes to La-Z-Boy from Riverside Furniture, where he held a similar position. Prior to joining Riverside, he spent three years with BenchCraft Furniture in national accounts, and 14 years with the Simmons Company. "Chip has a strong background and understanding of the unique needs of national retailers," said Darrow. "We are confident in his abilities to provide the type of service and direction these important customers require." In other changes, Blaine Stout has moved into the position of Central regional sales manager for La-Z-Boy. After five years as the company's Western regional sales manager, Stout now is responsible for the eight-state Central region, including Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas, and supervises the region's 22 sales representatives. "The Western region has experienced higher growth during Blaine's tenure than any region in the company," said Darrow. "This move allows Blaine to broaden his base of experience while bringing his expertise to our Central region." Taking over as sales manager for the Western region is Bill Herrmann. New to La-Z-Boy, Herrmann spent the past 20 years with the Stratford Company in southern California, most recently as vice president of West Coast sales. During his career at Stratford, he was responsible for major account development, regional sales management and operation of the company's West Coast manufacturing plant. In his new role at La-Z-Boy, Herrmann oversees sales activity in 12 states, including Washington, Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico, and supervises the region's 25 sales representatives. "We are pleased to welcome Bill to the La-Z-Boy organization," said Darrow. "He brings with him an impressive track record in sales and management and we are glad to have him become part of our team." Rounding out the La-Z-Boy sales management team are Jay Smith, Southeast regional sales manager and Ken Salm, Eastern regional sales manager. All sales managers report directly to Darrow. Headquartered in Monroe, Mich., La-Z-Boy is the nation's largest manufacturer of upholstered furniture and the world's leading producer of reclining chairs.