SF Mart Hires Two Leasing Directors

Furniture World Magazine

As Summer Market proceeds in San Francisco, the SF Mart announces that it is expanding its leasing staff with the hiring of two new leasing executives, Jaime Montiel and Gayle Scherer. These two high-profile leasing directors will spearhead an aggressive expansion and diversification of the Mart’s furniture, decorative accessory and gift exhibitors, as well as align the Mart’s year-round design business with its overall strategy. They will employ their extensive knowledge of the furniture and gift businesses to develop a comprehensive assortment for both permanent leases and temporary venues. In cultivating a progressive exhibitor mix, Montiel and Scherer will draw upon their experiences in transforming and building businesses while providing exemplary customer service to existing customers. They join the long-standing leasing team of Frank Fano, Frank Briones and Susan Sanchez. “Jaime and Gayle are real assets to our team,” says the Mart’s General Manager Roseann Carini. “Under their direction, our leasing staff will go about their jobs in a new way, with new ideas and approaches and with renewed energies. We are delighted to have such experienced professionals on staff.” Both Montiel and Scherer combine dynamic personalities with a sound business savvy. Scherer joins the Mart with a prestigious industry background. She most recently worked for Thomasville Furniture Industries as accessory buyer and visual manager, and played a pivotal role in opening 15 new stores in California. She also opened stores for Norwalk the Furniture Idea and Great Rooms. Montiel brings solid experience in sales and trade show management with an emphasis in the gift industry. He has worked for influential companies such as Magenta, Inc., Tansu Design and El Plato Design. The Mart’s biannual Markets will continue to evolve, and the Mart will offer more events supporting the design and gift trade, such as smaller shows, design seminars, special events and unique attractions. “We are a new business – a destination in a significant metropolitan area that cannot be overlooked,” states Carini. “With a population of 6.7 million, the Bay Area is the fifth largest metropolitan area in the country. Combined with an average household income of almost $84,000, we have an excellent opportunity to expand our business by becoming a destination for designers and independent retailers.” “The up-tempo that was indicative of our Markets will now become the standard for our day-to-day business as designers, their customers and retail buyers shop for furniture, accessories and gifts,” says Carini. With a history spanning 90 years, the Mart has a long legacy of providing retail buyers and design professionals with stylish furnishings, great values and meaningful educational opportunities. The building, located at 1355 Market Street between Ninth and Tenth Streets, is open to the trade only. Summer Market 2005, August 3-6, is being held in cooperation with the SF International Gift Fair. For more information, visit www.sfmart.com or call 415-552-2311.