Kincaid Receives Distinguished Service Award

Furniture World Magazine

Steven M. Kincaid, president of Kincaid Furniture, Hudson, N.C., as well as president of La-Z-Boy’s Casegoods Group, received the American Home Furnishings Alliance Distinguished Service Award on Nov. 19 at the group’s 2005 Annual Meeting in Lake Las Vegas, Nev. Described as an even-tempered and gracious industry executive, Kincaid was given the honorary title, “Benevolent Leader.” “Known for always overseeing an efficient manufacturing operation, he cut his teeth as a business management student with interest in furniture design and production,” said La-Z-Boy Chairman Patrick Norton in presenting the award. “Moving up within the ranks from the lumberyard to sales rep to executive and CEO gave him close ties to his company’s employees and taught him key lessons on what sincerely motivates people.” Kincaid’s father, J. Wade Kincaid, and grandfather, George Kincaid, launched the family business in 1946 making cedar chests and wardrobes in a small building with five employees in Hudson, N.C. Today, Kincaid Furniture Company makes a broad selection of case goods and upholstery. During his tenure as AHFA’s president in 2003, Kincaid strove to engage the rank and file membership and called them to action and involvement. His year began with the formation of a Blue Ribbon Committee charged with reinventing the association and the way it serves its membership. The changes implemented throughout 2003 resulted in a leaner organization better equipped to respond to member needs and industry issues. Kincaid served as chairman of the International Home Furnishings Market Authority Board when it was formed in 2001, replacing the International Home Furnishings Marketing Association as the official sponsor of the April and October High Point markets. “His greatest contribution was the ability to bring the various parties and diverse interests together with the vision of a common goal,” Norton stated. Kincaid also serves as a board member for the American Furniture Hall of Fame and is a respected community leader. His passion for education is evident in his work for Communities in Schools, a program to tutor and mentor at-risk high school students. He also has established a college program for Kincaid employees. AHFA has presented the Distinguished Service Award annually since 1966 in recognition of a member’s contributions to the furniture industry. Recipients are chosen for their time and effort devoted to improving the industry; their executive presence and stature; their willingness to work to solve industry problems; and their integrity and leadership within their community, state and industry. The American Home Furnishings Alliance –located in High Point, N.C. and Washington, D.C. – is the largest association of home furnishings companies in the world and represents more than 250 leading furniture manufacturers and distributors, as well as 225 suppliers to the furniture industry worldwide.