Verlo Mattress Factory Stores Hires Three Executives

Furniture World Magazine

Verlo Mattress Factory Stores has recently welcomed three new members to its Home Office team: Sherry Kline, Laura Chierici and Kelly Hastings. Sherry Kline is Verlo’s new retail merchandising manager. Originally from Oklahoma, Kline began her career in the furniture industry nearly 10 years ago, employed as a visual merchandiser for Mathis Brothers Furniture in Tulsa. Space planning and accessorizing a 75,000-square-foot showroom were daily tasks for Kline. When she was promoted to merchandiser, her responsibilities entailed everything from conception to completion for 13 mid- to high-end lines. She was accountable for product selection, space planning, pricing, marketing, merchandising, ordering, scheduling of arrivals and customer service. Kline holds an Associates Degree in Interior Design and Liberal Arts from Tulsa Community College, receiving both in 1997. Kline said she is excited to be part of the Verlo team, saying, “I came to Verlo because I was looking for a career, not just another job. I hope to learn all I can from those around me and pass on the knowledge I have gained from my experiences.” Laura Chierici, Verlo’s retail sales trainer, brings 11 years of furniture-industry experience to the table, with the last six years spent working for a national bedding retailer. After earning her undergraduate degrees in Education and Psychology at Beloit College, she worked as a high school teacher for three years. Upon entering the business world, Chierici realized her first love was sales. Utilizing her background in education and her passion for sales, she made the transition into sales training. “As a sales trainer for Mattress Giant, I found the sales process is more of a customer-education seminar. When this is executed successfully, the result is a profitable and positive customer experience,” Chierici said. She settled into the bedding industry because she believes selling a good night’s sleep to someone is perhaps one of the most satisfying sales one can make. On a personal note, she has resided in Chicago most of her life. “I live there now with my husband, Dave, and many four-legged animals who have decided we were welcome to live with them. I’m excited to be part of the Verlo team, and can’t wait to be an active participant in the growth of our business!” Verlo Mattress Factory Stores Director of Assembly Systems and Compliance, Kelly Hastings, hails from Minnesota. Hastings brings nearly 15 years of experience in the bedding industry to the table. Prior to joining the furniture industry, Hastings spent time in the Army in California as a supply specialist. He made the transition from Army life to the bedding industry, working for King Koil. After leaving King Koil in his native state, Hastings worked for VyMaC Corporation in Whitewater for two years as the plant manager. Before returning to Whitewater, Hastings worked for Serta Inc. in Chicago for seven years as the quality assurance manager. His role there enabled him to travel the United States and Canada to work with licensees on building consistent, quality products. “I feel fortunate to have worked for some of the top mattress companies in the business and am excited to be back with the Verlo team.” Hastings added that he was always impressed by Verlo’s progressive business practices and is thrilled to be back with a company that has its eye on the future. Hastings currently resides in Alexandria, Minn. with his wife, Megan, a Web communications manager for Tastefully Simple, and his three spoiled English setters. He enjoys golfing, hunting, fishing and his newest pastime, riding his horse, Grizzly. About Verlo Mattress Factory Stores Headquartered in Whitewater, Wisconsin, Verlo Mattress Factory Stores is the nation’s largest Craftsman-Direct® mattress retailer, providing specialty sleep products directly to customers. The Verlo Mattress Factory Stores Craftsman-Direct philosophy is a unique concept in the industry. Mattresses are handcrafted to customer’s specifications. In addition to mattresses, Verlo Mattress Factory Stores also sell a wide range of futon sofa sleepers and futon sofa sleeper mattresses. Customers will also find quality ornamental headboards, pillows and mattress pads.