University Loft Appoints New Controller

Furniture World Magazine

University Loft Company, the leader in children’s bedding and the largest supplier of furniture to college and universities, has promoted Chris Collins, formerly Accounting Manager, to the position of Controller. Along with reporting directly to Jeff Moe, Vice President of Operations, and James Jannetides, President and Founder of University Loft Company, Collins is responsible for overseeing the accounting department, financial reporting, both internal and external, and most recently, serving as Project Manager for the $22 million development that will be the central headquarters for University Loft Company. He will be working with Lauth Property Group, contractors of the new site. The most exciting aspect of his new position, Collins stated, “Being financially responsible for a company growing at 30% a year.” He also enjoys working on the development project, although he noted that it can be a “difficult and cumbersome project”, but will definitely be worth the process in the end. Collins has been with University Loft Company since November 2001 and is 2001 University of Southern Indiana graduate with a degree in Accounting and Finance. University Loft Company was founded in 1986 by James Jannetides while attending the University of Southern Illinois. James built a loft for his room to maximize space in his typically small dorm room. Other students admired his loft system, and that summer James invested his savings in enough wood to build 400 loft units. Upon returning to school, these high-demand lofts were sold to fellow students and that’s where ULC was born. Today, ULC manages more than 1,200 university accounts per year, including the elite Yale University and John Hopkins University. University Loft Company is considered a leader in the government sector and retail division, as well. ULC has been recognized by winning the Blue Chip Enterprise Award, 25 Fastest Growing Company in Indiana, and The Growth 100 in Indiana awards. James Jannetides was voted in the 1999 40 under 40 award in Indianapolis and was recognized as the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year in Manufacturing. Committed to providing a superior product with an unmatched service level, University Loft Company is the leader in the contract furniture industry.