Ed Bates Rejoins Spring Air As VP & Director of Sales Northeast Region

Furniture World Magazine

Ed Bates, who built the Spring Air brand in New England over the 25 years he operated the local license, has rejoined the company as vice president and director of sales for the Northeast Region, stretching from Maine to New Jersey. Bates was one of the leaders of a group of eight independent licensees who sold their businesses in June of 2007 to create a unified Spring Air Company. Since that time he was a part-time consultant to the company. “I love this brand, our people and our customers. It was hard for me to sit on the sidelines and I wanted to get back into what I think is a very exciting company,” said the legendary Bates, known for his unique style and for being one of the most successful sales executives in the mattress business. “We are returning to our roots as a Back Supporter company and an aggressive value brand, which is right where we need to be. Further, the current management team has done a wonderful job fixing the service and quality issues that had plagued the company.” Bates will report to Spring Air’s Acting CEO Steve Cumbow. He said he was “thrilled” when during a recent meeting with Bates to discuss the company’s plans for the northeast, the former plant owner offered to play a more central role in the company. “What has really impressed me about Ed in the many discussions he and I have had over the past few months is his genuine love of the brand, our people and customers,” said Cumbow. “He was willing to roll up his sleeves to make it happen for us in the Northeast and we are quite excited about that.” “We are very excited to have Ed on our team. The Bates name is synonymous with customer service in New England. He really understands our customers and what they need from Spring Air in order to be successful. That is a true asset for us in this difficult business climate,” said Senior Vice President of Eastern Regional Sales Robert Patten. Founded in 1926, The Spring Air Company is one of the world’s largest mattress manufacturing companies with more than 650 employees in nine locations. Its well-known consumer brands include: Back Supporter Classic, Back Supporter Four Seasons, Nature’s Rest and Chattam & Wells.