NHFA names 2009 Retailers of the Year

Furniture World Magazine

Donald C. Marks, recently retired from Badcock & More, and Miller- Waldrop, led by Kent and Beckey Waldrop are National Home Furnishings Association’s Retailers of the Year for 2009. Winners are selected in two categories, companies with annual sales volumes of more than $10 million and those with volumes of $10 million or less. Marks was formerly president and CEO of Mulberry, Fla.-based Badcock & More, one of the country’s largest home furnishings retailers with more than 300 stores. Kent and Beckey Waldrop are third-generation furniture retailers of their Hobbs, N.M., company, winner in the under $10 million category. The award, signified by a Baccarat crystal obelisk, is the highest honor the 89-year-old trade association can bestow upon a member. The industry will recognize the accomplishments of Marks and the Waldrops and their team of associates at a gala dinner, reception, and awards ceremony on Monday evening, April 27, during the High Point Market. The gala will be held on the Club Floor, Green Wing, International Home Furnishings Center. In September, 1998, Don Marks joined Babcock & More as president and CEO, the first non-family member to hold this position. In the first eight years of his tenure, company profits increased 280 percent. He is credited with bringing about a unified store image and new marketing practices and was instrumental in the implementation of the supply chain operations for the company. Marks’ charitable and community involvement include Ronald McDonald House, United Way, Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, American Furniture Hall of Fame, City of Hope and his local church. During the past three years Miller-Waldrop Furniture has increased sales, gross margins and profits. Customers for the last three years have voted Miller-Waldrop the “Best of Lea County, First Place Furniture Store”. The Waldrops and their associates set the standard for innovation and integrity in their business practices. They are always eager to discover new merchandising, marketing and sales ideas while at the same time delivering superior customer service. The Waldrops have worked for Habitat for Humanity Hobbs, Court -Appointed Special Advocates for Children program and Adopt-A-School program. Many of the teacher lounges throughout the Hobbs Municipal Schools have been refurbished by Miller-Waldrop. Kent has been particularly active with the Hobbs Chamber of Commerce and the local Rotary Club. Retailers of the Year are selected on three criteria: service to the home furnishings industry, contributions to the communities where they do business and creative leadership of their own companies.