The near-constant stream of negative news today can be exhausting. Every day it seems another company in the industry closes facilities, lays off people or simply closes its doors. The list of venerable, multi-generational businesses that for one reason or another are unable to continue seems to grow longer each day.
That’s why this issue of Furniture Today, our Annual People Issue, is one of my favorites.
We began doing this issue six years ago to highlight the movers and shakers that give the industry its vitality. Because at the end of the day successful companies are driven by smart, hard-working, creative and passionate people.
Think of the companies whose fortunes have risen and fallen over the years, those that had a great run but weren’t able to sustain the momentum or who, after a period of great success suddenly seem to have lost their mojo.
Dig a little deeper, and you’ll often find that their “mojo” was the leadership of a key individual or was driven by a team of creative individuals who knew how to get things done. The ability to meld diverse personalities, strengths and weaknesses to create something special often gets lost in discussions of dollars and cents, of profit and loss.
But it’s the people that give a company its personality and that drive its culture.
That’s why this issue is a celebration of the people who give the furniture industry its unique identity. The original concept was built around a group we call People to Watch. These are often individuals who have taken on a new role, either at their existing company or at a new one.
Because we are amid a transition period within the industry, both demographically and in terms of changing business models, you’ll notice that many those on this year’s “Watch” list are new presidents, CEOs or senior executives, either taking on that role for the first time or bringing their previous leadership experience to a company in search of a new direction.
This year’s issue also includes a celebration of five industry Titans, these giants of the industry have built storied careers growing successful companies and contributing beyond their own four walls to support the ongoing health and growth of the furniture industry. This inaugural group of Titans includes Stickley’s Amini Audi, Jeff Child from RC Willey, co-founder of Rooms To Go Jeff Seaman, Clarence Smith from the venerable 139-year-old Haverty’s organization and Ashley Furniture Inds.’ Todd Wanek.
It’s difficult to imagine what the industry would be like without anyone of these legendary leaders.
Last, but far from least, is our Annual 40 Under 40 class. These are the people who will ensure the health and vitality of the industry for years to come. Far from being a participation award for young people, this recognition is an acknowledgement that among all those who are working their way into the industry these young people have made their mark the quickest. It’s a celebration of their accomplishments to date, with a subtle expectation that these young people will be among tomorrow’s legends.
No pressure.
We hope you will join us in celebrating all these great contributors to the industry.