LAS VEGAS — The way Walker Furniture co-owner and CEO Larry Alterwitz sees it, he’s got a good decade before he thinks about hanging it up.
That said, Alterwitz’s latest moves have the Las Vegas-based retailer set for success and continuity in the years to come. In June, Walker promoted Jay Lee to president and Mike Newton to chief operating officer.
“I’m at a point where Walker Furniture needs to go with some senior management,” Alterwitz told Furniture Today. “When I’m in my mid-70s, I’ll be able to step back, and it will be in good hands and have the horsepower it needs for growth.”
Growth is a big part of Walker’s future plans, in Las Vegas and outside the metro. “I see potential for growth and excellence with our real estate we have. I see the potential for significant growth here in Las Vegas and in other markets, maybe Mesquite,” Alterwitz said.
Lee is all in on the plan as well and said his day-to-day duties haven’t changed at all since his promotion from vice president of operations and business development. He said he’s learning all he can from Alterwitz.
“Larry has been a great teacher to me and a great mentor. I’m going to continue to learn,” Lee said. “Future growth plans for us, are fill the Vegas market and look at other markets like Mesquite. We think our concept will be well-received in other markets.”
Lee said in his new role, he’s doing what he can to lighten Alterwitz’s load, and he’s getting an inside look at other areas of the business.
“Most of my day with Larry is spent on the merchandising and marketing side of the business. For me to work closely with Larry, it’s a big deal,” he said. “For him to involve me with conversations with marketing and merchandising and figure out how he does things so I can carry on the Walker way.”
Alterwitz said, as president, Lee is going to be his chief problem solver and solution finder.
Lee said the culture the Alterwitz family has built at Walker Furniture is one of its biggest draws, and it’s something he plans on building on moving forward.
“This has been a great spot for me since taking the jump, just working for such a great company in Las Vegas,” Lee said. “For me being a part of that is a huge blessing. The culture the Alterwitz family has built is second to none. People really want to be here, and I think that’s really special.”