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Thigpen, Kobylarczyk to Expand Comfort Solutions Sales Programs
October 26,
2010 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Bedding on October 27, 2010
Mattress vendor Comfort Solutions has named Dan Thigpen Jr. and Glenn Kobylarczyk to new position of directors of sales technologies and sales education specialists.
Thigpen will work mainly with retail sales associates and will concentrate on exclusive technologies and selling programs involved with the the company's newly introduced Sleep ID line.
Kobylarczyk will focus on working with Comfort Solutions' own field sales force and on the company's broader group of brands and selling programs, including those for King Koil, Natural Response and eXtended Life.
For the Laura Ashley line, Thigpen and Kobylarczyk will team with Janet Levy, company brand development manager, on sales education efforts across all U.S. markets.
"We recognize and respect the tremendous challenges retailers are facing today, said Dave Roberts, president of Comfort Solutions, Willowbrook, Ill. "They need much more from their suppliers than just a product at a price. In bringing on these new executives, our objectives are to zero in on today's retail dynamics, to ensure that were delivering the most relevant programs possible, and to identify the steps we can take to help our partners become more profitable and successful."
Both executives report to Owen Shoemaker, vice president of product and marketing development.
"Dan and Glenn have strong credentials in sales and sales instruction, especially as it relates to new technologies like those that make our Sleep ID line such a unique and meaningful product offering," Shoemaker said. "Overall, we plan to enhance the selling programs and services we provide for the entire Comfort Solutions portfolio of brands, and were very enthused about bringing on an experienced, professional team dedicated solely to making that happen."
Before joining Comfort Solutions, Thigpen served for six years as western regional sales manager for mattress vendor Kingsdown. He is be based in Ontario, Calif.
Kobylarczyk has been a key account executive in mattress sales for 13 years, having worked for the former Spring Air-Chicago licensee; Comfort Solutions' Rock Island, Ill., licensee; and most recently for Magic Sleep, based in Marseilles, Ill. Earlier in his career he served as vice president of operations for a Chicago-based, full-line furniture retailer.
Comfort Solutions has 10 domestic and 30 international licensees.