Neil Freidman Wins IHFRA's Steltemeir Award

March 8, 2011  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Community/Charitable Support on March 9, 2011

Neil Freidman has won the International Home Furnishings Representatives Association Rudy Steltemeir Award.

Friedman, of the HFRG of Southern California Chapter, received the award in recognition his exceeding the "call of duty" as an IHFRA member and sales representative. He will recieve the Rudy Steltemeir Award at the 77th annual Presidential Gala on the eve of High Point Furniture Market.

Friedman, a 46-year furniture industry veteran, started his career in 1965 working for Sanitary Mattress Company. In 1972 he and his partner started Loving Care Mattress, which was purchased in 1995 by Schubert Industries. For the next several years Friedman worked as a consultant in the mattress industry before becoming general manager for Eastman House d/b/a Aireloom Bedding in 2002. He helped facilitate the sale of Aireloom to Earl Kluft, former owner of Spring Air California. Presently, he works as West Coast manager of Primo International.

He has shown repeatedly that he posses the qualities of outstanding service in the industry to both his fellow representatives and retailers. He is a mentor to fellow reps who are just starting out in the industry as well as those that may need a little coaching from time to time. 

Friedman also gives his time and talent to plan and execute Executive Networking breakfast meetings in the Valley. He has been on the HFRG of Southern Californiaís Board of Directors for the last ten years, helping to shape and grow the IHFRA Chapter. He has served in various offices within the Chapter including that of president. He is co-chair on the West Coast City of Hope golf committee, active in his temple, and always there to help when asked.

The "Rudy" Award honors the IHFRA member who has demonstrated the qualities of outstanding service to fellow representatives as exemplified by Rudy Steltemeir. Steltemeir was a beloved Tennessee sales representative for 66 years who passed way in 1993 at the age of 92.

The IHFRA Presidential Gala and Awards Dinner will be held Friday, April 1, at 6 p.m. in the IHFC Ballroom B. For more information contact the IHFRA Office at 336.889.3920 or e-mail.