Guildmaster Announces "Amazing Race" Winners

November 28, 2011  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Accessories on November 29, 2011

Accent furniture and accessories vendor Guildmaster has announced the winners of its "Amazing Race" contest for a trip around the world.

Retailers Terry and Meg Troutman of O.P. Jenkins in Knoxville, Tenn.; and the winning sales rep, Christie Blevins of Ft. Worth, Texas, won their choice of the trip or $10,000.

O.P. Jenkins is a fourth-generation furniture store and a fixture in downtown Knoxville for more than 140 years. Guildmaster CEO Steve Crowder delivered the news in person.
 
"When we walked out of the store and saw Steve walking up in a tux on a red carpet with roses and a giant check we were amazed," said Meg Troutman, O.P. Jenkins owner. "It was a fun contest, obviously with a great reward for us as the winners. We do plan to travel at some point, but for now, we plan to use the prize money to continue to preserve the charm of our store that's been a fixture in downtown Knoxville for more than a century."

"I can't believe I won," said Blevins. "I'm planning to travel with my husband and two sons to Italy. I have a big birthday coming up next year and this is the perfect opportunity for me to spend time with my family and celebrate my blessings. I am truly grateful to have won."
 
The contest was launched Sept. 6, concluding Nov. 18. Each $1,000 in product purchased by a retailer or sold by a sales representative earned one entry in the contest. More than 520 companies and 97 percent of Springfield, Mo.-based Guildmaster sales reps took part in the competition with more than 2,600 entries.

"Sometimes, the competition was intense. We were pleased with the response," Crowder said. "We were encouraged by the excitement that the race generated over the past several months among both our retailers and sales reps."
 
This is the third time Guildmaster has gone "on tour." In 2009, CEO Steve Crowder met face to face with more than 100 retailers for the inaugural GuildMaster on Tour. In 2010, the second tour recognized the most outstanding retail displays across the U.S. and supported the favorite charities of the winning dealers.
 
"Now, we're working to come up with our next fun, innovative idea," Crowder said. "Guildmaster is known for setting the bar high and doing things a little differently. Brainstorming about the next great Guildmaster on Tour adventure has already begun."