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Gorman's Home Furnishings Names General Manager
January 23,
2012 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Executive Changes on January 24, 2012
Duane Petroskey has been named general manager of the Grand Rapids, Mich., showroom of Gormans Home Furnishings & Interior Design.
As general manager, Petroskey will oversee day-to-day operations of the store and its specialty shops, support Gormans on-staff design team and working with members of the interior design and consumer communities.
Petroskey succeeds former general manager David Israels. Israels left the retailer last week to join his brother Jason Israels in the opening of a new Klingmans furniture store in Grand Rapids. Gormans reentered the Grand Rapids market in early 2011 and reopened in the space formerly occupied by the bankrupt Israels. Jason Israels held a position with Gormans from February 2011 until he exited the company in September 2011. Petroskey currently resides in Grand Rapids.
We believe in promoting from within, and as such we have identified a true design professional to lead the Grand Rapids showroom," said Tom Lias, Gorman's president. "Duane truly embodies Gormans valuesa certified designer with an extensive background in retail management and a commitment to excellence in the design and furniture industries who will help us in continuing to exceed the expectations of independent design community members. He possessesand consistently demonstratesthe leadership skills necessary to thrive in this position. We know he will exceed the needs of Grand Rapids-area independent designers and customers and accomplish great things in this new role.
Petroskey has worked with Gormans for more than 6 years and grew up in the industry, working in his fathers furniture business from the time he was 11 years old. He began his professional career in hotel restaurant management before returning to school and graduating from the International Academy of Merchandising and Design in Chicago. There he earned a bachelor of fine arts in interior design. Immediately prior to joining Gormans, he spent 11 years employed as a designer at Newton Furniture in Novi, Mich.
I am excited to start this new phase of my life, Petroskey said. Grand Rapids is a great place for home and interior design and, since Gormans reentered the market last year, Gormans has taken the city by storm. I am looking forward to expanding on our companys success.