Tommy Tomkins Retires from Cresent Furniture

April 18, 2012  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in on April 19, 2012

Cresent Fine Furniture's longtime president, Charles R. (Tommy) Tomkins, III, has announced his retirement. He remains chairman of the board of directors  for the company.

Tomkins has spent 47 years at the Tennessee-based furniture manufacturer and importer, the past 27 as President. 

At Cresent, Tomkins used his industry knowledge, contacts with quality retailers and selling skills to help propel the company to its current status as a family-owned, solid wood furniture resource. Over the last two decades, Tomkins has served on the board of directors of the American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA), the Furniture Foundation as well as the chairman and board member of the International Woodworking Fair (IWF). 

A 1964 graduate of N.C. State University, Tomkins joined Cresent as a sales intern and worked his way up through both sales and manufacturing roles. Tomkins attended his first High Point Market in April 1965 and has participated in every High Point market since.  He was named president of Cresent in 1985.

"I feel so privileged to have led such a talented team at Cresent, and I have a deep appreciation for them and everything we've accomplished as a company," Tomkins said. "Frankly, I have been fortunate to work with such highly talented and dedicated people throughout my career. Additionally, I've enjoyed serving on the AHFA and IWF boards through unprecedented changes in the industry. It's been quite a ride!"

Cresent has named Dennis Condra, previously executive vice president, to succeed Tomkins as president and CEO. 

Other members of the senior management team include Richard Tomkins, vice president of sales and marketing; Joseph Condra, vice president of development and design; and Taylor Condra, vice president of quality assurance and logistics.

"Tomkins' guidance, leadership and contributions to this organization have been invaluable," Dennis Condra said. "He brought integrity and dignity to our company." 

Marketgoers who would like to wish Tomkins well in retirement are invited to attend Cresent's Spring Fling Party on Saturday, April 21 from 4-7pm in the Cresent Showroom at Hamilton Square #204.