IHFRA Names Bob Sherman a Pillar of the Industry

March 12, 2013  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Special Events on March 13, 2013

The International Home Furnishings Representatives Association will name Bob Sherman a "Pillar of the Industry" at a gala during April High Point Furniture Market.

Sherman is the CEO and president of Serta Mattress Co.

The Pillar of the Industry Award is presented to an industry leader who has distinguished himself with creative work and effort to improve, enhance, and benefit relationships among representatives and other segments of the industry. This person€™s actions and deeds have shown their commitment to the home furnishings industry, their community, and to mankind.

Sherman€™s career in the bedding business spans 44 years. He first worked delivering mattresses for Slumberland in his home state of Minnesota at the age of 16. Bob was promoted to the Slumberland retail sales floor, and ultimately caught the eye of Sealy. He was hired away in 1971 and began his sales career as a territorial representative in Minnesota and the surrounding states. He worked his way up in sales and sales management at Sealy, achieving the position of regional vice president in 1987.

In 1989, Bob was offered the position of president and partner at Serta licensee National Bedding Co. Over the last 23 years, the small one-factory business has grown under Bob€™s direction to Serta International, with sales today in excess of $1 billion. In 2011, he led his Serta team to the number one spot in the bedding industry.
 
Sherman's awards to date include the 2010 American Heritage Award from the National Home Furnishings Industry on behalf of the Anti-Defamation League; and in April 2012, the Spirit of Life Award from City of Hope.

In addition to his industry accomplishments, Sherman also serves on the Board of Directors for PAWS, Chicago€™s largest no-kill animal shelter. In 2010, he was honored by A Silver Lining Foundation, an Illinois-based organization ensuring access to cancer resource information, treatment options, and cost-free mammograms.

When he is not working, Sherman enjoys golf and hockey. He lives in Barrington, Ill., with his wife, Barbara. They have three grown children and seven grandchildren.

The Furniture Industry Awards Gala will be held on Monday, April 22, in the International Home Furnishings Center Ballroom on the 11th Floor of the Green Wing. The International Home Furnishings Representatives Association and the National Home Furnishings Association sponsor this annual event.

For reservations and information regarding the Furniture Industry Awards Gala, contact the IHFRA office at 336.889.3920; or make reservations online.