American Furniture Hall of Fame Announces 2007 Nominees

August 22, 2007  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in High Point on August 2007 The American Furniture Hall of Fame Foundation Inc., High Point, announced Wednesday seven nominees for induction into the American Furniture Hall of Fame on Oct. 2.

The slate, selected from nominations by AFHF members, includes:

• The late George B. Cartledge Sr., who was chairman of Grand Piano and Furniture in Roanoke, Va., a Top 100 Furniture Chain with 23 stores in 16 cities across Virginia, Tennessee, Maryland, and South Carolina.

• Joyce Cash Eddy, founder and chairman of Habersham, who started with a small cottage industry in 1972 and has built a multi-million dollar furniture company. In addition to being recognized for donating a major portion of her company’s revenues to charitable organizations, she is also known for her hand-styled, hand-painted and hand-finished product along with her development of new and unique finishes.

• O. William “Bill” Fenn Jr., whose career includes president, chief executive officer and chief operating officer of Stanley Furniture Company; senior management positions with Thomasville Furniture Industries and Armstrong World Interiors; and president and COO, and later vice chairman of LADD Furniture.

• The late Sam P. Finger Jr., who was president and chairman of the board of Finger Furniture in Houston, Texas. Under his leadership, Finger Furniture became the south’s largest privately owned home furnishings retailer, achieving prominence for its many innovations in home furnishings merchandising. He originated the environmental room setting concept, where furnishings and accessories were displayed in home-like settings.

• The late Fred Friedman, who was president and chairman of Carl’s Furniture. Under Fred’s leadership and ingenuity, Carl’s grew into one of the largest furniture retailers in the country with over 500 employees and 22 stores, and projected revenues exceeding $130 million.

• Mitchell Gold, who teamed up with Bob Williams in 1989 to start The Mitchell Gold Company in Taylorsville, N.C. With an investment of $60,000, they began making upholstered dining chairs. Today, renamed Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, the $100 million company offers upholstery, case goods, lighting, rugs, accessories, and a fine-art photography collection.

• Felix Wright, chairman of Leggett & Platt, under whose direction the company has expanded its product offerings and distribution network.

“The individuals nominated by their industry peers represent leaders whose notable contributions have had a significant impact on the success of the furniture industry,” said J. Don Coleman, president of AFHF. “They are an inspiration for setting standards of innovation, determination and service.”

The voting period began Aug. 20 and ends Sept. 5, and is open to members of the AFHF.