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From Home Furnishing Business
IHFRA Honors Gillispie with Rudy Steltemeir Award
March 25,
2014 by in Industry, Special Events 
The award, named after the late Tennessee sales rep Rudy Steltemeir, recognizes an IHFRA member who has exceeded the “call of duty” as an IHFRA member and sales representative.
Gillispie joined IHFRA and the Virginia/Carolinas Chapter in 1995. He has been active in his chapter and the local Piedmont Club holding various positions such as Piedmont Club president in 1995 and president of the Virginia/Carolinas Chapter in 1997.
Becoming more involved with IHFRA on a national level, Gillispie “went through the chairs” and became IHFRA’s 69th president in 2007. He completed his educational course requirements to become a certified home furnishings representative in 1996. His passion for education led him to chair IHFRA’s Education Committee in 2006. Gillispie also serves on the IHFRA Board of Directors.
He was nominated to the High Point Market Authority Board in 2005, where continues to serve; and also is one of the original Rep Ambassadors for the organization. In addition, Gillispie served on the Board of the National Home Furnishings Association from 2005-2010 as the liaison for IHFRA.
Gillispie began his career at Hooker Furniture in 1982, working part-time in the shipping department while attending college. He worked in the corporate office for seven years before being transferred to North Carolina in 1994 to become a sales representative. He partnered with George Dowdy in 1996, while representing Hooker in Western North Carolina. Gillispie has more than 25 years of service with Hooker; and received Hooker’s James W. Roberts Award for outstanding service for a professional representative in 1998 and 2000.
He graduated from Appalachian State with a BS in Marketing and Management. He and his wife, Patricia, have three children: son Jake, 12; daughter, Hannah, 10; and son Jackson, 7. He and his family are members of St. Pius Catholic Church.
Gillispie will be honored at the 71st IHFRA Presidential Gala and Awards Dinner, Friday, April 4, at 6 p.m. in the IHFC Ballroom, Green Wing 11th Floor.