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From Home Furnishing Business

A.R.T. Names Behmer, Hoff SVP

August 18, 2014  by in Executive Changes, Industry   

Both continue to report to A.R.T. CEO Jeff Cook. 

In his new position, Hoff is responsible for the U.S. sales force and international sales.

“Jeremy has been one of the key executives that has contributed to our continued growth over the past three years,” Cook said. “He has successfully expanded our distribution nationally, created new sales strategies, been instrumental in developing the upholstery program, and has built a top notch sales team. His knowledge, experience and skill set will become even more essential to help us achieve the aggressive growth pattern that our corporate strategy dictates.

“Jeremy is a doer. He has taken a leadership role and is a strategic thinker about the long-term relationship with our dealers and how we can continuously become a better partner on many levels. Sales is not just a transaction to him. I have grown to appreciate not only his positive can-do attitude, but the deep strategic thinking he brings to our company.”  

Hoff has been serving as vice president of sales for A.R.T. He previously was a senior sales executive for Broyhill Furniture Inds. Other experience includes positions as a sales representative for Universal Furniture International, Craftmaster Furniture, Pulaski Furniture Corp. and Huntington House Furniture.

Behmer, who was formerly vice president of casegoods merchandising for A.R.T., is now charged with the development and execution of the product development process for casegoods, upholstery and accents; as well as identifying new style trends and working closely with customers and sales management to identify new opportunities and the proper product mix to meet their needs.

“Because of Jeff’s considerable experience and reputation as a talented merchandiser, we have been able to attract other merchandising talents to our team, building a cohesive program that is evident in our product introductions and our showroom presentation,” Cook said. “As a proven leader, he brings the depth of experience and creativity needed to continue to expand our style categories, price points, distribution and sourcing under the Markor umbrella."

Denise Alala, A.R.T. vice president of upholstery and visual merchandising; and Jon Witteveen, A.R.T. director of casegoods product development, now report to Behmer.

Behmer was previously with Bernhardt Furniture Inds. as senior director of casegoods merchandising. His other responsibilities there included serving as director of casegoods merchandising and merchandise manager for the occasional and entertainment wall divisions. At Broyhill Furniture Inds., he served as merchandise manager for imported wood products; merchandise manager, occasional divisions; director, corporate quality assurance; and in a variety of plant management positions.