Ashburn, Tatum Get Key Posts at Heritage Sleep

February 8, 2017  by Larry Thomas in Business Strategy, Industry   

The company also appointed a 25-year industry veteran Kenneth Tatum as vice president of sales.

In his new board role, Ashburn will help determine the company’s strategic marketing direction. Tatum, meanwhile, will now oversee the company’s sales team and build out Heritage Sleep Concepts’ dealer network.

“We are very excited to have Bob join the board and help us chart our strategic direction for many years to come. His experience and profound insight into our business will help us better service our dealers in the Southeast,” said Terry Spears, chairman of Heritage Sleep. “Likewise, Kenneth joins our team with a strong sales management and mattress industry background.

“His unique approach in combining product and process management will provide dealers a clear alternative and further differentiate our offering to give them a greater edge in their market.”

Tatum joins the company with more than two decades of home furnishings experience. Most recently, he was the south region manager for top 10 bedding producer Restonic, where he worked for five years.

Prior to joining Restonic, Tatum was a sales manager and sales representative for bedding supplier Southerland for 12 years. He also spent five years in retail with Furniture Factory Outlet in Tennessee.

“These two key appointments will be instrumental in our future growth trajectory,” Spears added. “With Kenneth and Bob as part of our management team, Heritage Sleep Concepts is positioned to respond to the rapidly changing needs of the market as a high quality and low cost producer.”

Spears, who re-entered the bedding industry in March 2015 after retiring in 2011, said his partnership with Eclipse International and Eastman House has helped establish Heritage Sleep Concepts as one of the fastest growing, independent bedding resources in the Southeast.

“Heritage Sleep Concepts and the Spears family are a solid, well-poised partner to help grow the presence of the Eclipse International and Eastman House brands in the Southeast,” said Stuart Carlitz, CEO of the two brands.