Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
Southern Sky Gets New High Point Showroom, Expands Sales Team
March 3,
2017 by Larry Thomas in Business Strategy, Industry 
Southern Sky Home, a lifestyle home furnishings brand launched last fall by furniture industry executive Bill Grace, is gearing up for the April High Point Market with an expanded sales team and relocation to a larger showroom at Showplace 2312.
Since its debut in October 2016, the company said it has added four sales executives, who will help to drive new business and provide personalized service to Southern Sky Home’s growing customer base.
New additions to the team include Jimmy Donlon, an industry veteran with more than 25 years of sales, marketing and business development experience. During his career, Donlon has secured strategic partnerships with some of the nation’s leading retailers, including Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, Crate & Barrel, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Wayfair. He serves as marketing representative for the Mid-Atlantic region while also managing the brand’s key accounts.
Also, Ken and Kelly Markham are marketing representatives for the lower southeast region, covering Georgia, Alabama and North Florida. Ken has more than 40 years of experience in the home furnishings industry, and Kelly brings with her a 17-year tenure at Home Depot and 15 years in home furnishings.
Also joining the Southern Sky Home team is Paul Ciciarelli, a sales and management professional with 20 years of experience in the home furnishings industry, including roles with Rowe Furniture and Bedgear. He is responsible for the New England region and also handles key accounts.
“With the large number of business opportunities in front of us, I knew it was important to bring together a team that is not only passionate about driving new business, but that also has strong relationships with home furnishings retailers and understands their unique needs,” said Grace, the company's owner and president.“With their solid reputation for generating results and providing unsurpassed customer service, Jimmy, Paul, Ken and Kelly are integral to Southern Sky Home’s business strategy and success.”
To accommodate the growth of its product offering the company said it is moving its High Point showroom from Suites at Market Square to a permanent space in Showplace - Space 2312. The new showroom, which is located on the second floor above Rowe Furniture, will showcase an expanded assortment of dining, occasional and accent furniture items.