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From Home Furnishing Business

Monty Sihweil Promoted to President of Butler Specialty

July 29, 2013  by in Executive Changes, Industry   

He is the first non-family member to serve as president of the 83-year-old Chicago-based company.

Sihweil most recently served as executive vice president of sales, leading the company during the past five years to become a major resource for Internet retailers.

After joining in February 2003 as director of account development, his responsibilities steadily grew as he helped the company dramatically expand its business with brick-and-mortar retailers as the company diversified and grew the line.

“In Monty’s 10 years at Butler, he has exhibited a determination to do things at an exemplary level,” said David Bergman, chief executive officer and third-generation owner. “His focused work ethic is extremely admirable. Monty has never backed down from a challenge and works with the highest level of integrity in all areas he handles. He is astute and has a wonderful understanding of our business model and our industry. I know this company will be stronger and continue to flourish with Monty working alongside me.”

Sihweil reports to Bergman, who had been president and is now CEO.

Sihweil got his start in the industry at Montgomery Ward, paying for his college education as a sales associate from 1990 to 1994. After graduating from the University of Illinois at Chicago with honors in ’94 with a double major in marketing and management, he joined John M. Smyth’s Homemakers and was promoted to store manager two years later.

He joined Serta Mattress Co.in January 1998 and was a successful key accounts representative for five years until joining Butler.

“I’m very excited about the opportunity to help lead Butler Specialty Company to new levels of success,” Sihweil said. “Our business model is clearly working well, and I embrace the future knowing we have all key pieces in place for strong, sustained growth.”