Home Furnishing’s Association Announces Retailers of the Year

January 23, 2023  by HFBusiness Staff in Business Strategy, Industry   

Old Brick Furniture & Mattress Co., BiltRite Furniture, Matt Pridemore of Badcock Home Furniture and More, Howard Haimsohn of Lawrance Furniture, and Esquire Advertising have been recognized in HFA’s prestigious award competition. 

The official announcement was made during the HFA annual membership meeting held virtually on Jan. 17. 2023 HFA Award winners:
 
Old Brick Furniture & Mattress Co in Albany, NY., headed by Michael Fiacco. HFA Retailer of the Year with 50 or more employees.

“None of this happens without our people doing what they do. Since we purchased the Old Brick ~2.5 years ago, so much has been done to help us earn this. The more recent efforts build upon decades worth of hard work and dedication to our mission of offering the best variety of furniture and mattresses at the very best prices,” said Fiacco.

BiltRite Furniture in Greenfield, WI., led by the Komisar family. HFA Retailer of the Year for fewer than 50 employees.

For 95 years, BILTRITE has sought to improve and elevate how they do business. Whether from insights gathered from webinars, in person networking events, or furniture markets, they always come away with new ways to up their game. So, it’s no surprise that their attention to their customers and their community has garnered BILTRITE this honor.

Howard Haimsohn, President of Lawrance Furniture, located in San Diego, CA. HFA Trailblazer, recognized for his lifetime achievement in the retail furniture business.

“I am both honored and humbled to be receiving the 2023 HFA Trailblazer Award. Throughout my career I have had the privilege of meeting, working with, and becoming friends with some of the best and brightest in our industry,” said Haimsohn.

“My time serving on our retail industry association boards, WHFA, NHFA & HFA, along with my 40 years of leading and working with the Contemporary Design Group has enabled me to learn and grow,” he continued.

“My family and our incredible team at Lawrance Furniture, have always supported my efforts and helped me immensely to get to where I am today. This award is something I will truly cherish. Thank you, HFA for this recognition and honor.”

Matt Pridemore, Owner of Badcock Home Furniture with stores headquartered in Valdosta, GA. HFA Emerging Star.

Matt began his career in furniture with Badcock in 2000 in warehouse and delivery. In January of 2016 Matt purchased his first Badcock Furniture Store in Douglas, GA. and soon added on stores around south Georgia in Valdosta, Lake Park, Quitman, Baxley, Glennville. Continuing to expand operations, Matt now owns 16 Furniture stores across 4 states in the southeast.

Esquire Advertising, Eric Grindley, Founder/CEO. HFA Partner of the Year in recognition of the HFA Solution Partner contributing to our members’ success.

“I always wanted us to grow, but I wanted to do it in a way where we could always provide the highest level of service to our clients. I didn’t want our client’s needs to ever be overlooked and at times we took on projects for our clients that fell outside our normal service offerings,” said Grindley.

“We did that so the industry would know that if they needed help, we were the ones they could turn to, no matter the ask. That has not always made things easy, but I can tell you today that it certainly has paid off. We are deeply honored to be recognized by such an important organization.”

“Our Retailers of the Year all reflect a high level of excellence in the work they do. The judges felt this group exemplifies innovation, determination, and stability in the face of a difficult year for all retailers. I can’t wait to celebrate with them at their stores in the coming weeks,” says Mark Schumacher, HFA CEO.