Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
Sarreid Ltd. Plans Lunch + Learn Conversation at HPMKT
September 18,
2026 by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Industry 
Great products may open the door, but strong relationships are what turn transactions into thriving businesses. Sarreid Ltd. will bring that idea to the stage during October High Point Market with Better Together: Designer-Vendor Relationships that Build Trust and Profits, a candid Lunch + Learn conversation on Saturday, October 17 at 12:30 p.m. in the Sarreid Ltd. showroom, C&D Building, Space 3-D. Lunch will be served beginning at noon.
Moderated by Dawn Brinson of A New Day Creative Communications & Marketing, the panel will feature designers Isabel Ladd, Samantha Cury and Cheryl Luckett in an unfiltered discussion about the evolving partnership between luxury designers and the brands and representatives that serve them.
The conversation will look beyond product to the relationships that shape successful projects and businesses: what earns a designer’s trust, what causes that trust to break down and what transforms a sales representative from a vendor contact into an indispensable resource. Through candid stories of successes, frustrations and lessons learned, the panelists will explore what each side really needs from the other and how strong partners navigate the inevitable rough spots.
For Sarreid, the topic reflects a larger belief that lasting business is built through connection as much as through product. As the company continues to evolve its presentation around modern heirlooms for the collected home, it is also creating more opportunities for designers, retailers and industry partners to gather, exchange ideas and strengthen the relationships that move the design business forward.
“The best relationships in this industry are never simply about selling a piece of furniture,” said Brad Cates, president and chief executive officer of Sarreid Ltd. “They are built on listening, trust, responsiveness and a real understanding of what our partners need to serve their clients well. Better Together gives us a chance to have an honest conversation about those relationships — including where they work beautifully and where all of us can do better.”
The panel will also examine how stronger designer-brand partnerships can lead to better client experiences, lasting loyalty, repeat business and greater profitability for everyone involved. Rather than offering a polished version of the designer-vendor relationship, the program is designed to surface the practical realities including communication failures, service expectations, problem-solving and the moments when a thoughtful response can turn a setback into a stronger partnership.
Ladd, Cury and Luckett bring the perspective of high-level working designers whose businesses depend on productive relationships with manufacturers, showrooms and sales representatives. Their conversation will give attendees a designer-side view of what makes a brand easy to work with, what creates confidence and loyalty and what can cause a valued relationship to falter.
The Lunch + Learn begins with lunch at 12 p.m., followed by the panel at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 17. The program will be held in the Sarreid showroom on the third floor of the C&D Building, Space 3-D, during the October 2026 High Point Market. Advance RSVP is encouraged through this registration link.