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From Home Furnishing Business

Satya Tiwari Receives Jerry Gans Memorial Award

October 9, 2013  by in Industry, Special Events   

Tiwari, president of rug and home accessories vendor Surya been instrumental to the Calhoun, Ga.-based company's growth. Under his leadership, the company has grown to $64 million in annual revenues from 2004 through 2012. Prior to joining Surya, Tiwari served as an associate at Compass Partners International in New York from 2002 to 2004, where he engaged in several large deals within the oil and gas sector. Before that, he was an investment-banking analyst at Credit Suisse First Boston, where he focused on the technology sector.

Tiwari holds a B.A. in Economics and B.S. in Computer Engineering from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. Along with Surya, he actively supports Akshaya Patra Foundation, the world’s largest NGO-run meal program, in its mission to fight hunger, promote education and eradicate poverty for underprivileged children in rural India. He also supports the East Meets West Foundation’s Scholarship Program to Enhance Literacy and Learning, an education program that provides funding for school fees, books, uniforms and other expenses for impoverished students in India and Vietnam.

“We are so pleased that Satya will be accepting the Gans award this year,” said Andy Gans, for whose father the award is named. “He is widely respected in the home furnishings community, not only for his ability to run a profitable business, but also for being a good friend to his suppliers, and a role model to his employees. His leadership is reflected in the way Surya is perceived in the industry and by its customers.”

“Satya is truly one of the great success stories in our industry,” said Russell Bienenstock a GMFA Board Member and editor-in-chief of Furniture World Magazine. "Putting aside enviable leadership abilities that have contributed to Surya’s success, he cultivates partnerships throughout the industry, champions important causes and has earned a reputation that makes him a worthy recipient of the Gans Award.”

Patrick Cory, managing partner of Cory First Home Delivery and president of the Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Association, said that in addition to Tiwari, the association also will honor Pat Luthy of Suburban Furniture with the Howard Liveright Award.

"These companies represent the best of what the furniture industry has to offer in terms of customer service and overall value," Cory said. "And, it’s always gratifying to honor individuals who have given back so much.”

The GMFA (black tie optional) Dinner and Dance presents an opportunity for retailers, reps, manufacturers and suppliers to network with industry friends while enjoying great food, an open bar, music and dancing. 

The awards will be presented at the Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Association’s Gala Dinner & Dance held on Saturday, Dec. 7. To get more information on attending this event, or to participate in a souvenir journal being prepared to honor Satya Tiwari and Pat Luthy, please contact MFA Executive Director Alan Granetz at 908.725.3460; or by e-mail.