PRIDE FAMILY BRANDS, award-winning designer and manufacturer of luxury aluminum outdoor furniture, presented awards to members of the company’s sales-representation team during Casual Market Chicago. The President’s Award for top salesperson of the year was given to Tom Durden, who represents Pride in the Midwest (Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota).

Durden, who began working with Pride in 2002, exhibited overall excellence in customer service, superior product knowledge, and growth in territory and customer sales for the company’s Castelle®brand. Durden also was recognized with the award for the Specialty Representative of the Year for the company’s Summer Winds brand. His efforts included expanding sales of the product to major retailers.

Brad Elliot, Pride’s patio-specialty representative for Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, was recognized with the Pioneer Award. Entering his 11th year as a member of the Pride sales team, he saw the highest percentage increase in newcustomer development in his territory. Elliott recognized the addition of the showroom in High Point, North Carolina, along with the focus on the design trade, as assisting in the growth realized.

Greg Kavoklis, representing Pride in California and Hawaii, was recognized with the Most Improved Territory Award. Kavoklis’ award comes as he completes his first year with Pride. Kavoklis saw a 57% increase in sales in his territory.

The awards were presented by Steve Lowsky, CEO, and Rory Rehmert, senior vice president of sales and marketing. “As Pride experienced another year of tremendous growth, we are proud to recognize those who make it possible,” Rehmert says. “Within our team of professionals is a wealth of product expertise and of overall market knowledge—and a focus on growth that has contributed to the successes we recognize.”