It’s no small feat to maintain rigorous quality standards during rapid growth and a worldwide pandemic. Officials at Ashley Furniture Industries (Arcadia, Wisconsin), makers of Outdoor by Ashley, know it’s difficult, but achievable.

Andy Sokol, vice president of merchandising, has helped to guide the company that continues to gain new fans with its Nuvella outdoor fabrics as well as its new line of MEGA TUFF high-density polyethylene furniture. “Ashley Furniture Industries is the world’s largest furniture manufacturer,” Sokol says. “Our goal is 100% out-of-the-box quality, and we strive toward that objective every day. From our product engineers to our…

Couristan Inc. (Fort Lee, New Jersey), a leading importer/manufacturer of fine, quality area rugs, residential broadloom, and custom carpeting for the contract and hospitality industries, has appointed Bob Tucci to executive vice president of its Residential Broadloom Division.

As an industry veteran with over 23 years of experience in floor coverings and home furnishings, Tucci will lead Couristan’s exploration and strategic development of new business opportunities within all account segments for the company’s Premiere, Creations, and Purity residential broadloom brands.

“Bob’s leadership skills and unique experiences in sales, merchandising and operations within the residential broadloom industry will provide…

Gabriella White LLC (Birmingham, Alabama), parent company of Summer Classics and Gabby, and leaders in the outdoor and indoor furniture industry, recently formed an advisory board of directors. Bew White, founder and chief executive officer, will lead as executive chairman of the board. William White will transition to chief executive officer and Greg Goetcheus will assume the role of president.

“These changes will allow Bew to focus on working with the outside expertise of the newly formed advisory board and will ensure sustainability of the business as we work toward continued growth and making our long-term vision a reality,”…

Windward Design Group (Sarasota, Florida), domestic manufacturer of quality outdoor furnishings and accessories, has reduced lead times due to efficiency planning across their manufacturing model. Retail partners are experiencing shorter than expected delivery times compared to others in the casual furniture industry.

As a domestic manufacturer, Windward Design Group can provide an efficient 8- to 10-week lead time with regard to outdoor furniture and accessory orders. Over the next 4 to 5 months, the company will continue to undergo realignment planning that will provide an expected delivery within 6 to 8 weeks to domestic customers from its Sarasota, Florida…

Pizza ovens from Oven Brothers (Ottawa, Ontario) are made from carbon steel and stainless steel, part of a design ethos to construct all products with an industrial look that is also strong enough to stand the test of time. All products come with a lifetime warranty.

The design vision for Oven Brothers started in 2017 when friends and business associates Gordo Jones and JP Normand wanted pizza ovens in their backyards. The two wanted ovens built from heavy duty materials capable of surviving Canadian winters.

“They set out to design an oven that did not exist; one that…

As the fall and football season is upon us, the cooler weather offers new opportunities to prepare outdoor spaces for total relaxation creating a resort-like oasis perfect for entertaining. With that in mind, Serge Ferrario has introduced the Soltis® Veozip, the company’s newest shade mesh that combines the quality and long-term performance of Serge Ferrari’s Soltis® range with a textile look and feel ideal for outdoor entertaining spaces. Specifically designed for outdoor zipper blinds, Soltis Veozip’s natural hemp fiber composition is woven with three different color yarns giving the fabric a natural, warm and trendy aesthetic.

With an openness factor…

Pacific Casual has elevated Jay Weber, senior vice president of Sales and Marketing, to president of the company. Dale Boles will continue in his role as CEO and founder of the company. Jay has been with Pacific Casual since 2018 and has managed all of the company’s Sales and Marketing.

He has been credited with growing the Barcalounger Brand at Mass retail and Specialty Retail markets. He also launched Pacific Casual’s PC brand ecommerce division which has expanded rapidly to be part of the significant growth of the company.

Prior to Pacific Casual, Jay held various executive positions at…

SARASOTA, FL - Windward Design Group returned to the Casual Market Chicago for 2021 and the response was overwhelmingly positive to its new introductions in aluminum and MGP as well as its customer favorites. As a domestic (USA) manufacturer, Windward Design Group’s timely product availability also received a welcome response from the specialty retailers, designers, and contract professionals who toured the show space on the 7th floor of the Chicago Merchandise Mart. For the Sarasota, FL-based manufacturer, renewing its participation in the Casual Market Chicago is just one part of its master plan to dramatically increase its presence and involvement…