Furniture Industry Veteran Derek Ritzel to Head Pride Family Brands
On January 31, 2017, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - Veteran furniture industry executive Derek Ritzel has joined Pride Family Brands, a leading manufacturer and distributor of outdoor furniture in North America, as chief executive officer, succeeding Steve Lowsky. The change in leadership is the culmination of a long-term transition plan put into place when private equity firm New Water Capital acquired family-owned Pride Family Brands in July 2015.
“The Lowsky family started this company in 1978 with just the family, working seven days per week,” said Steve Lowsky, part of the founding family and former CEO. “In 2015, with the change in ownership, my role…
Evosus Expands Leadership Team with VP of Software Development and VP of Product
On January 30, 2017, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
VANCOUVER, WA - Evosus™ Business Management Software, makers of an Enterprise software program designed for the pool, spa and hearth industries, has hired David Weisong to the position of vice president of Software Development (top photo) and Doug Evans as vice president of Product. Both hires are a direct result of the company’s strategic growth plan to offer more products and enhancements in 2017 to pool, spa and hearth business owners.
David has already been instrumental in pushing the launch of EMV credit card processing, launching the company’s new Evosus Analytics program, and accelerating the development of future mobile and…
Gloster Brings Key Accessories to Market
On January 25, 2017, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
What is a home without a few unique enhancements to add that final touch of style? Heavy duty outdoor rugs, dual-function stool / side table and a rustic basket to keep small items safe and at hand. Combining tactile materials with beautifully detailed finishes, this range of occasional items is the stylish way to bring your outdoor experience to life.
London designer Mark Gabbertas has been inspired by the elegance and precision of engineering components with the design of Arbor, a versatile stool or occasional table. The design itself is deceptively simple and is engineered from a number of perfectly…
CASTELLE’s Atlanta Showroom Recognized with Best of Floor Award Sponsored by AmericasMart
On January 25, 2017, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
FT LAUDERDALE, FL - During the January 2017, International Gift and Home Furnishings Market held in Atlanta, Castelle was recognized with the Best of Floor Award for Outstanding Visual Presentation following judging of showrooms on the 10th floor in The Gardens.
“We are proud to have been acknowledged with this award during the Atlanta market,” said Steve Lowsky, CEO, Castelle. “We have invested considerable time and effort into the presentation of this and all our permanent showrooms. With this award the work of our entire team is recognized for extending our message of handcrafted luxury to all buyers and…
Thelin Hearth Products Receives Certification Under EPA’s New Source Performance Standards
On January 24, 2017, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
CARSON CITY, NV - Thelin Hearth Products has received certification under the EPA’s New Source Performance Standards for its Gnome Model Pellet Wood Heater and Parlour 3000 Pellet Wood Heater. Both products’ emissions levels tested substantially lower than the requirements set by the EPA for 2020 and beyond.
The EPA’s New Source Performance Standards program which governs emissions for wood burning appliances was updated in 2015 for the first time in more than 20 years. The updated emissions limits seek to further reduce air pollutants.
“This is an important achievement for Thelin Hearth Products,” said Thelin and Sierra…
Designer Richard Frinier Awarded for His Caravan Collection of Sunbrella Fabrics
On January 23, 2017, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
As a visionary in the world of furniture design, Richard Frinier continues to inspire with his CARAVAN collection for Sunbrella® fabrics. Heavily influenced by his worldwide travels, the collection earned three distinctive awards in 2016.
CARAVAN received the GOOD DESIGN™ Award from the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design in conjunction with the European Centre for Art, Design and Urban Studies. The program, founded in 1950 by celebrated design icons and luminaries Edgar Kaufmann, Jr., former MoMA curator, Charles and Ray Eames, Russel Wright, George Nelson, and Eero Saarinen, honors both products and industry leaders that have chartered new…
Phifer’s Spanish Cove Collection Embodies “Effortless Chic”
On January 23, 2017, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
TUSCALOOSA, AL - With a subtle nod to the easygoing, coastal lifestyle, Phifer’s Designed Fabrics Spanish Cove Collection exudes urban glamour in a creative coupling of delicate blues and greens.
Inspired by tranquility and romance, this grouping speaks to simplicity and a slow, relaxed pace of life. Patterns such as the Darby and Ella reflect the recent trend in Eastern styling but feature a more casual approach with hand-rendered artisanal qualities.
Phifer’s fashion-forward, functional Designed Fabrics – plush, 100 percent recyclable GeoBella® Indoor/Outdoor High Performance Fabrics and sling Phifertex® Outdoor Fabrics – are suitable for any room of the home,…
Marietta Rodriguez Joins CASTELLE as Customer Service Manager
On January 20, 2017, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
FT LAUDERDALE, FL - Marietta Rodriguez has joined CASTELLE as the company’s new customer service manager. Reporting to general manager, Beth Cunningham, Rodriguez’s responsibilities will include overseeing the newly streamlined CASTELLE Customer Service department, which will include customer communication, order entry and tracking and warranty coordination. All Customer Service personnel will report to Marietta. Prior to joining CASTELLE, Marietta worked as a Team Leader and Supervisor for South Florida based City Furniture.
“We are excited to have Marietta leading our CASTELLE Customer Service department,” said Steve Lowsky, CEO, CASTELLE. “Marietta’s experience within the home furnishings business is invaluable and…
