Rick Bowman joins furniture importer Trade Masters

Takes new chief operating officer post

Tom Russell -- Furniture Today, January 13, 2009

PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. — Case goods and upholstery importer Trade Masters has named Rick Bowman chief operating officer, a new position for the company.

Bowman most recently has led Import Sourcing International, a company he formed to source bedroom for the hospitality industry.

From July 2007 until April 2008 he was president of Lifestyle Enterprise's case goods division, and before that he was vice president of manufacturing for Top 100 Columbus, Ohio-based retailer American Signature. Earlier, he held executive positions with suppliers Hong Kong Teakwood and Universal Furniture.

At Trade Masters, he reports to President Ron O'Dell.

Bowman primarily will handle overseas development of wood product, a task previously handled by Jay Johnson, who was director of sourcing and product development until he left the company this past fall.

Bowman will oversee about 20 inspection and quality control personnel employed by Trade Masters in Asia. He also will develop new sourcing relationships in countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The company does some sourcing in those areas, but primarily sources in China, which O'Dell said will continue to be a key part of the company's production and expansion efforts.

"Rick's 30 years of experience, especially in Asia, and especially his retail background, will make a perfect fit for the company," O'Dell said. "He will focus on and strengthen our sourcing strategy and grow our product line with style and value."

O'Dell said Trade Masters has picked up some market share from some other furniture importers that have had trouble filling orders. "We are in an expansion mode to strengthen our position with our retail customers and get some (additional) floor space," he said.

Brad Proesch, who remains vice president of sales and marketing at Trade Masters, continues to handle product development for upholstery.