Trade Masters hires Rick Bowman as COO
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, January 18, 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 Columbus, Ohio-based Top 100 store 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 done by Jay Johnson, who 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.”
Brad Proesch, who remains vice president of sales and marketing at Trade Masters, continues to handle product development for upholstery.
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