Drexel Heritage promotions designed to strengthen dedicated store efforts
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, February 3, 2002
DREXEL, N.C. — Drexel Heritage has promoted three regional vice presidents to new posts in a move designed to strengthen the high-end manufacturer's focus on its dedicated store program.
Blain Wrench, previously vice president of sales for the Southern region, has been named vice president of store development, responsible for streamlining store openings and enhancing the profitability of dealer-owned Drexel Heritage Home Inspirations stores.
Tom Skipper was promoted to vice president of national sales, a post that consolidates the company's three regional sales vice president positions.
Charlie Wilson was named to the new post of sales director for the company's Jack Nicklaus licensed clubhouse furnishings.
"Our focus in on the store program," said Dan Grow, Drexel president. "We're committed to strengthening the relationship with our current partners and expanding the store network."
Grow said Wrench's retail experience will be an asset to store owners. He will look at Drexel's store program from the dealer's perspective, aiming to make things easier and more profitable for the owners, Grow said.
Wrench has worked at Drexel for 14 years, and before that was president of the multi-store, high-end Brittain's Furniture in Houston for five years.
"Blain will be an advocate and a liaison for the store owner," said Will Sharp, Drexel Heritage senior vice president of sales and marketing.
Sharp said the focus on the store program has the support of the company's new owner, Furniture Brands International.
Skipper, formerly vice president of sales for the Northern region, has held Drexel sales and marketing posts for 20 years. He now oversees sales of both Drexel Heritage and Lillian August licensed goods, managing the sales force and working with dealers.
"Retailers will see greater continuity in sales policy and retail marketing under Tom's leadership," Grow said, with closer coordination and communication between sales and marketing.
Wilson will oversee development of the Nicklaus contract brand, introduced this past April and marketed to developers of Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses and clubs. He has been with Drexel for 36 years in various sales and marketing positions, most recently as vice president of sales for the Western region.
At year's end, Drexel had about 85 dealer-owned gallery stores nationwide, but is evaluating its qualifying standards, which could affect the store count.
| Wrench |
| Skipper |
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