Three executives return to Expressions; Shuford in new franchise post
By Tom Edmonds -- Furniture Today, November 4, 2001
NEW ORLEANS — Three former executives are back in the fold at Expressions Custom Furniture, and the franchised upholstery chain has created a new position for franchise development.
CV Inds., owner of Expressions and also of manufacturer Century Furniture, essentially has rebuilt the retailer's management team from the early 1990s, prior to several ownership changes.
Among those rejoining the company are Ronna Greist, as vice president and creative director; Allison McInnis, marketing director; Scott Middleton, visual coordinator; and Amy Freese, merchandising coordinator. All four positions had been vacant for most of the past year.
New to the group, Alex Shuford III has been named vice president of franchise development, a new position. The chain has 28 stores, down from a peak of about 50 a few years ago.
The new management team rejoined the team last year. All report to President Bob Arnold.
"By recruiting those who understand the Expressions concept best, CVI is making a commitment to the company and the marketplace," Arnold said.
The addition of Shuford should be a big help, too, Arnold added. "We plan to expand our retail operation by adding new franchises in key markets. Alex Shuford is uniquely qualified to handle this part of our expansion plan."
The Expressions creative and operations team will be based in New Orleans while Arnold and Shuford will continue to work in Hickory, N.C.
"Everything to do with Expressions is now based out of New Orleans, the way it used to be," Ronna Greist said. "It's a challenge for us to regroup this whole effort, but CVI has done it.
"We know what Expressions is and can be," she said. "Our next challenge is to get to that next level of performance for our existing stores and for the next wave of stores we expect to open."
| Shuford |
| Expressions' team includes Amy Freese, left; Scott Middleton, Ronna Griest, Allison McInnis and Lydia James. |
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Expressions promotes Shuford to president
Feb 24, 2002
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