Carman follows in father's footsteps with industry award
By David Perry -- Furniture Today, April 5, 2004
INDIANAPOLIS — Fourth-generation bedding producer Joseph Carman IV made history here when he won the Russell L. Abolt Exceptional Service Award, the bedding industry's highest honor.
He became the first person to follow in his father's footsteps in winning the award.
Carman was honored at the Industry Breakfast during the 2004 Bedding Expo hosted by the International Sleep Products Assn. here.
ISPA also recognized a former ISPA executive, Andrea Herman, who died of cancer in 2002. She won the Robert MacMorran Memorial Award, given by ISPA's Suppliers Council to recognize outstanding service to the industry. Gerry Borreggine, who won the MacMorran award in 2002, presented the award to Herman's sister, Suzie Hart, and mother, Renee Herman.
Borreggine, an executive with Therapedic who worked with Herman on ISPA's Better Sleep Council, recalled her as "a very special lady who was passionate about her work" for the bedding industry. Herman left an indelible mark in the industry, he said.
"We will always miss her very much," he said, "but with this memorial she will be a part of our industry forever."
Herman's sister said her family will "always cherish the warmth and respect you have shown us."
The Russell L. Abolt Exceptional Service Award, named for the former ISPA executive who devoted decades of service to the industry before retiring a few years ago, was presented by Richard Diamonstein, past chairman of ISPA's board of trustees.
He hailed Carman as a "wonderful professional" who has provided "extraordinary leadership" for ISPA. Carman has held virtually every committee chairmanship at ISPA and led the strategic planning process, which ISPA is using to guide the association.
Diamonstein, a King Koil licensee, said Carman's "hard work and dedication has made a lasting impression" in the industry.
The award, a closely held secret until it is announced at the meeting, was all the sweeter for Carman because his wife, Sally, surprised him with her presence at the breakfast.
Carman, who heads a Spring Air licensee in Lacey, Wash., cited "the depth of compassion in this industry" in his acceptance speech.
He is the fourth generation of the Carman family to be involved in the business.
