Bedding newsmaker: Charlie Eitel
By David Perry -- Furniture Today, March 28, 2004
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Name:Charlie Eitel
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Position: Chairman & CEO, Simmons
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Years in current position:Four
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Bedding career highlights:(1) Meeting great new friends; and (2) City of Hope.
What is the greatest issue facing the bedding industry?
Sales training — both at wholesale and retail.
If you could change one thing in the bedding industry, what would it be?
For other manufacturers to design their own products and quit trying to knock us off.
What has been the biggest change you've seen in the bedding industry in the past year?
(1) Simmons, Tempur-Pedic and Select Comfort all gained significant share. (2) If you solve a consumer sleep problem, they will buy a bed today and pay a lot more than we ever imagined.
What are your key business goals for 2004?
(1) Continuous product innovation; and (2) be selected as a Fortune "100 Best Companies To Work For" again.
What is the last good business book you've read?
"All The Best: My Life In Letters and Other Writings" by George H.W. Bush.
What are your pet peeves about the bedding industry?
One-third of consumers that shop for a bed each year do not buy because they were not properly sold at retail.
What's something about the bedding industry that most people outside the industry don't know or appreciate?
The importance of a good night's sleep.
What are the most important qualities someone needs in order to achieve long-term success in the bedding industry?
(1) Integrity; (2) passion for helping consumers get a better night's sleep; and (3) letting go of "product gimmicks."
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Specialty sleep products likely to stay hot
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