Jackson tapped to lead Shamrock; Catnapper gears for growth in West
By Gary Evans -- Furniture Today, September 15, 2003
Cleveland, Tenn. — Upholstery maker Jackson Furniture Co. is refocusing its Shamrock division and has named Keith Jackson to head it.
Jackson, vice president of the division, a new position, will be responsible for all aspects of the operation except manufacturing. He will retain his duties in brand management and global sourcing for all the Jackson companies.
In addition, Andy Diengott has joined Jackson as Northern regional sales vice president for both the Shamrock and Jackson divisions.
Diengott began his industry career 18 years ago as an associate representative of Jackson, then became a rep for Stratford and Action. Most recently, he was a regional vice president of sales for Berkline and the upholstery division of Ashley.
Diengott assumes the responsibilities of Jim Knapick, who left the company, but with augmented duties.
Pam Brady-Proesch, merchandise manager for Jackson, said the moves represent an effort to revitalize the Shamrock division, which ships from Front Royal, Va., about 60 miles west of Washington.
The factory makes sofa/loveseat packages that retail from $399 to $599, and a sofa/loveseat/chair package targeted at $699. Brady-Proesch said the division would add two more styles to its Shamrock line and "be very focused on cover-to-frame so we can ship more quickly." The goal is two-week delivery, she said.
Meanwhile, Jackson's Catnapper division recently opened sales territories in several Western states for the first time in many years. Chuck Rudwall, vice president of sales for Catnapper and Jackson, will manage the expansion in addition to his current duties.
"These changes will be positive for our company as Keith and Andy will be very focused on building the Shamrock brand in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast where our factory location provides very fast and low-cost delivery to our customers," said Gary Harmon, senior vice president of sales and merchandising. "We also are very excited about the Catnapper expansion into the western United States and look forward to strong sales growth under Chuck's direction."
