Obituaries
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, October 3, 2005
Ollie Bieniemy Jr., F/T co-founder
Atlanta — Ollie Bieniemy Jr., a founder of Furniture/Today, died earlier this month of a stroke. He was 62.
Bieniemy was the business newspaper's first director of advertising, and was highly regarded in the industry for his people skills and ability to form close relationships. Publisher Stephen K. Pond, Editor-in-Chief Bill Peterson and Bieniemy launched Furniture/Today in September 1976.
A graduate of the City University of New York, Bieniemy began his publishing career as an advertising sales representative for McGraw-Hill Publishing in New York. He then joined Fairchild Publishing, reporting to Pond.
When Pond decided to start Furniture/Today in North Carolina, Ollie told him of his passion for furniture and home furnishings and asked to be part of the venture. He was director of advertising until 1983, demonstrating his ability to create and implement start-up goals and strategies. In three years, Furniture/Today became the industry leader in advertising market share.
Bieniemy also helped launch sister publications Upholstery Today, The Professional Upholsterer and Manufacturing Today.
In 1983, he joined the Atlanta Market Center, now AmericasMart, as director of sales for publications and special projects. He subsequently worked with leading trade magazines in such areas as supermarkets, legal, architectural, construction, engineering, wireless and technology.
In his memory, industry friends have established the Ollie Bieniemy Senior Merit Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Home Furnishings Program at High Point University. The cash award will be presented annually to the program's standout senior student. Contributions may be sent to John Lefler, VP for Institutional Advancement, The Ollie Bieniemy Jr. Award Fund, High Point University, 833 Montlieu Ave., High Point, N.C. 27252-3598.
Roland Maesel, longtime sales rep
Boca Raton, Fla. — Roland Maesel, whose career as a furniture industry sales representative spanned 54 years, has died. He was 72.
He started in the business in his native Garden City on New York's Long Island, where he and his father represented Bernhardt Furniture.
He moved to Florida 30 years ago, and also sold for DeSoto, Charlton and, most recently, Hyundai Furniture before retiring in 2001. He was a member of the Florida Home Furnishings Representatives Assn.
He is survived by his wife and three sons.
Memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.
