Bob Shaak retires as Linwood Furniture president, CEO

Bryan Starnes promoted to president's role

Thomas Russell -- Furniture Today, August 7, 2009

Bob Shaak

Linwood has promoted Bryan Starnes, who has been senior vice president of manufacturing operations, to president. It is dropping the title of CEO, formerly held by Shaak.

Shaak joined Linwood in late 2006 as chief operating officer and vice president of sales and marketing. In September 2007 he assumed the titles of president and CEO from Jimmy Kepley, who now is board chairman.

Kepley, along with artist and designer Bob Timberlake and NASCAR team owner Richard Childress, purchased a closed Lexington plant and opened Linwood in March 2006. Dan Timberlake also is a co-owner. Linwood makes solid wood bedroom and dining room furniture at upper-medium price points, including furniture under the World of Bob Timberlake brand for Lexington Home Brands.

Bryan Starnes

Before joining Linwood, Shaak had worked at manufacturers Hickory White, Thomasville and Lexington.

Kepley, who also is president and CEO of Kepley-Frank Hardwood Co., said Shaak was instrumental in developing product under the Linwood brand as well as creating the sales team. He credited Shaak with developing the company's residential and contract business.

Kepley added, "In less than two and a half years under the direction of Bob Shaak, Linwood Furniture added eight manufacturing contract relationships, developed eight groups for the hospitality industry and seven groups dedicated to the retail sector that Linwood distributes to over 200 dealers across the U.S. and in Canada."

He said Shaak left Linwood "in a great position to move forward. Our sincere and many thanks go to Bob Shaak."

Shaak said in a statement that he was "honored to be a part of this company's development" and expressed confidence in its staff.

Before joining Linwood, Starnes had worked for Lexington for 20 years. He had managed the factory when it was owned by Lexington and became Linwood's first employee in February 2006.

Starnes said he believes the transition will run smoothly based on his close relationship and ongoing communication with Shaak.

"His vision was to grow the company and establish the company as a brand you can trust and value, and I think he put us on that road," Starnes added.

Linwood also has named Mary Lynn Myrick director of sales and marketing. She has been on the company's sales team since 2007, covering the Carolinas and Virginia. Her 30-plus years of sales and marketing experience include 13 years at Durham Furniture. She reports to Starnes.