Badcock's Don Marks dies of cancer

Former president, CEO was 62

Clint Engel -- Furniture Today, October 5, 2009

Don Marks

MULBERRY, Fla. — Don Marks, the first non-Badcock family member to lead Badcock Home Furniture & more, who was credited with remaking the Top 100 company's image and operations, died Saturday after battling cancer. He was 62.

Marks, who retired as president and CEO at the end of 2008, joined the Mulberry, Fla.-based Badcock in 1998. In the first eight years of his tenure, he led the more than 300-store company to a 280% increase in its profits, according to information from the National Home Furnishings Assn.

Marks also is credited with bringing about new marketing practices and a new store image with the "& more" concept, which the company said "helped to bring Badcock into the 21st century with a fresh approach to merchandising and unified store design."

He also led the company on a multimillion-dollar overhaul of its supply chain managements systems during a crucial period, just before the global economic slowdown.

Even after retirement, Badcock said Marks remained a valued advisor to the corporation, serving on its board. He also served on the American Furniture Hall of Fame board from 2007-2009 and this year was recognized as the National Home Furniture Assn.'s Retailer of the Year among companies with annual sales of more than $10 million.

A native of Southern California, Marks graduated from UCLA with a bachelor's degree in business administration. Before joining Badcock, he held executive positions with companies such as McDonald's, Pepsico, Rent-A-Center and Thorn.

Don Marks

His charitable and community involvement included Ronald McDonald House, United Way and City of Hope. In 2005, Marks was honored with the City of Hope's Spirit of Life Award.

Marks also was an avid drag racer, traveling the country to compete in the dragster circuit.

He is survived by his wife, Teena Marks; children Jamie Marks, Don Marks Jr., Tiffany LaMontagne, Lindsay Videnieks and Wayne Lawrence; and five grandchildren.

Badcock asks the industry to join it for a moment of silence at 11 a.m. today (Monday, Oct. 5) in remembrance of Marks.

Services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at Christ United Methodist Church, 467 First Ave. North, St. Petersburg, Fla., 33701. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the City of Hope or The Hospice Foundation.

Badcock is No 18 on furniture/Today's Top 100 with estimated furniture, bedding and accessories sales last year of $393.2 million at 320 promotional to midpriced stores across the Southeast.