Furniture Outlets taps two

By Clint Engel -- Furniture Today, November 2, 2009

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Furniture Outlets USA has named Jim Heinitz, sales director of the Top 100 company and a former college football coach, as its CEO.

Heinitz takes the top leadership post at the four-state, 28-store company from founder Bill Hinks, who will remain active in the business as chairman.

Bob Brant, regional manager of the company's Ashley Furniture HomeStores, was promoted to director of sales.

Well known in the Sioux Falls area as the former football coach at the city's Augustana College, Heinitz has worked on and off for Furniture Outlets for 10 years. Hinks said Heinitz has been involved in “just about every facet of the business” and has been sales director for four years.

“Jim has demonstrated a strong understanding of our business, and I have come to value and rely on his insights and business acumen,” Hinks said.

Gordy Wallenstein continues as president and remains the key executive over advertising and very active in merchandising.

Brant joined Furniture Outlets in 2006 and initially worked with store managers to establish sales training and standardized sales practices, among other things.

He also has headed Furniture Outlets' Elk River, Minn., liquidation center, which opened early this year.