The industry will miss Jim Hicks
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, November 16, 2009
Some days ago Jim Hicks left us — too fast and young — but I am sure God needed some help from him with some challenge up there.
He spent the last four decades in the furniture industry in many different roles, positions and companies, and in his amazing career he touched a lot of lives. I have met so many colleagues that worked with him, were hired by him or competed with him — and the common theme was the first-class person he was.
I met him five years ago when I was hired to run a well-established company with a team of reps who were very well seasoned and experienced. Jim and I immediately connected and developed a great business relationship, but most importantly a personal one. Depending on the day, he would be my rep, my mentor, my counselor or my teacher.
He loved being the best advocate for his customers, getting the things done in a timely manner. He showed us how to create business in the worst market conditions by using his creativity, expertise and great eye for business. And most importantly, he was always smiling and repeating, “Life is good.”
In order to be able to sell, his mantra was only two words: perceived value. He would always tell us that in furniture or leather, that was the way to sell your product. The key was how to communicate that to your customer….
As one of his customers told me the day he left us, “Jim was the best rep selling us, because he was like a great waiter in a good restaurant. He would be there when you needed him, without bothering you, and he would always serve you what you wanted.”
We will miss his passion, his wisdom and his zest for life.
God bless you, my dear friend.
Juan Diego Casaretto
Managing director
Zenda Leather
