Comfort Solutions builds for growth
By David Perry -- Furniture Today, May 21, 2007
Hinsdale, Ill. — Comfort Solutions, one of the bedding industry's largest licensing groups, is stepping up investments in its brand as it positions itself for aggressive growth.
Under the leadership of Dave Roberts, who has been president of the group since October, Comfort Solutions has brought in a team of high-powered, experienced executives to boost its senior leadership and seize new growth opportunities in a rapidly changing bedding landscape.
The newcomers include Mark Wozniak, a top exec at Sealy for years, who has been named executive vice president of marketing; David Binke, a top sales exec at Spring Air, who is executive vice president of sales; and Mike Rakauskas, a top operational exec at Sealy, Simmons and Spring Air, who is executive vice president and chief financial officer at Comfort Solutions.
"The resources are there to invest in our brand and our company," said Roberts, who was promoted to the president's job after six years with Comfort Solutions. "We looked at people as our No. 1 priority. We've got a great team in place. When that happens, great things usually take place."
Comfort Solutions ranked No. 7 on Furniture/Today's most recent ranking of the Top 15 bedding producers, with estimated 2005 sales of $163 million.
The new growth push is backed by the company's owners and licensees, Roberts said.
"Our licensees are investing heavily in their future," he said. "We will be a stronger, better company for that."
Roberts said the company will bolster its reputation for providing products of high quality and high value, and has leaders who can build customized programs for retailers designed to meet their varying needs.
"All of us have extensive retail experience," he said. "We got that experience before coming into the wholesale side of the business. That gives us a leg up on those who don't have that pedigree. We can look at what retailers need and create programs to bring in more traffic and make sure the price-value connection remains strong, so retailers will make more money."
Wozniak will lead the effort in merchandising. His retail career spanned 24 years, much of that in footwear and apparel. He was the bedding buyer at Burdines for seven years, and moved from that post to Sealy, where he worked for 10 years.
He said the opportunity at Comfort Solutions was one he could not pass up.
"I have the opportunity to work with some great people in a growing company, be part of the executive management team, be a key decision maker, and play a direct role in building, changing and shaping the future of the company," said Wozniak.
Roberts said Binke's greatest strength "is that he is still a retailer. His 15 years of retail experience is still in his blood." Binke's retail experience included stints at department stores Robinsons and Bullocks, and he also worked at Montgomery Ward. "Understanding retail is how you become successful in this business," Binke said.
Rakauskas, meanwhile, has worked with some of the industry's top players, including the legendary Ernie Wuliger. "I don't know that there is anybody who is as seasoned and knowledgeable in all facets of the business as Mike," Roberts said.
Other key members of the Comfort Solutions team include Leo Echeverria, vice president of manufacturing, and Chad Megard, senior vice president of sales.
"I believe that good people don't cost you money, but will make you money," Roberts said. "They will get things done. We have made some strides at Comfort Solutions over the last five years. Now we want to make some leaps in the next five."
