Neil Friedman to receive IHFRA's Rudy Steltemeir Award
Honor is given to a person who exceeds "call of duty," group says
Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, March 8, 2011
HIGH POINT — Neil Friedman, a longtime Southern California sales representative who has been a mentor to fellow reps, will receive this year's Rudy Steltemeir Award from the International Home Furnishings Representatives Assn.
 Neil Friedman |
The award will be presented April 1 at IHFRA's Presidential Gala here on the eve of the High Point Market.
IHFRA presents the Steltemeir Award to someone who has exceeded the "call of duty" as a member and as a sales representative. Friedman, who has been in the industry for 46 years and is West Coast manager for Primo International, has given outstanding service to the industry, the association said.
Rudy Steltemeir was a Tennessee sales representative for 66 years who died in 1993 at the age of 92. Many successful representatives attribute their success to Steltemeir's help. He helped them get lines, loaned them money in lean times, and told other reps, "You make your living selling furniture and you must support your association."
Friedman, a member of the Home Furnishings Representatives Group of Southern California, started his career in 1965 working for Sanitary Mattress Co. In 1972, he and a partner started Loving Care Mattress, which was purchased in 1995 by Schubert Inds.
Friedman worked as a consultant for several years before becoming general manager of Eastman House, doing business as Aireloom Bedding, in 2002. He helped facilitate the sale of Aireloom to Earl Kluft.
In addition to representing Primo International, Friedman works with reps who are just starting out or need coaching. He has helped organize networking breakfast meetings, and has been on the HFRG's board for the past 10 years, serving in various chapter offices including president.
He also is co-chair of the West Coast City of Hope golf committee.
The IHFRA Presidential Gala and Awards Dinner will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, April 1, in the International Home Furnishings Center Ballroom B. For more information, contact the IHFRA office at (336) 889-3920 or e-mail ihfra@ihfra.org.
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Friedman to receive IHFRA's Steltemeir award
Mar 25, 2011
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