Jeff Schwall joins Linwood Furniture as EVP of sales, marketing

Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, March 21, 2011

LINWOOD, N.C. — Case goods manufacturer Linwood Furniture has hired Jeff Schwall as executive vice president of sales and marketing, a new position.

Jeff Schwall

Schwall most recently was regional vice president of sales at furniture source Schnadig. Earlier, he held executive sales posts at Shermag, Southern Furniture Reproductions and Lexington Furniture.

At Linwood he reports to CEO Mike Mebane and will be responsible for developing sales and marketing strategies for the company's Linwood - Carolina Furniture Artisans Collections brand. He also will work with OEM accounts and manage product development, and oversee public relations initiatives and the creation of marketing materials.

"As we grow, it is essential to build an experienced leadership team to aggressively expand our base of furniture dealers and interior designers nationally and to explore new channels of business as a domestic OEM producer for other residential and contract furniture brands," Mebane said in a statement. "Jeff is well regarded in the industry and thoroughly understands the retail marketplace as well as domestic manufacturing, which significantly differentiates Linwood from the industry's sea of sameness."

Schwall said he looks forward to the new career opportunity at Linwood.

"For many years I have watched the furniture manufacturing industry move outside the U.S. and have experienced supply chain management issues, escalating transportation costs and the uncertainty that plagues the global sourcing model," he said in a statement. "Consumers are ready to embrace the return to quality products, timeless designs and reliable American resources to furnish their homes. I love the heart that goes into manufacturing furniture here in our own plant and the advantages we provide by uniquely offering our customers a high degree of customization and furniture which is made in America."