Gorman's promotes Duane Petroskey to GM in Grand Rapids

Clint Engel -- Furniture Today, January 23, 2012

Duane Petroskey

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Gorman's Home Furnishings & Interior Design has promoted Duane Petroskey to general manager of its showroom and design center here.

He replaces David Israels, who left the Farmington, Mich.-based retailer Friday, to join his brother Jason Israels in opening a new Klingman's furniture store in Grand Rapid, according to a release.

Petroskey, who has been with Gorman's for more than six years and grew up in the industry working in his father's furniture business, will oversee day-to-day operations for the midpriced to high-end store and its specialty shops. He will also support the retailer's on-staff design team and work with community interior designers and consumers, working to grow Gorman's "to the trade" program.

"We believe in promoting from within, and as such we have identified a true design professional to lead the Grand Rapids showroom," said Gorman's President Tom Lias. "Duane truly embodies Gorman's values - a certified designer with an extensive background in retail management and a commitment to excellence in the design and furniture industries, who will help us in continuing to exceed the expectations of independent design community members."

Gorman's re-entered the Grand Rapids market early last year, following the forced shutdown of Klingman's and Israels Designs for Living, both owned by Bob Israels. At the time, Gorman's hired Bob Israels' sons David and Jason Israels to lead the Grand Rapids operation as general manager and operations and administration manager, respectively. Jason left the business a few months ago.

The Grand Rapids Press has reported that Jason Israels is working with new investors to resurrect the Klingman's name at retail.