Hobson named president of Colonial LLC

David Perry -- Furniture Today, January 14, 2013

HobsonHIGH POINT - Colonial LLC, a display and branding specialist serving the mattress industry, has promoted Mark Hobson to president, a new position.
     Hobson, a 30-year bedding veteran, will be responsible for the expansion of Colonial's customer-centered sales, marketing and operations strategies. He will lead client functions as Colonial continues to grow its sales domestically and internationally, the company said.
     Hobson will report to Jim Keever Sr., Colonial's chairman and CEO.
     "Mark's success in defining Colonial's customer-focused vision and executing on that vision has strengthened our position as the leading supplier within our industry," Keever said. "With an in-depth understanding of the mattress business and a proven ability to solve the types of challenges that our customers face, Mark's skills are uniquely suited to lead the Colonial team as we continue to implement our vision in the marketplace. His efforts over the past two years have already helped us to achieve record-setting results and we are planning for that trend to continue in the years ahead."
     Before joining Colonial in January 2011, Hobson spent more than 25 years with Sealy in various senior sales and marketing roles.
     He also has worked as a retail bedding buyer with the Jordan Marsh organization and as managing director for the Greensboro, N.C., office of Sandler Training, which offers sales and management consulting.
     Established in 1982, Colonial produces a broad assortment of pillows, shams, foot protectors, headboards and other display materials, designed and customized to showcase mattress brands and products in retail showrooms. Through a proprietary, consultative approach, Colonial works with its clients to raise brand awareness, attract consumer interest and elevate perceived value, leading to increased mattress sales, the company said.