Englander president ‘takes stand on principle’
Kevin Toman knows his views won’t be popular with everyone. But the president of Top 15 producer Englander is sticking to his guns. “I’m taking a stand on principle,” he said.
That stand has led Toman to resign as a member of the board of the International Sleep Products Assn., and it has led
Englander to resign as an ISPA member. At issue: A patent infringement lawsuit filed against more than a dozen bedding
producers and suppliers, including Englander, by memory foam leader Tempur-Pedic.
It so happens that Rick Anderson, the president of Tempur-Pedic North America, is currently serving as ISPA’s chairman.
Toman believes that the lawsuit compromises Anderson’s effectiveness as ISPA chairman. For his part, Anderson says the
lawsuit and his ISPA work are separate issues.
While the ISPA board supports Anderson keeping his ISPA post, Toman is going in another direction. And that direction is to leave ISPA, a very unwelcome development for the trade association.
Say what you will about Toman’s decision, but the fact remains that he is a respected industry leader. He’s one of the most
knowledgeable and experienced executives in the industry. I’ve always found that when he shares his views, it’s worth listening to what he has to say.
Bob B. commented:
As a leader and a CEO Dick Doyle was an unmitigated disaster. Any agency or association that considers hiring him ought to read this thread of posts. It would be a wake up call. Goodnight, Dick.
ISPA Member (for now) commented:
David Order's comments notwithstanding, the sorriest aspect of this entire episode is that it took this issue, and this long, to really see waht Dick Doyle was, and is, all about.
DJ commented:
It's well and good that David Orders likes Dick Doyle and thinks that he is a great guy.
But the facts are this, members are leaving the association BECAUSE OF DOYLE and his perceived lack of integrity. If Doyle shined some of his loyal professional behavior to more than the select few, who have witnessed it, we and he would not be in this position of needing to replace him. And the people who also would have like to have seen this loyal professional behavior are the people in his staff, who he has lost. Good people have left and others are preparing to jump ship.
David, your opinion is a rather exclusive one when it comes to Dick Doyle.
Robert Fernandez commented:
David, If you think Dick Doyle is that great of a guy, you should hire him.
David Orders commented:
I have known Dick Doyle since he joined ISPA. I at least fall into a small category of members who has worked most closely with him both publicly and privately. I have sat with him on Capital Hill and watched as he tirelessly defended our industry and represented it well, I have traveled internationally with him 3 times and watched as he represented us professionally and loyally, i have never heard him speak negatively about others in our industry either behind closed doors or publicly and he has always sought consensus with those in our industry and has faithfully and loyally followed the direction of our executive committee to which he is accountable. He is a man of integrity and I have found him to be a humble man to others. He is not perfect and deserves better than he is represented here. I know for certain the value he has brought to our association over the years. I know others who feel the same way that I do who know him best.
ISPA Member commented:
Doyle resign or alot of members will leave !
ISPA Member (for now) commented:
...Dick Doyle needs to go.
ISPA member (for now) commented:
Chess or "chest
Wat commented:
The suppliers who are resigning do not know how to play chest. TempurPedic made a chest move
Allen B. commented:
D. Doyle has to be held responsible for this mess. If he is not replaced
Michael A. commented:
The ISPA Board needs to face up and meet the challenge. Either pull the plug on Doyle and put a stop to the slide into oblivion
biglgolf commented:
I just read that Carpenter has resigned from ISPA. When is this going to stop ? Someone has to step up.
Confused commented:
The question has to be asked of Simmons, King Koil, Restonic, L&P and others why they continue to support ISPA. Either create a change in leadership or resign!
Robert B. commented:
Dick Doyle's term with ISPA can be defined in one word, arrogance. Now that very arrogance is threatening to topple the entire association.
Member of ISPA commented:
Doyle Resign ! - ISPA Restructure !
Blog observer commented:
At the time he was hired it was reported by several staffers that Dick Doyle told them that the ISPA job was merely a stepping stone for him in his career. Looks like he slipped on the way up.
S. Quinn commented:
In reading all the comments on ISPA and about Dick Doyle one has to wonder if Doyle qualifies for the government's stimulus package, Cash for Clunkers.
Jon S. commented:
It’s unfortunate that ISPA is losing members over this flap. If anything good has come from it, it is that this episode has illuminated the management deficiencies of Dick Doyle to everyone and anyone watching. If ISPA is to emerge from this with any semblance of credibility within the industry it seems obvious the Doyle needs to be fired.
FT Reader commented:
Thank you D. Perry for running this blog. I have gained a lot from this information. I will NEVER join ISPA unless things change. Thank you - Good Job Mr. Toman
Jim W. commented:
I remember when it was considered an honor to belong to ISPA. What a shame that it has deteriorated to this state today.
Former ISPA member commented:
This is an example of why my company left ISPA. What the ISPA membership should be asking itself is, can you do better? The current executive is the reason many have left, and why others are now leaving. It may be time for a long overdue change of management.
Mel R. commented:
I am an old-time supplier, who's been a member of ISPA from long before it was even called ISPA. I was directed to this article by one of my former reps. I am glad to see the association members are finally taking notice. You deserve a better equipped executive advocate than you currently have in your employ.
Eric Savery commented:
I agree with RD. ISPA has really lost ground and its profile has been significantly diminished since Doyle took over.
RD commented:
Whether or not Anderson resigns, the real question is, how much longer can ISPA survive the bungling reign of Dick Doyle ?
KR commented:
I must say after reading and researching many - many reports on this senseless lawsuit that my plans of becoming a member of ISPA are now gone. I do not understand the reason for the lawsuit nor how ISPA can allow Mr Anderson to remain on the board.
Way to go Mr Toman - I have come to my senses thanks to you.
JW commented:
Kevin Toman is a smart guy who has been in the mattress business a lot longer than Rick Anderson. Why not put Toman in charge of ISPA? He will do a great job of helping ISPA's members.
M.G. Reed commented:
Englander president, Toman has the right idea. We all need to follow in his steps. ISPA Board needs to get rid of Anderson and make Toman its chairman, then maybe ISPA might get back on the right track. Way to go Englander.
Industry observer commented:
Does anyone really believe that ISPA is still relevant? Maybe one person, Dick Doyle, who has proven himself to be clueless, time and time, again.
ISPA MEMBER commented:
I am outraged that the board would allow Mr. Anderson to stay. If he does not have the integrity to step aside until this is over they should ask him to resign. ISPA Board does not have the members best interest in mind. Guess I will be rethinking my membership!
Industry Veteran commented:
There was, is, and will be a conflict of interest as long as Tempur-Pedic has a lawsuit ongoing with the rest of the industry. How can you say "DUH?" any other way? He should resign.
biglgolf commented:
I think Mr.Anderson should resign. This issue is and will cause more damage to ISPA. I think there could be more exit's from ISPA and the Board if this is not resolved.
Larry Fine commented:
ISPA executive leadership: Dr, Howard, Dr. Fine, Dr. Howard!
Industry Veteran commented:
Bravo to Kevin Toman. ISPA has been going backwards for a few years. Rick Anderson is clearly conflicted and should resign his position as ISPA chairman. Why is it ISPA cannot communicate on the very issues brought up by Dave Perry? The hard stuff, warranties, bed bugs, dust mites and disposal.
Lisa S. commented:
I don't know one person that likes to be in a room with someone they have been in a lawsuit against. I don't blame Troman at all for stepping down. ISPA may need to look at a future policy on board members and lawsuits.
Kelly McFarland commented:
I am just a lowly retail sales guy, but I have served on many boards through the years. I think Mr. Englander is doing the correct thing under the circumstances. The move by Tempur-Pedic is in conflict with the work of Mr. Anderson is doing on the BOD and fundametally affects all of his industry relationships. I don't understand why, in the interest of preserving the work of the association, he does not offer to step aside until the litigation is completed. It just is an example of the continued arrogance of the entire Tempur-Pedic organization. IMO.
