Wright sees opportunities in ISPA transition
There were some illuminating comments about transitions in the story of Dick Doyle’s resignation as president
and CEO of the International Sleep Products Assn.
ISPA Chairman Don Wright brought up the issue of transitions a number of times in his comments on Doyle’s resignation,
which brought his seven-year ISPA career to an abrupt end.
In the first instance, Wright referred to the tumultuous events of the past few weeks, which saw ISPA lose three members
over issues stemming, in part, from a controversial lawsuit filed by Tempur-Pedic against a broad swath of key industry
players. The fallout over those issues led Tempur-Pedic executive Rick Anderson, who was then serving as ISPA’s chairman, to resign that ISPA post.
“In assessing the transition period the organization was about to enter, Dick felt it was an opportunity for him to explore
other professional challenges,” Wright said. In other words, the changes at ISPA gave Doyle an opportunity – to leave ISPA.
But Wright also spoke of this time of transition as opening a door of opportunity for ISPA. “It is my belief that
we can take advantage of this transition to open a dialogue with members and non-members representing all facets of the
mattress industry,” he said. “We want to learn how ISPA can best serve our shared interests with a renewed unity, and learn how to attract former and new members into the association. I also believe that this gives us a great opportunity to re-evaluate our strategic plan and to ensure that the association is providing the best service and value to the industry.”
What do we think? Wright is right.
Retailer commented:
I know Ed when he was with Sealy and Serta...he should be at the top of the list. What is he doing now? He would be a game changer for ISPA.
Mattress Veteran commented:
Now is the time for change at ISPA and our industry. An opportunity for better awareness, improved industry insight and strong/respected leadership. ISPA needs to hire someone with their primary goal of focusing on our industry…not a president of the mattress manufacture or a supplier. Someone that knows our industry and can provide strong leadership to ISPA. An individual that is respected in our industry and can get the key mattress manufactures back to ISPA. A proven leader and a successful track record. Someone like Ed Lilly. He has years of experiences working for both Sealy, Serta and most recently the smaller manufactures with his consulting company…good success with all. Ed is well respected in our industry … it would be a great win for ISPA and our industry. Don’t know if Ed would even want the challenge… if not Ed, then someone like him. Everyone at ISPA…”don’t miss this opportunity to get a strong leader”.
Robert McCredy commented:
ISPA will have its work cut out for it to undo and repair the damage caused by the Dick Doyle reign. Hopefully, it's not too late for the esteemed association to make a comeback. Good luck ISPA, and good riddence, Dick Doyle.
To an observer commented:
Everybody knows Dick Doyle was fired. They were trying to be nice to him by saying he resigned.
He did a miserable job and his tenure will be remembered as one that set ISPA back dozens of years.
Now, it's time to pick up the pieces and put an association together that servers the interests of the industry, not its CEO.
Industry Vet commented:
ISPA started sliding off the tracks with the courting of chinese manufacturers in an effort to boost revenue. The association completely lost track of it's core values. The industry needs an advocay group that performs in the best ineterest of domestic manufacturers and suppliers. What's wrong with attending Interzume as a representative of North American interests? Bring in an effective leader who can serve the domestic membership! Kind of sounds like the NABM. Let's address warranty, disposal, fire retardency and anti-dumping issues with a common interest.
An Observer commented:
Tell like it is
Resignation to persue other opportunities equals fired
