Eitel: I’m not reading comments
I ran into Charlie Eitel at an industry event the other day and had a chance to talk with him about my blog. It was an interesting conversation.
As readers of this blog are well aware, Eitel, the former CEO of Simmons, has come in for plenty of harsh criticism by a number of readers who blame him for the challenges at Simmons, which just made a Chapter 11 filing.
But Eitel, who just launched a new consulting company, Eitel & Armstrong, told me he’s not reading those comments. That’s surprising to me; I would think Eitel would want to know how his tenure at Simmons is being analyzed by a large number of readers. The comments are running strongly against him, although some posts have been favorable.
I told Eitel that I hoped he understood that the comments being posted about him are not those with which I necessarily agree. My role in the blog is to set the table for an industry discussion. Sometimes I think the comments are right on target, and other times I think they miss the mark. But Furniture/Today encourages vigorous discussion of the issues, which is why we give those who comment a fair amount of latitude with their comments.
Eitel said he understood those points.
So as you read the comments on my blog — and on the other blogs on our Web site — keep in mind that our writers may or may not agree with those comments. And thanks for making our blogs a dynamic forum for a wide variety of opinions.
O REALLY commented:
So Charlie is not reading the blog eh? Can you tell which ones are his postings! FUNNY
Bedding Vet commented:
To Mr. Know it all,
You just don't get it. Take some time to read some of the comments from former employees. Maybe you'l' understand.
Bedding Vet is an idiot commented:
The ESOP does not include Executive Pay. The ESOP was in place before he came to Simmons. You have no idea what you are talking about. It's amazing how stupid people are in this business.
Bedding Vet commented:
Yeah,
and Charlie got 40% or $40 Million of the $100M. Greed is good for some, not the masses.
stupid people commented:
Wow, did you not know the ESOP at Simmons paid out $100 Million in 2003. Maybe you should do your homework before posting stupid comments.
Bud Fox Remembers commented:
Gorden Gekko Eitel "Greed is good. Greed works. Greed captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit." Bud Fox, "Why do you need to wreck the company? Gekko, "Because it is wreckable." Gekko, "dreams are bought and sold." Fox, "Life comes down to a few moments. This is one of them." Wall Street debuted in 1987---the same year Simmons got tossed to Wickes from Gulf & Western---and then the sordid story of bout and sold numbers of times over. The employees lost their pension, their ESOP, and now everything. Way to go Gekko Eitel! Think of the misery and shame you have created for those who are left. Simmons fits the mold of the Wall Street story if any company ever did. Greed.
Jake commented:
Amen. Why do you feel compelled to pile on? This is not the National Enquirer.
Gone Rogue commented:
I agree 100% to getting back to real news that will help, not hurt our industry. Eitel is history like the Barbarians at the Gate. Dave,move on.
Are you kidding me? commented:
Dave, You've got to be kidding me! We are now blogging about hallway conversations with former blog subjects. This has become "Drama Central"...let's get back to reporting news.
Former Sim Emp commented:
Mr. Armstrong, HOLD ON TO YOUR WALLET.
Former Sim Emp commented:
Mr. Armstrong, HOLD ON TO YOUR WALLET.
Amazed commented:
The way to make money with Eitel is to buy him for what he's really worth and then to sell him for what he thinks he's worth. The man has a thermonuclear ego.
screamingfitofrage commented:
I want to raid my company's bank account and file BK. How do I get in touch with him?
sandman fernicolegezt commented:
wow , tear it down keep a small fortune , then start a consulking comp.why even mention his name , sad that anyone would hire this nutcase. who tore to town an old line furn company,hes the last name you want to be in the furniture world ban his name and stories about him please
BED HEAD FRED commented:
The emperor had no clothes and the CEO has no ticking or scruples. How can one show one's face when leaving a 139 year old American icon company bankrupt Chapter 11 today---after lining ones pockets with Megamoney? The world has truly become insane with greed! Go consult with the Federal Reserve to find the TARP money!
Anonymous Coward commented:
Simmons = the Enron of the furniture industry.
Former Emp commented:
Mr. Mark,
Having your face on the cover of the Wall Street Journal, and being called out for greed - is not a way to build an industry.
Upset commented:
Please,This is not a story anymore.Simmons filed chapter 11 today.Lets move on,without Mr Eitel.Thank God!
Robert Mark commented:
Well, David, what is your opinion of Eitel based on your reporter's depth of knowledge? Care to comment on how he helped build the industry instead of tear it down? Would you personally want to use him as a consultant if you were starting a new business?
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