Fazio: ISPA statistics need review
Add Gary Fazio’s name to the list of industry leaders who want a thorough review of the International Sleep Products Assn.’s statistics program.
Fazio, CEO of Houston-based Mattress Firm, weighed in on the issue in a letter to me following my Nov. 16 column calling for a review of the ISPA statistics.
Here’s his letter:
“I really enjoyed your column regarding the lack of accuracy in our industry statistics. Finally someone is speaking for this important subject. Thank you.
“For most of my 37 years in the industry, I have utilized the size and pace of our industry on which to base my market-building strategies. How else can one gauge the value of their investment — be it capital or people? How can investors invest in this industry, whether the company is public or private, if they cannot understand its relative size or its pace of growth? How can any manager measure their own or someone else’s performance without the proper and relative perspective? And certainly, how can one decide on your strategies without a better understanding of the potential opportunity?
“I applaud your efforts and certainly hope ISPA and our industry leaders listen to your plea. Our industry’s global value may depend on it.”
Gary Fazio’s voice is one that cannot be ignored. It’s time for a thorough review of ISPA’s statistics.
omfml commented:
Brovo Gary
I have worked with Gary Fazio in the past and he knows the bedding industry.
C Schriever commented:
Industry associations are a great resource for specific data and I hope ISPA is able to convice its members to provide this necessary information.
Steve Hernandez commented:
Maybe some of these guys should listen to us smaller independents. We have seeing and have commented on the shrinking of our industry for the last 10 yrs or so. We have spoken to fellow small independents about this issue and even to our local suppliers and most of us agree that our industry has been on the slide as far as growth. Our industry is shrinking on all sides, manufacturing, supplies,and retail. We should consider different avenues with which we can join together to help each other stabilize then grow our industry with or without the help of ISPA. We need to remember that what works on one side of the USA does not work for the rest of the country especially when you are located in areas that have a high amount of manufacturers both big and small.
JW commented:
Bravo, finally one of the top industry leaders speaks up. Gary has lived both wholesale and retail. We need more mattress executives to open up and give ISPA the information and direction that will help everyone grow their business.
