NEWSMAKERS
DANMER APPOINTS NEW PRESIDENT, CEO
After 30 years of growth under its founder, David Neiman, Danmer Custom Shutters, Chatsworth, CA, has announced that Mark Baraghimian, acting COO since 2002, will take over the reigns as president and CEO. Neiman will continue on as chairman.
Baraghimian spent six years as a CFO in the food service industry and then 10 years in the home fashion and furnishings industry as controller/CFO at Kalli Distributing prior to joining Danmer as CFO in 2001.
“The competition for the customer in the window coverings business is fierce,” conceded Baraghimian, “but this company has met the challenge time and time again over the years. I’m thrilled to have been a part of that success, but I see an incredible opportunity ahead to grow our market share even more.”
BTX PROMOTES KEENAN, LEON; APPOINTS STONE, STOBB
BTX Window Automation, Dallas, TX, has announced several personnel appointments.
Kevin Keenan has been promoted to chief operating officer. Keenan brings 13 years of experience in the automation industry. He is focused on tactically meeting increased market demand for motorization with oversight of manufacturing, research and development, operations and marketing.
Mitch Stone has been appointed director of business development. Stone brings a total of 30 years of sales and marketing experience, six of them in window coverings motorization sales. In addition to his many responsibilities as director, Stone will expand custom system sales by strengthening BTX’s market position as a supplier of motorization technology in rapidly growing distribution channels.
Heriberto Leon has been promoted to automation specialist, sales and technical support. In this role, Leon serves to support and build business with new and existing national and international clients with a focus on Central and South America. Leon joined BTX in 2000 as a production builder of custom automation systems.
John Stobb has been appointed marketing coordinator. Stobb joins BTX with an extensive background in marketing and advertising in the financial and insurance industry. He will focus on dealer-directed marketing support and expanding the market for BTX custom automation solutions.
CELEBRITY DESIGNER MICHAEL PAYNE TO PROMOTE EXCITING WINDOWS!
At its annual conference held in Baltimore, MD, in February Exciting Windows! announced that Michael Payne, the interior designer and host of HGTV’s popular show “Designing for the Sexes,” will endorse and promote the Exciting Windows! brand of professional shop-at-home window decorating service.
Payne will promote the company’s unique brand of shop-at-home service as he travels throughout the country appearing on TV and at home shows. Exciting Windows! members will benefit from this connection by using his photo and celebrity status in all their advertising and promotional materials.
Payne’s relationship with Exciting Windows! began last year when one of its members, Dian Garbarini, Designs by Dian, Mission Viejo, CA, struck up a conversation with him in Tampa, FL. After learning that Garbarini was an Exciting Windows! certified consultant, Payne took her to task and asked her to design window treatments throughout his own home in Los Angeles.
“Not only was he thrilled with the beautiful window fashions she created, he was equally impressed by the service Dian provided,” said Steve Bursten, president and CEO.
“We’re delighted to have Michael on board,” said Bursten. “His role on the show as a mediator in helping husbands and wives solve their decorating dilemmas is rooted in the same customer service philosophy as our network of experienced business owners. His approach of making friends with his clients by listening carefully to their needs, respecting their budgets and following through with a beautiful finished product is exactly the way our members do business.”
MERLIN MFG. NAMES GUEST NATIONAL SALES MANAGER
Merlin Mfg., Inc. Barberton, OH, has appointed Ken Guest national sales manager. The position of national sales manager is being created to support Merlin’s growth and ongoing commitment to excellent customer service.
Guest has been one of Merlin’s top sales people for more than 10 years. He has ambitious plans for his team. “It’s within our reach to double the size of our business in five years,” he said.
In addition to the sales team based in northeast Ohio, Merlin has recently opened a sales office in Chicago, IL. According to Guest, this unique approach of having a full-time business development manager in a remote location is serving Merlin and their customers well.
Merlin also is expanding its sales support staff to provide customers with access to additional resources. “We’ve standardized our sales approach and training, and made a significant investment in information technology, so that every member of the team can provide seamless service to our customers,” said Guest.
Merlin creates custom window treatments and bedding programs for national hotel, restaurant and retail chains, including clients such as franchisers of Marriott hotels, Bob Evans restaurants and Barnes & Noble booksellers.
FALSONE JOINS COLWELL AS VP SALES
John Falsone has joined Colwell, Kendallville, IN, as vice president of sales. His responsibilities will include the development of new business for Colwell’s coated, deposit and non-paint products and services in North America.
Falsone has an extensive background in sales, marketing and business development for the chemical and color sampling industries. He will be based in Cleveland, OH.
Colwell produces color merchandising tools and product sampling for decorative coatings, window treatment, automotive, furniture, cosmetics and paper industries. |
