NEWS MAKERS
SALAS NAMED SIERRA BLIND VP SALES, MARKETING
Elizabeth Salas has joined Sierra Blind Co. (SBC), Tucson AZ., as vice president of sales and marketing. Her responsibilities will include development of new programming and customer relations.
Salas’ prior experience includes over six years with Springs Window Fashions, most recently as regional sales manager for the Southwest.
Sierra Blind is a preferred Comfortex fabricator with additional proprietary offerings, which soon will include the addition of Sierra Shutters.
Owner of SBC, Scott Holmes states, “[Salas] brings a wealth of knowledge with over 18 years of experience in the home apparel industry. As an interior designer by trade, Elizabeth has vast understanding of both retail and wholesale business channels.
Elizabeth believes, as we do, in the value of customers, understands the importance of true business partnership, and will undoubtedly be instrumental in our success moving forward.”
WINDOW FASHIONS, INC. ADDs MARADEI TO INSIDE SALES
Window Fashions, Inc., Cheswick, PA, has added to its inside sales department. Susan Maradei has joined the company’s team as a liaison between its office and its outside sales staff.
Maradei brings many years of experience to contribute to the department, as well as the company.
RMCOCO HIRE WALGRAEVE, MCGILLIS AS SALES REPS
Antoine Walgraeve will represent the RM Coco product lines primarily in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, with hopes to expand into other territories in 2008. The announcement was made in October by RM Coco, Cape Girardeau, MO.
“Walgraeve is a welcome addition to our sales team. He brings a wealth of knowledge in the fabric industry and is enthusiastic about our products. We look forward to establishing and working with interior designers and decorators in Canada,” said Mike Watson, RM Coco vice president of sales.
In addition, the company has appointed T.J. McGillis as the sales representative for Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota and parts of Wisconsin and Iowa. McGillis has more than 20 years experience in sales and marketing.
SOMFY ADDS ANDERSON, GRAZIANO TO SALES TEAM
Somfy Systems Inc., Cranbury, NJ, announces two additions to its sales team.
Paul Anderson has been named to the position of sales manager for the North Central region of the Unites States. In this role, Anderson is responsible for business development, training and customer support for the interior window treatments customers in this area.
Anderson comes to Somfy with 18 years of experience in the window coverings industry. His extensive sales and marketing background includes eight years as an independent sales representative and 10 years in sales management for window coverings manufacturers and fabricators based in the Midwest.
Doreen Graziano has joined the Somfy team as the sales administrator assistant for the Interior Products Division. Her responsibilities include providing support to the national sales manager, regional sales managers and field service representatives.
Graziano is certified in meeting, event and conference management from New York University and has a strong background in corporate event meeting planning.
IN MEMORIAM: GARY ROBERTS
Gary Roberts, vice president of sales and product development for Vista Products, Sarasota, FL, died October 1, 2007. He was considered a respected and inspirational leader in the window coverings industry.
Roberts began his successful career with Garber Industries in 1971, and began working for Vista Products in 1982 where he spent the balance of his career. Roberts’ expertise was widely respected within the industry by customers, competitors and suppliers. An innovator and problem solver, he had several industry patents to his credit. He started with Vista as a salesperson and ultimately became an integral part of its executive management team.
Roberts was renowned for his boundless energy and tremendous work ethic. His indomitable spirit and humor in the face of adversity was an inspiration to all that knew and loved him. He will be missed by Vista, his family, co-workers and his many friends. |
