Roseville, Calif.-based North American Home Furnishings Association (NAHFA) hosted its first “Lunch With Leaders” event at the Winter Las Vegas Market for Next Generation NOW members and industry leaders.
Jeff Child, RC Willey and Lori Kelley of Palliser Furniture; Toby Konetzny of Coaster Fine Furniture; Kerry Lebensburger of Ashley Furniture Industries; Robert Maricich of International Market Centers (IMC); and Chuck Reilly of AICO/Amini Innovation Corp. were the leaders who met with 35 Next Gen NOW members. They discussed best practices and the importance of mentoring, expanded upon their knowledge of the industry.
Based on the positive reception from both Next Gen NOW members and the leaders, the association will roll out these Lunch & Learn events at the April High Point Market.
“The group I met with had excellent questions and was very engaging,” Kelley reported. “They were there due to their own passion to be better by listening to someone who has traveled that path. I asked them to all share one experience from their career that they were the most proud of. That reaffirms that we all want to be a part of something bigger than ourselves and to be able to impact something successfully. It was a great conversation.”
Next Gen NOW member Alex Macias of Muebleria Del Sol Furniture said, “Hands-down the best learning experience to date in the furniture industry!”
Next Gen NOW members can learn more at ngnow.org or by contacting Cindi Williams at (800) 422-3778 or cwilliams@nahfa.org.
