La-Z-Boy recognized the owners and operators of its top performing La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries at an awards ceremony held during the recent High Point Market.
"Once a year, we take the opportunity to reflect on the great achievements of our stores and applaud them for their commitment to the La-Z-Boy brand," said Mark Bacon, president of La-Z-Boy Branded Business. "Their hard-work and dedication helps solidify our position as the most recognized home furnishings brand."
Ed Breunig III, owner and operator of nine La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries in Arizona, was named Retail Partner of the Year for continuously demonstrating a commitment to the La-Z-Boy brand, retail network and customers. Breunig's team has been a pioneer for many of the company's successful programs including free in-home design and the case goods expansion, the company said.
"Their ongoing commitment to the brand, their business and the consumer is unparalleled, which is why they continue to grow year over year," said Bacon.
Chris and Lisa Washko, with four La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries in the Seattle market, took the Top New Dealer award.
For the second consecutive year, the Customer Service Excellence award went to Dave Layman and the Springdale, Ark., team for achieving the highest level of customer satisfaction in the La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries system in North America.
The Ronald McDonald House Charities Partner of the Year award went to Michael DeNisco II for his efforts to support of the nonprofit organization, which provides a place to stay for families whose children are undergoing hospital treatment nearby.
DeNisco, who operates three La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries in New York, offered his design expertise and provided more than $10,000 in furniture for a new 25-bedroom Ronald McDonald House. He also ran a store promotion for the house opening and donated a percentage of sales. His family is an active volunteer at the house and DeNisco can often be found preparing dinners for its guests.
"Michael is a testament of our commitment to providing comfort to families at a time when they need it most," said Bacon. "We applaud him for his passion towards the cause and for the inspiration he gives to others."
In addition to honoring the top-performing partners, La-Z-Boy announced a series of awards focused on excellence within the Furniture Galleries system.
The top 10 La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries stores based on total sales for 2012 included two in Calgary, Alberta, owned by Cam Davidson; four in Arizona (Glendale, Chandler, Mesa and Scottsdale), owned by Breunig; two in Edmonton, Alberta, owned by Mohammed Moussa; Burlington, Ontario, owned by Paul and Heather Hogeboom, and Fort Collins, Colo., owned by Jason Johnston.
Stores recognized for the top percentage sales growth in accounts in 2012 were Moussa's 109th Street store in Edmonton and two stores owned and operated by Lew Brown in Texas,
Houston (Willowbrook) and Frisco.
The La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries network consists of 316 stores in the United States and Canada.
