IHFRA Elects Matthew Keepers As 76th President

Furniture World News Desk on 3/15/2014

Matt Keepers

Matt Keepers has been elected the 76th President of the International Home Furnishings Representatives Association (IHFRA). Matt has been active in IHFRA for many years as an At-Large member. He began his career in the furniture business right after his graduation from Baylor University in May 2002. He became a sub-rep for his father, Bill Keepers, in the South Texas territory for Hooker Furniture.

Becoming more involved with IHFRA, Matt “has gone through the chairs” and joined IHFRA’s Board of Directors in 2011. He was inducted as IHFRA’s President at the annual Board of Directors meeting this March. Matt completed his educational course requirements to become a CHR (Certified Home Furnishings Representative) in 2005. His passion for education led him to become a member of IHFRA’s Education Committee in 2006. Additionally Matt serves as a High Point Rep Ambassador for the High Point Market Authority.

Hooker Furniture has always been the center of Matt’s career as a sales representative. He added Bradington Young to his bag in 2003, and then Sam Moore in 2007, as Hooker Furniture acquired each company. In January 2008 Matt became lead representative for Hooker Furniture. He has served on many company representative committees to help foster change, education, and increased communication between sales force and management. In 2009, Matt was awarded the James W Roberts Award for Outstanding Service by a Professional Sales Representative by Hooker Furniture.
Matt and his wife Julie have three daughters, Haylie 5, Hannah 3, and Hollyn 1. Both Matt and Julie are natives of Houston, Texas.

IHFRA chose its 2014-2015 slate of officers during its annual Board of Directors meeting in High Point on March 1, 2014. Joining Matt Keepers on the IHFRA Executive Committee are: 1st Vice-President Frank Lorenzo, Florida Home Furnishings Representatives Association, 2nd Vice-President Geoff Weed, Midwest Furniture Club, Secretary/Treasurer Tommy Leflein, Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Association, and Chairman of the Board Mike Root, member At-Large.

The IHFRA Executive Committee will be sworn in at the IHFRA Presidential Gala on Friday, April 4, 2014, at the IHFC Ballroom on the 11th Floor Design Center. For more information, contact IHFRA at 336-889-3920 or ihfra@ihfra.org. Reservations for the event can be made online at www.ihfra.org.