IHFRA Legacy Awards To Be Presented at Furniture Industry Awards Gala

Furniture World News Desk on 3/2/2018

IHFRA's Legacy Award is presented to a sales representative who has been on the road for 30+ years and is still active in the furniture industry. These representatives have established relationships with retailers, manufacturers, and fellow sales representatives that have lasted throughout the years and display qualities that make them stand out to both manufacturers and dealers.

Ray Isser is a furniture industry veteran and long-time IHFRA member serving over 40 years as a sales representative. Ray became involved with the Tri-State HFA Chapter of IHFRA in 1978 . He has held every office possible, including President (1996-1998) and Chairman of the Board (1998-2000). He was also elected to the Tri-State HFA Hall of Fame in 2010. Ray took the Treasurer's seat on the IHFRA Board in 2002, completed CHR training in 2003, and become IHFRA's 68th president in 2006. Through IHFRA he has been awarded the Charles Costar Dean of IHFRA Award (2000), the Rudy Steltemeier Award (2010), and the Harold P Braun Distinguished Service Award (2011). Ray graduated from Columbia University in 1974, after spending a year abroad at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem 1972-73. He has represented such diverse lines as Wicker &Cane, Progressive Dinettes, King Koil, AICO, Blackhawk, Stratford/Stratalounger, Chromcraft, SLF, and Leather Italia. Ray currently represents Ultra Comfort, A-America, Horizon, and Homelegance.

Jeffrey Poochigian, or better known as "Pooch," got his first furniture experience working in Visalia CA where his father owned a furniture store. In 1980 Jeff got his first rep position with Trends Upholstery and realized he had found his calling. In 1982 Jeff met Gil Martin and became a sales rep. Today he still represents this firm. He has been representing Horizon Home Furniture since 2010; Amax Leather since 2015, and Innova Adjustable Beds since 2018. Throughout the years he has represented numerous furniture lines including World Import, Hamilton & Spill, Noble Furniture, and Diva Furniture by Bill Minteer. Some of the notable awards he has received include Record Breaker, Governors Award, and Career
Achievement Annual Sales of $12 million. Jeff currently resides in San Diego and is a long-time IHFRA member.

Randy Lavercombe grew up in Dallas TX. Upon graduating From Louisiana State University, Randy answered an employment ad in the Dallas Morning News for Schnadig Corporation and was hired as a national account sales representative calling on Sears, JC Penney, and Montgomery Ward. Randy's 42-year career has been spent at Schnadig Corporation, Rowe Furniture, Selig Upholstery, Stratford, La-Z-Boy, and Ashley Furniture. He has been working with Ashley Furniture for eleven years.

Ron Reyering started his career in St. Louis MO after four years at Southwest Missouri. Both of his parents were in the furniture business, so in 1975 he started his career with Louisville Chair Company. Ron worked with them for several years learnings the ins and outs of the business. In 1981 he was recommended by one of his dealers to a Vice President of Ashley Furniture, who was looking for a sales rep in Missouri/Southern Illinois. Randy has now been with Ashley for 37 years. "It's been a journey, and I am so thankful to the fantastic people who have helped me along the way."

For more information on the April 16, 2018 Furniture Industry Awards Gala, contact the IHFRA Office at 336-889-3920 or email info@ihfra.org or Text FIAG to 80258 for event updates and Reservation Form.