Gorman’s Home Furnishings & Interior Design announced that Duane Petroskey has been named general manager of its Grand Rapids showroom and design center. The announcement was made by company President Tom Lias.
As general manager, Petroskey will oversee day-to-day operations of the store and its specialty shops, support Gorman’s on-staff design team and working directly with members of the interior design and consumer communities. He will also be responsible for upholding the company’s commitment to 100 Best Brands, National Low Price Guarantee and “Must Be Right” policy and continuing to grow the company’s “To The Trade” program for independent members of the design community.
“We believe in promoting from within, and as such we have identified a true design professional to lead the Grand Rapids showroom. Duane truly embodies Gorman’s values – a certified designer with an extensive background in retail management and a commitment to excellence in the design and furniture industries who will help us in continuing to exceed the expectations of independent design community members,” said Lias. “He possesses - and consistently demonstrates - the leadership skills necessary to thrive in this position. We know he will exceed the needs of Grand Rapids-area independent designers and customers and accomplish great things in this new role.”
Employed with Gorman’s for more than 6 years, Petroskey grew up in the industry, working in his father’s furniture business from the time he was 11 years old. He began his professional career in hotel restaurant management before returning to school and graduating from the International Academy of Merchandising and Design in Chicago. There he earned a bachelor of fine arts in interior design. Immediately prior to joining Gorman’s, he spent 11 years employed as a designer at Newton Furniture in Novi, Michigan.
“I am excited to start this new phase of my life,” said Petroskey. “Grand Rapids is a great place for home and interior design and, since Gorman’s reentered the market last year, Gorman’s has taken the city by storm. I am looking forward to expanding on our company’s success.”
Petroskey will replace former General Manager David Israels. Israels departed from Gorman’s on January 20, 2012 to join his brother Jason in the opening of a new Klingman’s furniture store in Grand Rapids. Gorman’s reentered the Grand Rapids market in early 2011 and reopened in the space formerly occupied by the bankrupt Israel’s. Jason Israels held a position with Gorman’s from February 2011 until he exited the company in September 2011. Petroskey currently resides in Grand Rapids.
About Gorman's: For more than 72 years, Gorman’s has been recognized as the original Michigan style leader in home furnishings. With a reputation built on a commitment to quality – quality merchandise and quality design – the company delivers all of the best brands, not just a few, at the best prices-regardless of price point. Gorman’s nearly 50 designers have a combined 1,000+ years of residential and office design experience using Gorman’s expansive resource area and textiles library. Both designers and clients can rest assured when working with this style leader. Everything is backed by Gorman’s “Must Be Right” service guarantee. Showrooms are conveniently located in Shelby Township (Lakeside), Novi, Southfield (Contemporary), Troy and Grand Rapids. For more information, visit www.Gormans.com.