317- Store Chain "Mattress Firm" Promotes Steve Stagner to President

Furniture World News

Mattress Firm, an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners, Inc. and one of the nation’s leading mattress retailers, announced that Steve Stagner has been named president of the 317-store chain. This new role will expand Stagner’s leadership beyond operations, including oversight of marketing, merchandising, sales and vendor relations. As president, he will work closely with chief executive officer Gary Fazio to set the company’s vision and execute its strategic plan. Stagner previously was chief operating officer and will retain that title. Stagner, 37, was appointed to senior vice president and chief operating officer of Mattress Firm in January 2005 as a result of the merger between Mattress Firm and the company’s largest franchisee, Elite. Stagner co-founded Elite and as chief executive officer grew it into a 54-store chain in six markets. Prior to opening Elite, Stagner held sales positions at mattress-makers the Simmons Company and Sealy, Inc, representing the Stearns & Foster brand. “Steve has already proven his leadership and management skills in his short time with Mattress Firm and quickly earned the respect of the entire field and corporate staff,” said Gary Fazio, Mattress Firm CEO. “Steve played an integral role in making 2005 Mattress Firm’s best year in our 20-year history. He should be commended for his vision, dedication and commitment to developing a great corporate culture – all of which have helped us to build an even stronger, better business and position Mattress Firm as an industry leader.” Stagner is a graduate of Stephen. F. Austin with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Marketing. About Mattress Firm Houston-based Mattress Firm (www.mattressfirm.com), an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners Inc., is America’s preferred specialty mattress company and the nation’s largest specialty retailer of top-of-the-line Sealy products and Tempur-Pedic mattresses. Founded in 1986, Mattress Firm’s knowledgeable sales staff, broad product offering and competitive prices have fueled the company’s growth to over 300 stores in 32 markets. About Sun Capital Partners, Inc. Sun Capital Partners, Inc. is a leading private investment firm focused on leveraged buyouts, equity, debt, and other investments in market-leading companies that can benefit from its in-house operating professionals and experience. Sun Capital affiliates have invested in and managed more than 110 companies worldwide with combined sales in excess of $26.0 billion since Sun Capital’s inception in 1995. Sun Capital has offices in Boca Raton, Los Angeles, New York, London, and Shenzhen.