Cartledge, Fenn & Wright Inducted Into American Furniture Hall of Fame

Furniture World News

Three industry leaders, from a slate of seven nominees, have been inducted into the American Furniture Hall of Fame at the annual Banquet in High Point, NC. The new members – George B. Cartledge, Sr. of Grand Piano and Furniture in Roanoke, Va,; O. William Fenn, Jr. who has held leadership roles in several furniture companies; and Felix E. Wright, chairman of Leggett & Platt – join 71 Hall of Fame members. “The home furnishings industry plays an important role in the history of America because family, home and hearth are the foundation of our country,” says J. Don Coleman, Foundation president and president of Hickory Springs Manufacturing Co. “The American Furniture Hall of Fame Foundation recognizes their contributions and the roles they have played in building our industry. They have inspired a whole industry to excellence and it is a privilege to recognize their innovation, dedication and achievements in this way.” George B. Cartledge, Sr. (b 1910 d 1997) was chairman of Grand Piano and Furniture in Roanoke, Va., a Top 100 Furniture Chain with 23 stores in 16 cities across Virginia, Tennessee, Maryland and South Carolina. His accomplishments as a businessman, father, citizen, industry and commerce leader serve as a role model and guide for the home furnishings industry. The experience in the home furnishings industry of O. William “Bill” Fenn, Jr. (b 1927) spans more than 30 years. He was president, chief executive officer and chief operating officer of Stanley Furniture Company and also held senior management positions with Thomasville Furniture Industries and Armstrong World Interiors prior to joining LADD as president and COO in 1982. He was named vice chairman of LADD Furniture, Inc. in January of 1990. Felix E. Wright (b 1935) believed early in life that a person’s most valuable attribute is their personal integrity. This principle of business integrity has been one of the benchmarks of Mr. Wright’s management style throughout his long career at Leggett & Platt where he serves as chairman. Under his direction, the company has multiplied its product offerings and distribution network. The inductees were elected by members of the American Furniture Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. based on detailed information about their professional achievements, personal standards and civic involvement. The voting period began Aug. 20, and ended Sept. 5. Only members of the organization are eligible to nominate, second and vote. The American Furniture Hall of Fame Foundation Inc. is an international, industry-wide effort organized to honor those individuals whose outstanding achievements have contributed to the continued growth and development of the U.S. furniture industry, as well as to research, collect and preserve the cultural, economic and artistic history. The organization is based in High Point at 202 Neal Place, and can be reached at 336.882.5900.