Glideaway Names VP Contract Sales/ Business Development
Furniture World News Desk on
6/7/2015
Specialty sleep manufacturer Glideaway reported that it has appointed bedding products industry veteran Scott Miller its vice president of contract sales/business development. Miller is credited with leading the industry push into more robust hospitality sales when he created the iconic Heavenly Bed for Westin several decades ago. Since that time, he has led sales efforts for some of the industry’s most creative and innovative brands.
In his new role, Miller will focus on hospitality, rental and military contract sales as well as working with existing and new clients to develop programs and strategies. He also brings with him extensive knowledge of business analysis, a sales background, business and product development, and business-to-business market experience.
“Scott’s wealth of experience and industry knowledge makes him a key addition to our team. It gives us great insight into the contract business to have an executive credited with leading our industry into this new and fertile segment,” said Glideaway President Carmi Fredman. “For years, the contract sector has been interested in our product and we see tremendous growth opportunities. We look forward to having Scott expand our business.”
“We believe that it is the right time to expand our team and Scott’s extensive knowledge of the bedding industry will open doors to new business opportunities,” said Glideaway Vice President of Sales, Dan Baker. “He has a great track record in developing new strategic business plans and training across many different platforms and programs, which makes him uniquely qualified for this role, we are thrilled at the opportunity to have Scott work with us.”
“Glideaway is a wonderful company with a strong, multi-generational commitment to serving American retailers. Their unique approach as a solutions provider and commitment to serve their customers is something I am excited to be a part of,” said Miller.
With over 20 years in the home furnishings industry, Miller started his career in retail in the 1980’s where he built two successful sleep shop chains before he was recruited by Simmons Company in the early 1990’s. Miller held several senior management positions and is most remembered as the creator of the Heavenly Bed at Westin Hotels. He was then recruited by IBC and helped build their sales from $41 million to $187 million in five years. From there he went on to join the Canadian bedding company Natura World Inc. to help integrate their sales and push brand initiatives throughout the United States.
Shortly after, he was brought in as Executive Vice President for Southerland Inc., where he managed the 120-year-old company’s sales, customer service, marketing, and brand development efforts. Within a three year period he was promoted to chief marketing officer. Most recently, Miller and Art Van Elslander formed Dreams, LLC. The company designed, developed, manufactured, and sold sleep products throughout the United States and Canada.
About Glideaway: Founded in the 1920s as a furniture retailer in Illinois, Glideaway is a full-service bedding supplier to full-line furniture retailers, specialty sleep shops, and web-based e-tailors. Their products include a complete line-up of visco and latex mattresses, adjustable bed bases, bed frames, pillows, mattress protection products, metal beds and youth sleep products. Based in St. Louis, the company employs more than 140 people in its 185,000 square-foot manufacturing, distribution, and showroom complex.