Preceding the conference on June 1, the organization will hold its first board meeting where directors and members will work together to build on a foundation that creates a member-centric future. “We have developed collaborative teams, with the direct input of our retailers, to focus on the core needs our members say are critical to their business and success,” said Sharron Bradley, Executive Director. “These teams will ensure that our direction remains relevant and impactful to those we serve.”

The Collaborative Teams:

• Regional strategy: The creation of opportunities to gather and meet in a variety of ways on a local basis.
• Member relations: Mentoring, customized materials and resources specific to member needs.
• Technology: Information and resources on all things digital, new data collection, education to help members adopt today’s technology and information on what’s next.
• Consumer relations: Voluntary code of ethics, national branding, creating the ideal customer experience in stores for today and the future.
• Next Generation NOW: Building our industry’s future by engaging our youth in the home furnishings industry and attracting more young people to join. Prove to young people that our industry is cool, exciting and fun.
• Advocacy: Provide a single industry voice across the nation and in each state on industry issues and work in coalitions to impact the policies that affect each and every business. Making advocacy interesting.
• Industry relations: Working more collaboratively with vendors and other industry groups to reduce fragmentation.

After the board meeting concludes, the HFIC gets underway with more information and celebrations for the attendees. A town hall with key members of the board will provide the opportunity to discuss the industry as a whole and how at every level, improvements can be achieved. A new video featuring members and leaders will be unveiled and the final night Masquerade Ball will feature several “suspenseful” surprises.

“We are very excited about the new business model the NAHFA is developing. I can’t imagine not being invested in something that will have such an impact on the future of the industry. I encourage all retailers to become involved and join us in this process and at the HFIC,” said Howard Haimsohn, President, Lawrance Contemporary Furniture, San Diego, CA, and NAHFA Executive Chairman.

Join the celebration and the discussions by registering at www.theHFIC.com.

###

About the North American Home Furnishings Association:
North American Home Furnishings Association is the nation’s largest organization devoted specifically to the needs and interests of home furnishings retailers. The organization’s membership will encompass more than 10,000 stores in all 50 states and several foreign countries. Providing a unified voice, the organization will allow those in the industry to work more cohesively as well as increase negotiating power and cost efficiency. Three offices will serve the organization with locations in the east, west and central United States. An impressive array of plans include a new website, a bold new publication (launched last spring), enhanced regional interaction, fresh educational offerings, innovative best practices resources and data, and exciting opportunities for impactful involvement in the new trade community.

The National Home Furnishings Association, Western Home Furnishings Association, Southeastern Home Furnishings Association and the Home Furnishings Independents Association have announced the featured speakers for the 2013 HFIC. Scheduled for June 2-4, 2013 at the Sheraton New Orleans in New Orleans, LA, the event theme of “Making it Big, Keeping it Easy” focuses education around developing agile skills sets for retailers to continue to evolve, compete and thrive. Serta Mattress has signed on for the second year to be the Signature sponsor of the event.

“The opportunities for personal and business growth provided by the HFIC are incredible. I can’t imagine trying to grow and move forward in this industry without the information, knowledge and wisdom that is presented and shared at the HFIC,” said Howard Haimsohn, Lawrance Contemporary, San Diego, CA, “my hotel room is already booked.”

Featured speakers peppered throughout the agenda offer knowledge and know-how from within and outside the industry. The event opens Sunday evening with Jim Knight, former Sr. Director of Training & Development of Hard Rock International with his presentation Culture that Rocks: How to Revolutionize an Organizations’ Culture. Monday brings iconic retailer, Mike Spiller, Spiller Furniture, Tuscaloosa, AL to the stage to share years of hilarious and engaging stories, followed by an after session delving deeper into understanding the dynamics of long-term success.

Small business owner, columnist and author Gene Marks is featured in two sessions and will share his knowledge on business and the current political landscape. Gene’s book, In God we Trust, Everyone Else Pays Cash is complimentary to all HFIC attendees.

Kelly McDonald, McDonald Marketing closes the education on Tuesday afternoon with a presentation based on her latest book; Crafting the Customer Experience, which is also complimentary to attendees. Kelly first spoke at the 2011 HFIC in San Antonio, TX and was so well received the event committee asked her to return in New Orleans.

“Attending HFIC yearly is a golden opportunity for me to get out and work ON my business rather than the day to day routine of working IN my business,” commented Heather Hanley, The Tin Roof, Spokane, WA. “Meeting with industry experts and other retailers in a fun and casual environment away from the hurried nature of markets is refreshing and inspiring. Coming away with just ONE great idea each year makes the trip well worthwhile. I look forward to HFIC every year and recommend it to any retailer who wants to move their operation forward.”

Offering over 25 educational sessions, a best idea contest and a 60-booth product showcase, the HFIC continues to establish itself as the go-to event for all industry professionals. “New this year is a simplified on-line registration process,” said WHFA Director of Events, Cindi Williams. “It is amazing how quickly attendees can register for the event, take advantage of the Buy-One-Get-One offer and sign up for all the fun optional activities planned. And the confirmation comes right to your inbox, brilliant!”

Retailers, vendors and manufacturers interested in attending the event can visit www.thehfic.com to register on-line, reserve their hotel room and learn more about the full agenda. Exhibitor Showcase and sponsorship information can also be found on the event website.

RetailerNOW recently caught up with Jim Knight, former Senior Director of Training at Hard Rock International and speaker at the upcoming HFIC, and asked him a few questions about how to create a company culture that ROCKS!

Jim Knight is a nationally known speaker that helps companies find and attain their “rock star” status. His journey started with the hopes of one day becoming an airline pilot (since that is what an assessment test at the age of 12 told him to do) and led to an array of jobs from selling fish at a gator farm, to cooking pizza and even landscaping. He eventually discovered he loved to perform and went to college on a Music Performance and Education scholarship. Jim graduated with his teaching credentials and became a middle school teacher, assuming he would be there for life. During the same time, he took a nighttime summer job at a Hard Rock Café, as a staff-level restaurant host. As his passion and commitment for the Hard Rock brand grew, he began to take on more responsibilities, eventually landing in the role of leading the brand’s global training and development efforts for all cafes, hotels and casinos. What started out as a summer gig, eventually turned into a 21-year love affair with a single brand.

Photograph by Kelly Canova Photography

RetailerNOW: Why is a company culture important?

Jim: Culture is everything. It’s like oxygen to you and me. In fact, I actually use that specific analogy to identify those companies that have strong organizational cultures; they are like life-breathing oxygen to the body, while those that that are weak are like poisonous carbon monoxide. Consumers only want to do business with companies that make them feel good. They want memorable experiences, which are going to be comprised of great service, quality products, fun atmosphere and a fair price per value. Employees only want to stick around with organizations that they trust, admire and respect. Brands that can consistently deliver on these fundamental platforms create a strong culture, which in turn attracts more people—internally and externally. And you definitely know it when you see it in the totality of a company’s business outcomes and eventual lifespan. Believe me, in every way possible… culture matters. Just ask Howard Shultz, Phil Knight or Richard Branson.

RetailerNOW: What are the first steps in revolutionizing a company’s culture?

Jim: Changing a company’s culture is tricky business, especially if you are not the organization’s leader. However, I believe that a single, passionate person with a great idea can start a revolution. My first thought is to decide to become a positive catalyst for change. This may seem like just a singular mindset at first, but cultural movements quickly become infectious. Once you mentally go there, then it’s about adjusting the organizational health, which is 100 percent predicated upon human beings. So, my first tangible approach to adjusting a brand’s culture would be more of an evolution than a revolution; cultural change would happen one new-hire at a time. I would zero in with laser-like focus on the front-end of the employee workforce by making this clear decision: hire only rock stars, not lip-syncers.

Although many things make up an organizational culture, my core definition of a company’s culture is that it is simply a collection of individual behaviors. As one person joins the company, the culture changes. As one person leaves the brand, the culture again changes. The culture is in constant flux, as people come and go. Therefore, you would want to make sure that you hire and retain the absolute best brand ambassadors you can find—people who deserve to be in the band—versus the ones that are simply going through the motions. Surrounding yourself with people that are committed to an inspiring collective mission is one of the greatest ways to positively affect company culture.

RetailerNOW: How is culture reflected in both internal and external relationships?

Jim: Culture is everything. When you get it right, people notice. Customers and potential employees alike covet a brand’s strong culture. Especially during tough economic times, consumers make purchasing decisions based off of value and emotional connection. If a company makes customers feel good during their interaction with the brand and the consumer’s perception is that there is real value in cost of the experience versus the money spent, they will continue to return and influence others to do the same. Employees have the same touch points. Businesses that are financially stable, educational, opportunistic, fun, clean, safe, inspiring and rewarding are healthy environments where people want to work. No doubt, morale is higher and turnover is lower in those brands, where the culture is envied by others. Those companies that create and foster this type of environment are ones that become known as the attractive place to work. If someone ever decides to leave the organization, you get to choose the best talent available versus being at the mercy of a weak talent pool. The relationship that a company has with its employees and customers is going to be predicated upon the strength of the organization’s culture.

Next month join us as our discussion continues and dives into the importance of hiring, motivating and customer service.

Offering over 25 educational sessions, a best idea contest and a 60-booth product showcase, the HFIC continues to establish itself as the go-to event for all industry professionals. With the pending merger of three powerhouse organizations, Sharron Bradley, WHFA Executive Director, shared, “The merger vote is in process, and we anticipate the 2013 HFIC will play a major role in the launch of the new North American Home Furnishings Association. It will be the first time many of the exciting plans coming together for members and partners of the new organization will be shared with our entire industry; you will not want to miss it.”

“I’m eagerly anticipating the upcoming Home Furnishings Industry Conference,” said HFIC Committee Member, Jim Fee, Stoney Creek Furniture. “I look forward to learning and sharing ideas with all the great members of our industry. I always love seeing the reaction of first time attendees and how they can’t believe they’ve never attended before! They always leave with at least one or two money-making ideas.”

Doug Keeley, founder and CEO of The Mark of a Leader, will headline the event, helping attendees change how they see the world around them through powerful storytelling and sharing. Building a story through the use of video, music, live performances, interactive exercises and the written word, Doug will have all attendees thinking and acting as better leaders and in turn, creating better results for their businesses.

Serta Mattress has signed on for the second year to be the Signature sponsor of the event. “The Home Furnishings Industry Conference is a great way for people in the industry to come together and learn from each other,” said Marty Melcher, group vice president of sales for Serta. “As salespeople, we engage in story telling every day, so to bring The Mark of a Leader to this must attend conference is a natural fit for us. We are excited to once again support this terrific learning and networking event.”

Retailers, vendors and manufacturers interested in attending the event can visit www.thehfic.com to reserve their hotel room, or sign up for the VIP list and be the first to hear all new conference information.