10.27.24
INSIDE FRONT COVER
Samson/Laquercraft Ad (left side of spread that is continued on page 1 of Editorial pages)
2024 INDUCTEES
JOSEPH P. CORY SR. • THOMAS DAY • STEVEN F. ELTON
BOB MCCREARY • CLARENCE H. SMITH
We commend your unwavering commitment and the significant contributions you have made to our industry.
CONGRATULATIONS
TO THE 2024 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
JOSEPH P. CORY SR. Cory 1st Choice Home Delivery
THOMAS DAY Thomas Day Furnishings
STEVEN F. ELTON
Brown Jordan
BOB MCCREARY
McCreary Modern
Our heartfelt congratulations to the esteemed inductees into the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame. Your friends at Tempur Sealy honor your visionary leadership and lasting impact on the industry.
Thank you for your decades of innovation and dedication.
COMFORT QUALITY VALUE
Innovators Celebrating
Ashley honors this year’s American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame inductees, whose stories of dedication, creativity, and perseverance will inspire the industry for generations to come.
Joseph P. Cory Sr.
CORY 1ST CHOICE HOME DELIVERY
Thomas Day
THOMAS DAY FURNISHINGS
Steven F. Elton
BROWN JORDAN
Bob McCreary
MCCREARY MODERN
Clarence H. Smith
HAVERTYS FURNITURE COMPANIES, INC.
Congratulations to the 2024 Hall of Fame Inductees. Your dedication to this industry inspires us all.
CLARENCE H. SMITH
BOB MCCREARY
STEVEN F. ELTON
THOMAS DAY
JOSEPH P. CORY SR
La-Z-Boy is proud to join in celebrating the
Congratulations 2024 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Joseph P. Cory Sr.
Cory 1st Choice Home Delivery
Thomas Day
Thomas Day Furnishings
Steven F. Elton
Brown Jordan
Bob McCreary
McCreary Modern
Clarence H. Smith
Havertys Furniture Companies Inc.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE 2024 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES.
Joseph P. Cory Sr.
Cory 1st Choice Home Delivery
Thomas Day
Thomas Day Furnishings
Steven F. Elton
Brown Jordon Bob McCreary
McCreary Modern
As well as our Chairman & CEO
Clarence H. Smith
Havertys Furniture Companies Inc.
Clarence H. Smith Chairman & CEO
For more than 50 years, Clarence Smith has upheld his family’s legacy of furnishing happiness. The entire Havertys team is proud to see his unwavering dedication, tireless efforts, and passion for the industry being celebrated.
LEADERS CAN SEE CHANGE. INNOVATORS ARE THE CHANGE.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2024 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES.
JOSEPH P. CORY SR. - Cory 1st Choice Home Delivery
THOMAS DAY - Thomas Day Furnishings
STEVEN F. ELTON - Brown Jordan
BOB MCCREARY - McCreary Modern
CLARENCE H. SMITH - Havertys Furniture Companies Inc.
Thank you for advancing the industry through your leadership and dedication.
ROOMS TO GO congratulates 2O24 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Joseph P. Cory Sr. Cory 1st Choice Home Delivery
Thomas Day Designer & Cabinet Maker
Steven F. Elton Brown Jordan
Bob McCreary McCreary Modern
Clarence H. Smith Havertys Furniture Companies, Inc.
Their leadership and dedication are a true inspiration.
THE HOME FURNISHINGS HALL OF FAME 2024 INDUCTEES CONGRATULATES
Joseph P. Cory Sr.
Cory 1st Choice
Home Delivery
Thomas Day Designer and Cabinetmaker
Steven F. Elton Brown Jordan
Bob McCreary
McCreary Modern
Clarence H. Smith
Havertys Furniture Companies, Inc.
THE HOME FURNISHINGS HALL OF FAME 2024 INDUCTEES CONGRATULATES
Joseph P. Cory Sr.
Cory 1st Choice
Home Delivery
Thomas Day Designer and Cabinetmaker
Steven F. Elton
Brown Jordan
Bob McCreary
McCreary Modern
Clarence H. Smith
Havertys Furniture Companies, Inc.
CHAIRMAN
KAREN MCNEILL POND
American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame
PRESIDENT
STEVE RUSING Tempur Sealy International Inc.
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
SATYA TIWARI Surya, Inc.
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT
JEREMY HOFF
Hooker Furnishings Corporation
SECRETARY/TREASURER
DOROTHY BELSHAW ANDMORE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
M. HUNT BROYHILL
Aria Designs/Broyhill Family Foundation
GAT CAPERTON Gat Creek
JEFFREY S. CHILD
RC Willey Home Furnishings
DERICK S. CLOSE
Springs Creative
RANDY COCONIS
Coconis Furniture, Inc./Mattress 1st
MICHAEL E. FAUS Carpenter Co.
DAVID GEBHART
Global Views
NEIL GOLDBERG
Raymour & Flanigan Furniture
JANET GUY
Prestige Arts & Art Trends
TYSON HAGALE
Leggett & Platt, Incorporated
AMIR LOLOI
Loloi Rugs
TAMMY C. NAGEM
High Point Market Authority
MARK PHILLIPS Phillips Collection
MARTIN PLOY
AICO/Amini Innovation Corp.
RACHEL STEWART
Gardner White Furniture
DAVID N. SWERS
Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, LLC
LAURIE TOKARZ Restonic
MELINDA WHITTINGTON
La-Z-Boy Incorporated
311 South Hamilton St.
High Point, NC 27260
336.882.5900
homefurnishingshalloffame.com
October 27, 2024
Dear Guest:
Tonight, we gather to honor five extraordinary leaders with the industry’s highest honor, induction into the Hall of Fame. It is an evening to celebrate the contributions of Joseph P. Cory Sr., former chairman of Cory 1st Choice Home Delivery; Thomas Day, designer, manufacturer and entrepreneur; Steven F. Elton, chief brand curator of Brown Jordan; Bob McCreary, founder of McCreary Modern; and Clarence H. Smith, chairman and CEO of Havertys Furniture. All represent our theme tonight: Innovate to Thrive. Each has placed a mark on the industry that has impacted the future world of home furnishings. The stories of all inspire us to achieve something greater than ourselves.
We also celebrate the 2024 Class of Paul Broyhill Future Leaders: Andrew Bernard, Senior Director of Supply Chain and Customer Service at Glen Raven Materials Solutions Group; Renae Brown, Senior Vice President, Customer Insights, ANDMORE; Eric Nyman, Vice President of Sales-Retail and Design, Surya/Global Views; Gerardo Ornelas, Vice President and General Manager of Joybird.com; and Shannon Williams, Chief Operating Officer and recently named CEO, Home Furnishings Association. We commend the 23 emerging leaders who attended the 2024 Class of the Hall of Fame’s Leadership Institute at High Point University.
Your attendance here is an important part of our collective opportunity to bestow the industry’s highest honor on our peers, as well as encourage others to greater achievement and contributions. It’s also important to note that you are supporting critical activities to ensure a vibrant future for our industry – exhibits, events, speakers, seminars, executive education, and a place for meetings.
We are grateful for your support and thank you for joining us this evening.
Sincerely,
Steve Rusing President of the Board of Directors
American Home Furnishings Hall
of
Fame Foundation
Joseph P. Cory Sr. Cory 1st Choice Home Delivery
Thomas Day Designer, Manufacturer and Entrepreneur
Steven F. Elton Brown Jordan
Bob McCreary McCreary Modern
Clarence H. Smith Havertys Furniture Companies, Inc.
SELECTION PROCESS / AFFIE
SELECTION PROCESS
Inductees into the Hall of Fame are selected by a sevenmember committee who meticulously search for the most outstanding leaders of our industry, based on four foundations: Enduring Excellence, Superior Accomplishments, Innovation and Creativity, and Philanthropic Generosity. The committee members spend hours researching and vetting the nominations before voting independently on a pointsbased system via a secure web-based ballot. The committee members are heads of companies and organizations, representing various aspects of our industry. The results are received by our accounting firm, Carr, Riggs & Ingram PLLC.
THE PROFILE OF AN INDUCTEE OF THE HALL OF FAME:
• ENDURING EXCELLENCE in their personal and business affairs, who is considered an inspiration, role model and mentor to others.
• SUPERIOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS as an enduring and visionary leader in their field, and their organizations exemplify the highest standards for their customers and for their employees.
• INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY whose ideas have greatly influenced and impacted the industry and produced changes in design retailing, merchandising, marketing, manufacturing, importing, supply chain or support services to the industry.
• PHILANTHROPIC GENEROSITY of their time, talents and resources to others, whether that may be in the industry, professional associations, service enterprises, civic endeavors, charitable and religious organizations, or educational institutions.
THE AFFIE
Presented to each member inducted into the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame, the Affie flame symbolizes the enduring spirit of our industry. Uniquely, we are an eternal industry because people will always have homes and always need furnishings to turn a house into a home.
The coveted Affie features a flame plated with 18kt Gold, circled by a metal infinity band crafted of stainless steel and seated on a black marble base.
Joseph P. Cory Sr., chairman of Cory 1st Choice Home Delivery, led transportation, distribution and delivery services as an early adopter of technology and new ways of operating. His company offered “white glove”, in-home assembly and repair services and expanded from its Northeast base across the country, saying, “We are in the people business, not the trucking business.”
The oldest son of the company’s founder, Mr. Cory started working at Cory Home Delivery as a young man and joined the company fulltime in the mid-1950s. His vision for the company was grounded in personal relationships and respect for customers and employees alike. To him, everyone was family.
Mr. Cory recognized that many retailers were not equipped to extend in-store services to the customers during the delivery and installation process, and that to the consumer, Cory 1st Choice Home Delivery represented the retailer. His staff underwent continual training and was instructed not to leave any home until the customer was satisfied. As a result, his company became one of the leading transportation partners for final mile home deliveries.
Services expanded from its New Jersey and New York base to Florida, Puerto Rico, the Midwest and beyond by continually finding new ways of operating. He embraced warehouse barcoding and real-time delivery processes to provide greater accountability to manufacturers and retailers on shipment status. Mr. Cory and his brother and business partner, Jim, codified the commitment to excellence and performance in the Cory Way and mission statement, which inspired a host of other companies to adopt new levels of professionalism.
In 1990, Mr. Cory was recognized by the U.S. House of Representatives as a dedicated civic leader for his extensive philanthropy. He was honored with the David Druckman Lifetime Achievement Award from the Greater New York Home Furnishings Association, and the City of Hope Spirit of Life Award. A deep believer in the value of education, Cory regularly provided scholarships among other benefits to employees and their children.
Cory 1st Choice Home Delivery 1938-2015
My father’s definition of perfection was the condition of our delivery trucks, was the way that our drivers and employees dressed and acted, the way that they introduced themselves to the customer, and even up to the way they pulled up in front of a customer’s house.
– Patrick Cory about his father, Joe Cory
JOSEPH P. CORY SR.
THOMAS DAY
Designer, Manufacturer and Entrepreneur
c. 1801-1861
I hope you will always regard your character as more important than your life. It is wise for young ladies to be very cautious, particularly when they are well spoken of. Be ever on your guard in all respects. A good character is of great value, and consequently, it requires much attention to retain. The higher the character, the greater the responsibility. The more is expected of that character or person, and consequently, the more you have to learn and know to meet the expectations and wishes of your friends.
–Thomas Day, writing to his daughter Mary Ann
Thomas Day navigated the change from the age of a rural custom cabinetmaker to the production of standardized parts and manufacturing processes. Born in 1801 as a free black man, he moved to Milton, N.C., in the 1820s near the thriving warehouse district along the bustling Dan River and later purchased the prominent Union Tavern on Main Street. Mr. Day employed as many as fifty skilled woodworkers, with free and enslaved black artisans working alongside whites, who annually produced hundreds of pieces of furniture, upholstery, and custom architectural elements, from elaborate staircase railings and fireplace mantles to cribs and dressers.
A savvy entrepreneur, Mr. Day offered interior design services, created his own signature designs of mahogany and rosewood, and advertised in publications outside his community that he offered “a supply of elegant furniture of all kinds on hand.” He was an investor in the local State Bank, a prominent member of Milton Presbyterian Church, a tobacco plantation owner, and a landowner able to supply and sell raw lumber. At the height of his success, the 1850 census identified his business as the largest cabinetmaking shop in North Carolina.
Mr. Day also was one of the first manufacturing concerns in his area to install steam-driven power tools. This mechanization enabled him to fill large orders for the finest homes in North Carolina and Virginia, as well as businesses, churches, and university facilities. Automation equipped him to speed the manufacturing process by producing templates for parts for his furniture and architectural elements in quantities that other cabinetmakers could not match. Thus, Mr. Day set the stage for the next generation of furniture makers who leveraged the abundant natural resources needed to establish the region as a center for furniture manufacturing operations.
Today, Thomas Day furnishings can be found in private collections and museums across the country. In addition, interior and exterior woodworking features attributed to Thomas Day grace several homes on the National Register of Historic Places.
Steven F. Elton, chief brand curator of Brown Jordan, transformed the outdoor furniture category with his keen eye for textiles and contemporary design. Over the course of his long career with Brown Jordan, Mr. Elton played a key role in expanding the company’s storied reputation as a producer of heirloom quality and innovative design into its current position as the world’s most recognized outdoor furnishings brand.
Inspired by the Brown Jordan brand as a young furniture salesman in the Northeast, Mr. Elton discovered his passion and talent for design and merchandising while living in New York City. Starting as a regional sales representative in 1990, Mr. Elton’s role at Brown Jordan steadily grew to encompass a broad range of product development, sales and brand management activities. As chief brand curator, Mr. Elton directed the introduction of a steady stream of fashion-forward designs, forging collaborations with leading industry designers and high-end fabric sources. A passionate brand ambassador for Brown Jordan, Mr. Elton elevated the entire casual industry through his creative use of photography, catalogs and showroom display. He also led high-profile design projects at The White House, Smithsonian Gardens and Winterthur, among many others.
A gifted mentor and educator who is always listening and learning, Mr. Elton is a true evangelist for the outdoor furniture category who loves sharing his enthusiasm for fabrics, finishes and colors. Over the course of his career, Mr. Elton has appeared on Bravo, The Style Network and HGTV, as well as in a variety of leading newspapers and design-related magazines. These appearances and articles raised the public’s awareness of just how beautiful outdoor spaces could be and positioned outdoor living as an extension of beautiful indoor home design.
Mr. Elton received the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Casual Furnishings Association. He has served as chairman of ICFA and board member of the American Home Furnishings Alliance and WithIt, is an active member of the International Society of Furniture Designers and a longtime supporter of the Savannah College of Art and Design.
Brown Jordan
Okay, you’re going to do innovation. You’re going to push things. You’re going to drive Sunbrella crazy. You have to look at this differently. You have to look at it like you looked at the sales thing differently. You have to go about it a different way to make it unique because this is a big brand. –Steve Elton
STEVEN F. ELTON
BOB McCREARY
McCreary Modern
You have to be able to think retail. The people that join you suddenly start growing. Before you know it, they go from three stores to 10 to 15 and you’re growing with them. I don’t know how to say ‘no’ to people that want product. It’s really that momentum that has carried this company for the last 25 years.
–Bob McCreary
Bob McCreary launched McCreary Modern with an idea for an innovative business model: providing retailers with domestic, private-label upholstery that is exclusive to their stores and often co-designed with their input. To keep its pricing as competitive as possible, the employee- and family-owned business does not have a dedicated sales team, nor does it incur the marketing costs associated with promoting its own brand.
Mr. McCreary and his wife Michele purchased an old textile mill in Newton, N.C. in 1986 and started with 30 employees. Their efforts focused on catering to a limited group of furniture retailers and specialty shops across the nation. Drawing on their unique combination of sales, merchandising, production and retail experience, the company steadily grew. Today, it operates seven facilities in North Carolina with a workforce of 1,000.
The company prides itself on the high level of its craftsmanship, state-of-the-art machinery and a skilled team of employees who build unparalleled style and performance into each piece. Known for its dedication to quality and attention to the details, McCreary Modern builds its frames in-house, with added features for stability, comfort and support. Passionate about domestic manufacturing, the company places a high priority on sourcing components from local vendors in surrounding communities.
Crediting his loyal associates for their role in McCreary Modern’s success, Mr. McCreary gifted a portion of his company to employees via an ESOP plan in 2008. The company also offers all employees a 401K plan with a 25 percent match and free, on-site health care which includes free mammogram screening.
A former college and professional football player, Mr. McCreary has been an active supporter of his alma mater, Wake Forest University, providing funding for the Doc Martin Football Practice Complex and McCreary Field House and Tower, among many other projects. Mr. McCreary also has supported a wide range of community organizations, including Caldwell and Catawba Memorial Hospitals, the McCreary Cancer Center and the launch of the Furniture Academy at Caldwell Community College.
Clarence H. Smith, chairman and CEO of the Haverty Furniture Companies Inc., has strategically guided the publicly held retail institution through continual expansion. By adopting a Havertys branded business model, the regional powerhouse controls the process from design through delivery, also offering complimentary in-home design services with a “regret-free” guarantee.
Serving as CEO since 2003, Mr. Smith has led the company through recessions, a global pandemic, and multiple housing downturns. As domestic distribution and supply chains shifted, he led the launch of a robust full-line product development program for the Havertys brand. By creating the right balance between domestic and direct sourcing from Asia, the company established a world-class supply chain.
A steady, thoughtful leader known for his mentoring skills and his ability to build strong teams, Mr. Smith has extended the Havertys reach into new markets, growing the chain to more than 125 stores in 17 states, from Virginia to Texas, while also establishing a vibrant e-commerce presence. Working together with his strong team of managers, Smith has led the Atlanta-based retailing institution to achieve consistent results despite turbulent times. The company has remained debt-free.
Mr. Smith has devoted his entire career to the company founded by his great grandfather in 1885. Progressing through a range of roles during his more than 50 years of service, Havertys has made innovative strides to improve performance and the services it offers consumers by implementing numerous operational and IT systems to boost efficiencies while reducing costs.
As a longtime supporter of philanthropic organizations, Mr. Smith has served on the Board and as President of the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame Foundation. He is a recipient of the City of Hope Spirit of Life Award. In his local community, his involvement includes chairing and serving as a director on the boards of groups ranging from the Marist School in Atlanta and the Catholic Foundation of North Georgia to the Better Business Bureau of Atlanta.
CLARENCE H. SMITH
To separate from the promotional players, the next step was offering design. We knew that the only way that we could move away from the promotional, credit-oriented retailers is to have a design program and we experimented until we found a mix that makes sense. Now, every store has at least one designer and they partner with the salespeople to help the customer bring the vision of their home to life.
–Clarence Smith
Haverty Furniture Companies Inc.
HALL OF FAME MEMBERS
Bobby W. Bush, Sr.
1931 – 2010
Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company
Bernard Castro
1904 – 1991
Castro Convertibles
Manuel Capó
1925 – 2009
El Dorado Furniture
Joe Carroll Furniture/Today
William H. Child
RC Willey Home Furnishings
Joseph P. Cory Sr.
1938 – 2015
Cory 1st Choice Home Delivery
Kurt L. Darrow
La-Z-Boy Incorporated
Robert George Culp, Jr.
1917 – 1991 Culp, Inc.
J.Thayer Coggin
1922 – 2003
Thayer Coggin, Inc.
George B. Cartledge, Sr.
1910 – 1997
Grand Piano and Furniture
Thomas Day
1801 – 1861
Designer, Manufacturer and Entrepreneur
Steven F. Elton
Brown Jordan
Arnold Dwight England
1929 – 1995
England/Corsair
Thomas Austin Finch
1922 – 1984
Thomasville Furniture Industries
Donald H. Flanders, Sr.
1924 – 2012
Lloyd Flanders, Inc.
Robert G. Culp, III
1946 – 2018 Culp, Inc.
Art DeFehr
Palliser Furniture
Wallace W. Epperson, Jr.
Mann, Armistead & Epperson, Ltd.
Henry Armfield Foscue
1904 – 1985
Globe Parlor Furniture Company
1928 – 2022
Robert B. Currey
Currey & Company
Michael K. Dugan
1940 – 2023
Henredon Furniture Industries
H. Franklin
1935 – 2023
Franklin Corporation
O.William Fenn, Jr.
LADD Furniture, Inc.
Harry M. Cornell, Jr.
Leggett & Platt, Inc.
Hassell
HALL OF FAME MEMBERS
Allen E. Gant, Jr. Glen Raven, Inc. John
Albert G. Julifs 1891 – 1970
Senco Products, Inc.
Vladimir Kagan 1927 – 2016
Vladimir Kagan Design Group
J. Wade Kincaid 1910 – 1991
Kincaid Furniture Company, Inc.
Charles T. Knabusch 1939 – 1997
La-Z-Boy, Inc.
Steven M. Kincaid
1948 – 2020
Kincaid Furniture Company, Inc.
M. Farooq Kathwari
Ethan Allen, Inc.
David Wolcott Kendall 1851 – 1910
Kendall School of Design
Spencer Colie Kittinger
1901 – 1968
Kittinger Furniture Company
Edward Hudson Lane
1891 – 1973
The Lane Company
Joanna C. Maitland
1919 – 2009
Sperry & Hutchinson
Michael Massood, Sr.
1924 – 2020
MGM Transport Corporation
Keith Koenig
City Furniture
Peter Kroehler 1872 – 1950
The Kroehler Company
Edward M. Knabusch
1900 – 1988
La-Z-Boy, Inc.
Shan Huei “Samuel” Kuo
Samson Holding Ltd.
Clement M. Lange, Jr.
1935 – 2021
Best Home Furnishings
K. Bruce Lauritsen
1942 – 2007
Flexsteel Industries, Inc.
Henry Talmadge Link
1889 – 1983
Dixie Furniture Company
Paul Maitland-Smith
Maitland-Smith Ltd./
Theodore Alexander
Andrew Major
1931 – 2004
Collins & Aikman
International Market Centers
Bob McCreary
McCreary Modern
Jim McIngvale
Gallery Furniture
Hyman Meyers
1911 – 2010
Heilig-Meyers
Robert J. Maricich
HALL OF FAME MEMBERS
Laurence Za Yu Moh
Bernard D. Moray
Pasquale Natuzzi
Natuzzi Spa
Inc.
Fine Furniture Design and Universal Furniture Patrick Henry Norton
Stephen Knight Pond
Kevin M. O’Connor Samson Marketing Hampton O. Powell
Eugene Rosenberg
– 2022
Bob’s Discount Furniture/Planned Furniture Promotions
Morton Seaman
Seaman’s Furniture Company
Charles R. Sligh
Erie J. Sauder
–1997
Lawrence K. Schnadig
Sauder Woodworking Corporation Edwin John Shoemaker
N. Phillips
– 1975 Phillips Foscue Corporation Alexander Peykar Nourison Home Allan H. Palecek
Joseph E. Richardson, II
– 1997 Schnadig Corporation Jeff Seaman Rooms To Go
Robert H. Spilman, Sr.
Harley F. Shuford, Jr. Century Furniture
Thomas B. Stanley Sr.
Gustav Stickley
1857 – 1942
Stickley
Barry Tatelman
Jordan’s Furniture
Eliot Tatelman
Jordan’s Furniture
Bob Timberlake
Bob Timberlake, Inc.
Charles F. Tomlinson
1871 – 1943
Tomlinson Chair Mfg. Co.
Art Van Elslander
1930 – 2018
Art Van Furniture
John Bassett Vaughan
1930 – 2012
Vaughan Furniture Company
Plato S. Wilson
1925 – 2017
Henkel-Harris Company
Thomas Franklin Wrenn
1860 – 1940
High Point Furniture
Robert Ching Wo
1924 – 2019
C.S. Wo & Sons, Ltd.
Felix E. Wright
Leggett & Platt
G. Wanek
Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc.
Melvyn L. Wolff
1931 – 2017
Star Furniture
J. Smith Young
1917 – 2001
Dixie Furniture Company
A.
1905 – 1980
Heilig-Meyers
Elliott Sherrill Wood
1909 – 1999
Drexel-Heritage
Todd Wanek
Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc.
Ronald
Parks C. Underdown
1902 – 1981
Hickory Springs Mfg. Co.
Paul B. Toms, Jr.
Hooker Furniture, Inc.
George
Thorton, Jr.
Alderman Company
American Furniture Warehouse
American Signature, Inc.
American West Worldwide Express ANDMORE
Armen Living
Ashely Furniture Industries, Inc.
Bacon’s Furniture Galleries
Baer’s Furniture Company, Inc.
Bassett Furniture Industries
Bernhardt Furniture Company
Bernie & Phyl’s Furniture
Best Home Furnishings
BILTRITE Furniture-Leather-Mattress
Roger & Martha Bland
Bob Mills Furniture Co., Inc.
Bob’s Discount Furniture
Mary Bogest
Brown Jordan
Broyhill Family Foundation
C.S. Wo & Sons
Capel Rugs
Carpenter Co.
Joe Carroll
Chair King Backyard Store & Fortunoff Backyard Store
Coconis Furniture Inc./Mattress 1st
Connie Lineberry & Associates
CR Laine Furniture Company, Inc.
Culp, Inc.
Currey & Company
Dallas Market Center
Darvin Furniture & Mattress
Elements International Group, LLC
eSolutions Furniture
Ethan Allen, Inc.
FEI Marketing Inc.
Five Star, LLC
Furniture Marketing Group
Furniture Mart USA
Furniture World
FurnitureDealer.Net
Garden City Furniture
Gardner White Furniture
Gat Creek
Gill Brothers Furniture
Glen Raven, Inc.
Global Views
Good’s Furniture House
Gorman’s Home Furnishings, Inc.
Hickory Springs Manufacturing Co.
HiEnd Accents
High Point Market Authority
HOM Furniture
Homemakers Furniture
HomeStretch, Inc.
Hooker Furnishings Corporation
Hurwitz Mintz Furniture
Interstate Foam & Supply Inc.
J. Holmes, LLC
Jack Hawn Consulting
Jackson Furniture
Jofran, Inc.
Julius M. Feinblum Real Estate, Inc.
Bill Kimbrell
King Koil
L & J.G. Stickley
La-Z-Boy Incorporated
Leather Italia USA
Lebco Industries LP
Leggett & Platt, Incorporated
Lexington Home Brands
Linon Home Décor
Loloi Inc.
Magnussen Home Furnishings Inc
Markor International Home Furnishings Co.
Marsh Furniture Company
Massood Logistics
Karen McNeill
Miskelly Furniture
Momeni Inc.
Jim Morgan
Myriad Software
Nebraska Furniture Mart
New Atlantic Contracting, Inc.
Home Furnishings Association
Norwalk Furniture Corporation
Nourison Home
Palliser Furniture, Ltd.
Phillips Collection
Planned Furniture Promotions, Inc.
Martin Ploy
Stephen Pond
Prestige Arts & Art Trends
Raymour & Flanigan Furniture
RC Willey Home Furnishings
Regal Fabrics, Inc.
Restonic Mattress
RHF Investments, Inc.
Richard Frinier Design Studio
Room & Board Inc.
Rooms To Go/Seaman Partners
Samson Holding, Ltd.
Sauder Woodworking Co.
Scan Design Furniture Inc.
Schnadig Corporation - Don Belgrad
Schwarz Properties
Southern Furniture Company of Conover
Southern Motion
Southwest Renewal Foundation
Springs Creative Products Group
STORIS
Stressless
Surya, Inc.
Tempur Sealy International, Inc.
Thayer Coggin
Thomas Day Furniture
TJX Companies, Inc.
Uttermost
Vanguard Furniture Company
Vaughan-Bassett Furniture Company
Visit High Point
Ted Weschler
Bill Wittenberg
Womble Bond Dickerson
Chip Wright II
Z-Wovens
COCKTAIL RECEPTION
Sponsored by
AFTER PARTY
Sponsored by
Wanek Family and Ashley Furniture Industries
Eternal Flame
2025 Hall of Fame Leadership Institute at High Point University
February 16–20, 2025
SCAN HERE TO REGISTER: 2025 LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE:
•All New Content
•Peer Learning at its Best
•More Networking with Other Leaders Headed for the C-Suite
Class of 2024 at
If you have eyes on the C-Suite, the Hall of Fame’s Leadership Institute is for you.
• Peer Learning at Its Best
• Networking with Other Emerging Leaders
• Interaction with Inducted Members of the Hall of Fame
A SNAPSHOT OF OUR INITIATIVES
Welcome to the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame, home to a $150 billion industry. Here you will discover a creative culture, full of imagination that is matched with a passion for functional living. It is our privilege to improve lives by furnishing homes around the world. It is our hope that the Hall of Fame will inspire the industry and everyone who visits to live life more fully surrounded by beauty in the place that each of us calls home.
1. HONORING OUR LEADERS
The Hall of Fame Gallery focuses on the spirit of our leaders and their contributions to the American home furnishings industry. The beautiful Wall of Fame features 141 inducted Members of the Hall of Fame, with touchscreen kiosks offering a deeper dive into their lives. The Tribute Wall presents key innovations and developments in the industry.
2. LEADERS CIRCLE
Hall of Fame activities bring together leaders of the industry through a variety of events in order to prompt discussion and exploration. Events include seminars, speakers, awards events, dinners and cocktail parties.
3. THE HISTORY PROJECT
There is no written history of the home furnishings industry in the United States. Now, under the direction of our staff curator and historian, we are expanding our research and work to preserve our history. Through video interviews and photographs, we document the inside stories of the hands that have created and crafted the products.
4. ORAL HISTORY & BOOK PUBLISHING
Told in the words of our leaders, our Oral Histories are published works that forever capture the industry’s history and growth. We have conducted more than 60 oral histories, posted on our website, available for research, and soon to become a part of the Listening Library.
5. HALL OF FAME LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE EDUCATION AT HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY
Each February, The Hall of Fame Leadership Institute at High Point University challenges emerging leaders with intensive executive education fashioned after the Chief Executive Organization’s Harvard Program.
A SNAPSHOT OF OUR INITIATIVES
6. PAUL BROYHILL FUTURE LEADERS AWARD
The Leadership Initiative focuses on inspiring a new class of leaders and innovation. Each April we honor five emerging leaders as a Paul Broyhill Future Leader and facilitate interaction with inducted members of the Hall of Fame.
7. A TREASURY OF MEMORABILIA
The Hall of Fame serves as a safe haven for our artifacts, patents, oral interviews, drawings, photographs, founder biographies, company histories, manufacturing techniques, and much more.
8. TELLING OUR STORY TO THE WORLD
Through the Tell Us Your Story Video Booth, the Hall of Fame tells the inside stories of what it’s like to work in our industry. It’s greater purpose? Attracting talent to our industry and asking visitors to tell us about their homes.
SPEAKER’S RECEPTION
Sponsored by
Surya Presentation Showcase
Karen E. McNeill Women’s Center The Hub
Stephen Knight Pond Library
O. William Fenn, Jr. Leaders Boardroom
A Place To Learn
A Space to be Inspired
American Signature, Inc. Style Mixer
Roger & Martha Bland Immersive Pattern Maker
Our Place To Honor
The Tribute Wall
The Hall Of Fame Gallery
Our Place To Gather
Bill & Carolyn Hinks Celebration Hall
Nebraska Furniture Mart Founders Wall
Ribbon Cutting
A Quick Tour
•As you arrive, a 25-by 17-foot Grand Story Wall greets participants with a digital welcoming message.
•The Celebration Hall sets a perfect stage with natural light flowing through the clerestory windows.
•The Dynamic Story Wall features images, films, your logo or a PowerPoint presentation.
•The striking Leaders Bar is cleverly equipped as a full-service cocktail, coffee or food bar.
•The grand Presentation Staircase is limited only by your imagination: as an amphitheater, a stage, of for display of corporate messaging or even products.
•Lighted Digital Banners form a canopy over the staircase, creating unmatched drama to match your logo or a theme of the meeting.
•The Leaders Boardroom offers a full menu of microphones in the ceiling, online access and a large screen for telecommunications or presentations. The Walls are lined with glass dry erase boards for planning.
•The Imagination Theater is a true immersive theater to present a video of your company, programs or other film content.
•The Hall of Fame Gallery acts as a setting for cocktail parties or even dinner.
• The Women’s Center is a lovely space for to use as a Green Room or casual meetings before the meeting.
•The Hub is a hip, casual space ideal as a break-out room for the Boardroom or casual gatherings.
•The Hospitality Kitchen is a true cooking kitchen to prepare your menu on site, like a high-end restaurant. In fact, one event that will be held during the next year is bringing in a celebrity chef!
•The adjacent Parking Lot provides plenty of well-lighted parking.
The Hub
Celebration Hall
Atrium
Hall Of Fame Gallery
Synchrony provides resources, guidance and partnership to help you navigate the many aspects of your business.
• Our partners get access to research that helps them know their customers better.
• Our training gives associates the tools for success.
• Our financing solutions give customers the options they want.
From your morning inventory to your last customer call of the day, Synchrony is with you.
Are you ready for a partnership that drives better business for you?
Start your success story with us today. Scan the QR code or visit synchrony.com.
VALUING OUR COMMUNITIES
With value at the heart of all we do, we’re with you!
CONGRATULATIONS
2024 AMERICAN HOME FURNISHINGS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Joseph P. Cory Sr. - Cory 1st Choice Home Delivery
Thomas Day - Thomas Day Furnishings
Steven F. Elton - Brown Jordan
Bob McCreary - McCreary Modern
Clarence H. Smith - Havertys Furniture Companies, Inc.
Congratulates the 2024 Inductees
Joseph P. Cory Sr. Cory 1st Choice Home Delivery
Clarence H. Smith Havertys Furniture Company, Inc.
Thomas Day Designer & Cabinetmaker
Steven F. Elton Brown Jordan
Bob McCreary McCreary Modern
Our industry is stronger and more vibrant due to the unwavering dedication and outstanding leadership of these exceptional individuals. We extend our deepest gratitude and boundless appreciation for their remarkable contributions.
CONGRATULATIONS
American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame
2024 INDUCTEES
Joseph P. Cory Sr. Cory 1st Choice Home Delivery
Thomas Day Designer & Cabinetmaker
Bob McCreary McCreary Modern
Clarence H. Smith Havertys Furniture Companies, Inc.
Joseph P. Cory Sr.
Steven F. Elton Brown Jordan
Congratulates
We salute their contributions to the industry.
CONGRATULATIONS
STEVEN ELTON —
Congratulations on your induction into the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame — Class of 2024!
~ Richard and Catherine Frinier
“There is nothing better than working with someone who understands and appreciates the power of realizing a dream, unless you are lucky enough to become friends with them along the way.”
Shown L-R: Richard Frinier (Hall of Fame Class of 2016) and Steven Elton (Hall of Fame Class of 2024). Image ©ClaudiaUnger.
CONGRATULATIONS
to the 2024 Hall of Fame Inductees
Joseph P. Cory Sr.
CORY 1ST CHOICE HOME DELIVERY
Thomas Day DESIGNER & CABINETMAKER
Steven F. Elton BROWN JORDAN
Bob McCreary
MCCREARY MODERN
Clarence H. Smith
HAVERTYS FURNITURE COMPANIES, INC.
From The Berkshire Hathaway Companies
Dallas | Atlanta | New York | Las Vegas | High Point globalviews.com
CONGRATULATIONS 2024 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Joseph P. Corey Sr. | Thomas Day | Steven F. Elton | Bob McCreary | Clarence H. Smith
Your hard work & high ethical standard inspires our industry. Our most sincere thanks for your dedication & commitment.
J.B. Hunt Congratulates the 2024 American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame Inductees
Honoring the late
Joseph P. Cory S r.
Cory 1st Choice Home Delivery
Jospeh Cory Sr. was a true industry leader and exemplified a genuine commitment to the home furnishings industry.
Congratulations to All the Inductees:
Thomas Day
Thomas Day Furnishings
Steven F. Elton
Brown Jordan
Bob McCreary
McCreary Modern
Clarence H. Smith
Havertys Furniture Companies Inc.
H. SMITH
Congratulations to the 2024 American Home Furnishings
Hall of Fame Inductees
Wayfair is proud to celebrate these industry leaders: Clarence Smith, Joseph Cory Sr, Thomas Day, Steven Elton, and Bob McCreary
Proudly Congratulates
Clarence H. Smith Havertys Furniture Companies Inc.
and all of the 2024 American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame inductees for their outstanding contributions to our industry.
Hall of Fame Inductees
Joseph P. Cory Sr. Cory 1st Choice Home Delivery
Thomas Day Thomas Day Furnishings
Steven F. Elton Brown Jordan
Bob McCreary McCreary Modern
Clarence H. Smith Havertys Furniture Companies Inc.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2024 HONOREES
Joseph P. Cory Sr., Thomas Day, Steven F. Elton, Bob McCreary, Clarence H. Smith
Gat Creek applauds the 2024 Hall of Fame inductees
Joseph P. Cory Sr. • Cory 1st Choice Home Delivery
Thomas Day • Thomas Day Furnishings
Steven F. Elton • Brown Jordan
Bob McCreary • McCreary Modern
Clarence H. Smith • Havertys Furniture Companies Inc.
The Stickley team congratulates this year’s Hall of Fame Inductees!
Joseph
Your innovative leadership and creativity have been an inspiration to our industry.
AMERICAN HOME FURNISHINGS
2024 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Joseph P. Cory Sr.
Cory 1st Choice Home Delivery
Thomas Day
Thomas Day Furnishings
Steven F. Elton Brown Jordan
Bob McCreary
McCreary Modern
Clarence H. Smith Havertys Furniture Companies Inc.
"We honor the tremendous impact these great individuals have had on our industry."
Joseph P. Cory Sr. Cory 1st Choice Home
Steven F. Elton Brown Jordan
Clarence H. Smith Haverty’s Furniture Companies
Thomas Day Designer and Cabinetmaker
Bob McCreary McCreary Modern
We
cityofhope.org
JOSEPH P. CORY SR.
Cory 1st Choice Home Delivery
THOMAS DAY
Thomas Day Furnishings
STEVEN F. ELTON
Brown Jordon
BOB MCCREARY
McCreary Modern
CLARENCE H. SMITH
Havertys Furniture Companies Inc.
We give back a minimum of 5% of annual profits to the community.
We know it’s important to take care of each other. CITY’s 5% Giving Pledge is about putting those words into action, by giving back to the community that has allowed us to grow. It’s our way of making your purchase matter, and because of you, we’re able to reach countless people, causes, and organizations.
SCAN TO LEARN MORE
Congratulations to the American Home Furnishings Foundation’s 2024 Hall of Fame Inductees
Joseph P. Cory Sr.
Thomas Day
Steven F. Elton
Bob McCreary
Clarence H. Smith
Celebrating Today’s Leaders
Building the Leaders of Tomorrow
Join WithIt as we empower and inspire women in the home and furnishings industry to lead, embrace challenges, succeed and pursue their aspirations with passion and confidence.
Celebrating & Remembering
Joseph P. Cory
September 5, 1938 – April 28, 2015
Joe ’ s compassion, determination and relentless pursuit of perfection pushed him to the pinnacles of success in so many areas of life. It is that spirit of excellence that permeated the Cory organization for over eight decades.
The close bonds Joe formed with clients transcended the business and created a family that stretched beyond the boundaries of traditional kinship. Joe would often say, “ We are in the people business, not the trucking business. ” Much like his dad, Joe, in his early years of leading the company, would solidify a deal with a simple hand - shake. These hand - shakes created a family of clients that remained with Cory for decades and built Cory ’ s reputation as a company of its word.
Thank you for this extraordinary recognition. The Cory Family
HONORING the life and work of
JOE CORY
You will always be remembered!
“The Joseph P Cory Foundation is built upon the premise of love. Joe’s legacy continues through our organization, helping families, communities, and veterans, live a healthier and more sustainable life.” - Nada Cory
LOOK HOW JPCF HAS GROWN!
DONATE TO JPCF PLANT HEALTHY LIVES!
AMERICAN FURNITURE HALL OF FAME FOUNDATION INDUCTEE
Joseph P. Cory Sr.
His commitment to excellence, innovation, Integrity and generosity defined his life and the company he helped to build.
-Members of the Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Association-
Celebrating an Icon
For 37 years, we’ve proudly partnered with visionary Bob McCreary whose commitment to quality, purpose, and beauty has left a lasting mark on our industry.
Congratulations, Bob, on your induction into the 2024 American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame!
–Your Crate & Barrel Holdings Family
CONGRATULATIONS
Clarence H. Smith
On your induction into the 2024
American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame
From All of us at Jonathan Louis
Congratulates Steven
F. Elton Chief Brand Curator, Brown Jordan
2024 Hall of Fame Inductee
Chief Brand Curator
Joseph P. Cory Sr.
Cory 1st Choice Home Delivery
Thomas Day Thomas Day Furnishings
Steven F. Elton Brown Jordan
Bob McCreary McCreary Modern
Clarence H. Smith Havertys Furniture Companies, Inc.
BIAS INJUSTICE
ADL is proud of our ongoing and historic partnership with the Home Furnishing’s Industry and its commitment to fight all forms of hate, culminating in our yearly Tribute Dinner Celebration in New York City on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Together, we can fight all forms
From The International Home Furnishing Representatives Association
Thank you to the 2024 inductees for your leadership, dedication, and contibutions to our industry
Joseph P. Cory Sr., Cory 1st Choice Home Delivery
Thomas Day, designer and cabinetmaker
Steven F. Elton, Brown Jordan
Bob McCreary, McCreary Modern
Clarence H. Smith, Havertys Furniture Companies, Inc.
Our purpose is to empower, support, and advocate for our members in the home furnishings industry.
Learn more by visiting ihfra.org or scan the QR code
Congratulations2024 HallofFameInductees
JosephP.CorySr.,Cory1stChoiceHomeDelivery ThomasDay,ThomasDayFurnishings
StevenF.Elton,BrownJordan
BobMcCreary,McCrearyModern ClarenceH.Smith,HavertysFurnitureCompanies,Inc.
Pleaseacceptourheartfeltthanksforyour contributionstoourindustry.
Visitisfd.orgtoseethesoon-to-befamousworkofour2024PinnacleAwardsfinalists.
Congratulations to all of the 2024 Hall
of Fame Inductees from UTTERMOST
McCreary
CONGRATULATIONS CLARENCE SMITH
Congratulations on being awarded this prestigious honor. Your contributions to our industry and continuing the heritage of the Haverty “iconic” brand makes Napa Furniture Design proud to be a partner!
We would also like to congratulate all of the other very deserving honorees.
From the Napa Furniture Design Family
THE 2024 INDUCTEES TO THE AMERICAN HOME FURNISHINGS HALL OF FAME
JOSEPH P. CORY SR.
Cory 1st Choice Home Delivery
THOMAS DAY
(1801-1861)
Designer and Cabinetmaker
Steven F. Elton
Brown Jordan
Bob McCreary
McCreary Modern
Clarence H. Smith
Havertys Furniture Companies, Inc.
THE AMERICAN HOME FURNISHINGS ALLIANCE
SALUTES THIS YEAR’S HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES AND THEIR SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE HOME FURNISHINGS INDUSTRY.
