Furniture Manufacturing Expo 2026 Exhibitor List

<p>Kevin Holshouser is a seasoned furniture manufacturing executive with more than 34 years of industry experience, recognized for his deep expertise in lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles. His career began at Henredon Furniture, where he served as a project engineer and played a key role in the startup and implementation of automated cutting processes, laying the foundation for a career focused on operational excellence and innovation.</p> <p>He later advanced into leadership at Lexington Furniture, serving as Plant Manager, where he strengthened his capabilities in production management, team development, and process optimization. For the past 17 years, Kevin has served as Senior Vice President of Manufacturing at Vanguard Furniture, where he has led large-scale manufacturing operations and driven continuous improvement initiatives across the organization.</p> <p>Throughout his career, Kevin has remained committed to advancing efficiency, improving quality, and developing high-performing teams, bringing valuable perspective to discussions on the current state and future direction of the furniture manufacturing industry.</p> <p>Outside of work, Kevin enjoys spending time outdoors, deep-sea fishing, and being with his family.</p>

<p>As a Product Specialist at C.R. Onsrud, Daniel Dew serves as a vital bridge between advanced engineering and practical manufacturing solutions. With a deep understanding of CNC technology, Daniel focuses on helping partners optimize their production capabilities through high-precision machinery and automated workflows.</p> <p>Throughout his career, Daniel has developed a reputation for technical excellence and a consultative approach to client success. His expertise spans across CNC routing, machining centers, and customized manufacturing applications, ensuring that clients select and implement the right technology to scale their operations.</p> <p>Outside of his technical role, Daniel is a dedicated professional who values the long-term relationships he builds within the industry. He remains at the forefront of manufacturing trends, consistently looking for innovative ways to improve efficiency and precision for the woodworking, plastics, and aerospace sectors.</p>

<p>Luke Barger is an accomplished manufacturing and supply chain executive with nearly 30 years of leadership experience in the furniture and casegoods manufacturing industry. He currently serves as Plant Manager for Sherrill Furniture Company&rsquo;s casegoods manufacturing facility in North Carolina, overseeing all aspects of production for high-end residential wood furniture.</p> <p>Throughout his career, Luke has held senior leadership positions with nationally recognized companies including Sherrill Furniture, HNI Corporation, Ethan Allen, Thomasville Furniture, Broyhill Furniture, and Furniture Brands International. His expertise spans plant management, supply chain operations, industrial engineering, purchasing, distribution and logistics, continuous improvement, and product engineering.</p> <p>Luke has successfully led large-scale manufacturing operations with responsibility for multimillion-dollar facilities, complex supply chains, and teams exceeding 400 employees. He is recognized for implementing lean manufacturing principles, driving operational excellence, improving productivity and quality, and developing high-performing teams.</p> <p>He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering with a concentration in Furniture Manufacturing from North Carolina State University, graduating Cum Laude, and is Six Sigma Green Belt Certified.</p>

Andy Arkin serves as the Regional Sales Manager at Zund America, leveraging extensive experience in processing leather and textiles for the furniture industry. Collaborating with businesses, he provides expert guidance and tailored solutions that optimize value, minimize waste, reduce labor expenses, and enhance productivity and quality. Committed to assisting customers in achieving their objectives, he is dedicated to supporting business growth through Zund America&rsquo;s innovative and cutting-edge products and services.

Tom Russell has covered residential furniture for about 25 years at daily and weekly publications including the High Point Enterprise and Triad Business News. From 2003 to 2021, he was associate editor and later senior editor Furniture Today, primarily covering residential case goods. Since mid-2021 he has been editor in chief at Home News Now, a digital publication covering the residential furniture sector. Earlier in his career he was a reporter for the Suffolk News Herald, editor of the Denbigh Gazette, business editor at the High Point Enterprise and a community and business reporter at The Press of Atlantic City.

Lewis Mabon has been a Board Member of the International Society of Furniture Designers since 1983. He has designed and engineered furniture for residential, contract, healthcare, and hospitality. He has received awards and patents for his designs. Also trained as a Master Upholsterer with extensive woodworking knowledge, Mabon often personally builds what he designs. He has given presentations of designing plywood furniture frames using 3D CAD since 2003 and other upholstery topics.

Jason grew up in Statesville, NC and graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill. He worked as an apprentice to a master furniture maker before he attended Inside Passage School of Craftsmen. His love of woodworking, building community, and a family of his own initially led him to work for Quis Machinery. In 2017, he became the owner. Jason is a forward thinker and transparent communicator who seeks to achieve his personal and professional goals by helping others achieve theirs. Jason is very involved within the industry as a WIA Board of Trustees, and In 2018, he was named one of Woodworking Network's top 40 under 40. His background in furniture-making, passion for technology, and desire to build strong and lasting communities afford him a unique position to tailor solutions within the industry. He does all this in his spare time of being a loving father of three and husband to a beautiful, intelligent, and compassionate wife.

<p>I am a Global Procurement Specialist at Ashley Furniture Industries, specializing in Lamination, Edge Banding, Foils, and Packaging. &nbsp;With 16 years of experience in procurement and inventory management, I have developed a strong expertise in sourcing and supply chain management from all over the world.</p> <p>Throughout my career, I have spent 14 years in managerial roles, leading procurement teams to optimize processes and drive cost savings. Additionally, I have 12 years of experience in inside and outside sales management, enabling me to understand customer needs and negotiate the best deals.</p> <p>I am well-versed in various systems and tools critical to my role, including SAP, AS/400, OS/400, i5/OS, Excel, McK Connect, CPS, Oracle Database, AS, and Power BI. These technical skills have enhanced my ability to analyze data, forecast demand, and make informed procurement decisions.</p> <p>Overall, my extensive experience and proficiency in procurement, inventory management, and sales, combined with my knowledge of various systems and tools, have allowed me to deliver and contribute to my success at Ashley Furniture Industries.</p> <p>I am a native of Hickory, North Carolina. I have been happily married for 21 years and have a daughter and son in college. Outside of work, you can often find me in the beautiful North Carolina mountains or relaxing at Sun Set beach playing golf and Surf Fishing. I am also an avid sports enthusiast, and thoroughly enjoy watching the Tar Heels Play.</p>

A 32 year veteran of the home furnishing industry, Keith Nichols is currently the Vice President of Manufacturing for Century Furniture. He is responsible for the operations of Century&rsquo;s Casegoods and Upholstery plants and trucking division. Headquartered in Hickory, Century employs over 800 associates, and operates in 4 domestic production facilities. Prior to his current role, Keith was the Plant Manager for the Century Chair division for 15 years. Keith is a 1991 graduate of NC State&rsquo;s Furniture Manufacturing and Management Program and a minor in Industrial Engineering. Keith resides in Hickory with his wife Rhonda and their 3 children, Battle, Maggie, and Henry.

With 35 years of experience, Randall is knowledgeable in setting up and operating both international and domestic high-end upholstery manufacturing. As a senior leader, he focuses on combining the best technology with the industry's top talent to create highly efficient and profitable operations. &nbsp;Randall is fortunate to have worked and excelled in a variety of roles, including Production Management, R&amp;D, Design Layout, Lean Management, and Health and Safety. Team building and management development are his passions; he enjoys helping others excel in the upholstery industry. As a highly motivated, hands-on senior leader who loves day-to-day interaction with associates, he believes respect and trust are earned through positive leadership practices. &nbsp;Randall is married and loves traveling the world, experiencing new and exciting adventures with his wife and family.

<p>A 2003 graduate of Appalachian State University, Ryan has worked in the furniture industry for a combined 17 years. He spent time previously with Bernhardt and Ethan Allen and is now home with McCreary Modern.</p> <p>He drew his inspiration for furniture from his high school cabinetmaking teacher, John Cockman, and never looked back once he got to Appalachian State.</p> <p>Ryan currently provides engineering-related guidance for all facilities including maintenance, building and process improvements, new equipment and regulatory compliance for licensing and permitting.</p> <p>He currently resides in Newton with his wife Kortney and two children, Rylan and Raegan along with their 3 dogs, Rhett, Rhynn, and Rivi.</p>

With a career spanning nearly 50 years in the furniture industry, William (Bill) Becker has extensive expertise in product design, engineering, sourcing, plant management, quality management and purchasing. &nbsp;After receiving his Bachelor&rsquo;s Degree in Industrial and Product Design from Appalachian State University, Bill undertook various plant management roles in 7 different facilities in 12 years at Broyhill Furniture where he broadened his experience and management skills in every aspect of case goods manufacturing. &nbsp;During the next 19 years, Bill went on to serve numerous positions as Plant Manager, Divisional Manager, Corporate Quality Manager and Product Development Manager at Cochrane Furniture Company where Bill successfully increased production and was responsible for implementing and directing new production projects, quality control, MPR software systems, vendor certification, training staff on new product and standard developments, using concurrent and value engineering techniques and developing standardization of product lines for their factories. &nbsp;In 2006, Bill was promoted to Product Development &amp; Engineering Manager - CR at Chromcraft Revington where he provided leadership design, development, engineering, manufacturing processes and sourcing for all phases of CR Residential Divisions for new products. &nbsp;In 2012, Bill accepted the role as Vice President of Product Development for Chromcraft Revington and later, in 2014, he advanced his position to VP of Product Development &amp; QC.

<p>Experienced Professional with 30 plus years in the High-End, Custom Home Furnishings Industry. Strong Technical background with experience in Product Design/Development, Engineering, Manufacturing Processes, Lean Principles, and Procurement.</p> <p>Leader of Business Operations utilizing effective Problem Solving and Hands-on experiences to promote employee growth, operational change, and business success. Champion for internal personnel growth/success within organization to develop future leadership and next generations of technical knowledge within the industry. Supporter of local Community College and University programs for the industry to identify future personnel and staff development.</p> <p>Current UFAC Board Member and Caldwell Applied Science Academy - Business Advisory Board Member.</p>

<p>Steve is the Founder and CEO of COCOCO Home, a pioneer in the vertically integrated, made-to-order direct-to-consumer (DTC) furniture sector. In addition to his leadership at COCOCO Home, he is the owner of Sustainiture, the exclusive U.S. distributor for Suberise Cork Leather, produced by PortugaliaCork.</p> <p>Steve&rsquo;s entrepreneurial background includes his former role as owner of TCC Products LLC. He holds a B.A. in Economics from Davidson College and previously served his community as a volunteer assistant football coach at Hough High School.</p>

Alan Kerley serves as the Director of Upholstery Operations at Bassett Furniture Industries, where he has spearheaded operational excellence for the past two and a half years. A seasoned veteran of the furniture industry, Alan&rsquo;s career includes leadership roles at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Williams-Sonoma, and Kroehler Furniture Manufacturing Co. His deep expertise in plant management and large-scale manufacturing and warehouse operations makes him a vital asset to the Advisory Board.