People on the Move

Staff -- Casual Living, 7/1/2007 12:00:00 AM

Furniture Classics names new president, vice president of sales

Michael Ricks was promoted as president of Furniture Classics, an importer of antique reproduction furniture. Ricks previously served as vice president and general counsel of the company, which over the past year introduced a casual division, Two Palms Casual, opened a Las Vegas showroom and doubled the size of its showrooms in Atlanta and High Point, N.C.

Ricks joined Furniture Classics in 2002, after practicing law for three years in his hometown of Norfolk, Va. He reports directly to his father, CEO Douglas Ricks. The elder Ricks resigned his presidency this year after creating Furniture Classics and managing its growth over the past two decades.

Additionally, former sales manager Alex Boyer was named vice president of sales and marketing.

Suncoast adds Oresman, Cohn retires

Suncoast Furniture hired Bob Oresman as a sales rep in the New England area. He brings nearly 20 years of experience in the casual furniture industry, said Rick Baker, national sales manager. "He comes to us with an excellent reputation for having an outstanding partnership with his customers," Baker said.

Baker also announced long-time sales rep David Cohn has retired from the industry after representing Suncoast on Florida's east coast since 1991. Cohn received many company awards during his tenure including most new accounts, highest increase in sales and salesman of the year. Cohn started his career in 1969 with Finkel Umbrella Company and represented that line for 19 years.

Hildebrandt, Wong join Paddock

As Paddock Pools, Patios & Spas continues growth in Arizona and Nevada, Kristan Hildebrandt has joined the Paddock executive team as vice president of human resources and Sam Wong joined Paddock's in-house marketing team as creative director.

Hildebrandt formerly worked at The Phoenix Zoo, where she managed human resources with 400 employees and 370 volunteers. She earned an MBA from Western International University with other education from Arizona State University, Lock Haven State University and University of Phoenix.

Wong is responsible for all creative and brand management of Paddock. He brings more than 12 years of experience as a graphic designer and art director with various industries, including retail. His education was at Arizona State University.

David Ghiz, president of Paddock Pools, Patios & Spas, said the time was right to create these positions because of Paddock's rapid growth in both Phoenix and Las Vegas markets.

George O. Burns dies

George O. Burns, 68, of Talking Rock, Ga., died on May 18 at Northside Hospital Cherokee in Canton, Ga.

During his career, Burns served as president of Rex Furniture Company and as a sales rep for Acacia Home & Garden. He was a former president of the Greater Atlanta Georgia Tech Club, the Rotary Club, was a recipient of the Paul Harris fellowship award and an eagle scout.

Funeral was held May 21 at Roper Funeral Home of Jasper, Ga. The family requested memorials be made to Georgia Agape, 3094 Mercer University Dr., Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30341.

Hildebrandt

Wong