Homecrest realigns its sales organization

Names new national sales manager

-- Casual Living, 1/9/2006 2:34:00 PM

WADENA, Minn.  -- HC Holdings LLC (dba Homecrest) has appointed Tom LaBounty as national sales manager of the company's retail division.

Mark Bottemiller, who previously held that role, will assume duties as an independent regional sales representative for the company's Rocky Mountain region, which includes Nebraska, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming and El Paso, Texas. The region was represented for 21 years by Gayle Haden, who will be pursuing other opportunities within the industry.

LaBounty comes to Homecrest with more than 20 years of specialty retail experience. Most recently, he was operations manager for Seasonal Concepts, a regional specialty store headquartered in Minnesota, where he was successful in raising sales and overall profitability in the retailer's flagship stores. As national sales manager for Homecrest he will manage overall sales programs, train and develop the company's national sales representatives, and build retail relationships.

"We are excited to have Tom join our organization and we know that he will be effective at increasing our sales team's commitment to supporting and growing a dedicated network of Homecrest retailers throughout the country," said Christine Meidinger, Homecrest director of sales, marketing and product creation. "His proven track record in the outdoor living industry and his understanding of the specialty store environment will be a tremendous asset to Homecrest and our accounts."