Suncoast makes territory changes

Company celebrates 25th anniversary

-- Casual Living, 2/23/2007 8:28:00 AM

Suncoast Aluminum Furniture Inc. will celebrate its 25th anniversary at the next casual market in September 2007 in Chicago. In order to reach its short- and long-range sales goals, the Fort Myers, Fla.-based manufacturer added Dennis Ritter, Brad Lloyd and Kevin Gardiner as sales reps, effective Feb. 19.

Dennis Ritter, a longtime industry representative with extensive knowledge and experience in direct import, will assume the duties as lead sales associate for Suncoast International Inc. and will report directly to National Sales Manager Rick Baker.

“Dennis brings a lot to the table and will be most valuable in the future development of our product line,” Baker said. “Dennis with his team of associates Bob and Denise Wilson will serve the Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan areas representing both import and domestic lines for Suncoast.” 

Brad Lloyd brings industry experience including 20 years in the casual furniture business as a retailer, a  sub-rep in the Mid-Atlantic states and now more than 15 years as an independent sales representative, covering Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Puerto Rico and Bermuda. Lloyd brings professional sales experience along with extensive knowledge of the contract markets to Suncoast Furniture Inc., Baker said. “As we move forward and grow, Brad will be influential in developing new products and programs for Suncoast Furniture Inc.”

Lloyd, who reports directly to Chad Harper, contract sales manager, said he looks forward to growing Suncoast’s contract business. “I will admit the best part of my job is the people I have the opportunity to call on,” he said. “It’s true that the best sales representatives understand relationships, service, and profitable sales for all.” 

Kevin Gardiner, formerly with another casual furniture manufacturer competitor of Suncoast, brings a fresh, inviting and personal approach to Suncoast Furniture Inc. “Kevin has the tools and knowledge needed to expand distribution for Suncoast Furniture Inc.,” Baker said. Gardiner will be responsible for building the Nebraska, Kansas, Mississippi and Iowa markets.

“With sales distribution nationally, Suncoast has grown to be one of the leaders in our industry,” Baker said. “With the addition of these fine individuals along with the professional staff currently in place, Suncoast Furniture Inc. has positioned itself to surpass company expectations over the next few years.  It is the vision of our President and CEO Paul Varshney to continue the upward trend to be the manufacturer of choice for our dealers across the country. Over the last two years, Suncoast Furniture Inc. has increased capacity at the Fort Myers facility to facilitate on-time delivery for made-to-order furniture in four weeks or less.”