Owen Baker To Retire From Nourison
Nourison has announced the retirement of Owen Baker, western regional sales manager, after 16 years of service. Derek Lopez, currently the northern California territory manager for Nourison, will step into Baker’s role as of May 1st. Baker has been in the flooring industry for 52 years, including Oriental Weavers, Coronet Carpets, Monticello Carpets, Lee’s Carpet and Burlington Industries. “When the opportunity presented itself, I wanted to work for Nourison because of their reputation and quality of merchandise,” said Owen Baker. “What I will miss the most about Nourison is working alongside some of the nicest people I have met in my 52 years in the business, the excitement of working for a reputable company, and working with the Peykar family who treated me as more than just an employee.” “Owen is a true professional, an absolute pleasure to work with and he has a great sense of humor,” said Alex Peykar, principal at Nourison. “We will miss his vast experience and boundless enthusiasm. He has set a standard for work ethic and professionalism that has benefited customers and work associates alike. He will always be a part of the Nourison legacy and the Nourison family,” said Gerard O’Keefe, vice president of sales at Nourison. Nourison will celebrate Owen Baker’s retirement at the Nourison showroom, IH101 at High Point Market on Saturday, April 6, from...
Nourison’s Owen Baker To Be Honored
Nourison’s Western Regional Manager, Owen Baker will celebrate his 80th birthday this weekend. He is still active in the field and going strong. In fact, last December Mr. Baker was presented with Nourison’s 2011 Salesperson of the Year Award, for outstanding achievement in sales volume and territory growth. In January of this year, he was promoted to his current position of Western Regional Manager — an accomplishment not often reached just months before ones 80th birthday. Nourison is a member of the ORIA. Baker, a Chicago native, has held sales and executive positions in the Carpet and Rug industry for over five decades. A long and successful carpet executive career that included a stint as President of Coronet Carpet eventually brought Owen to Southern California where he now resides and works. Ultimately, Mr. Baker gained as much respect and admiration from the rug world as he had from the carpet world, with success in sales positions at Oriental Weavers, and eventually, at Nourison. When asked about his longevity and continued high energy, Owen replies as only a born salesperson would: “As long as the prospect of the making the next sale or finalizing the next deal still excites and motivates me, I will be out there selling. I love what I do, and I guess that is one of the things that keep me young.” It is amazing after such a long career that Owen is approaching a full decade at Nourison, and is one of its longest, and most respected employees on the sales team. “Owen is like fine wine that seems to just get better with age,” said Alex Peykar, Principal at Nourison. “Honestly, when it came to the decision to promote him earlier this year, age was never a consideration for us. He has worked hard, achieved a lot, and truly deserved the honor purely on merit.” The company is planning a private, internal dinner with employees attending High Point Market to quietly honor this remarkable veteran sales executive. “To use a rug term, Owen is truly a one-of-a-kind,” remarks Gerard O’Keefe, Vice President of Sales at Nourison. “He not only sold the most last year, he physically assembled the most displays in the field! Owen is special. He puts many younger reps in this industry to shame with his work ethic. But to me, what sets him apart as a person is his decency, integrity and passion for what he does. These shine through when he is selling, and they are qualities you cannot train or teach.” Happy 80th Birthday to the Legend, Owen...
Nourison Announces Regional Management Promotions
Nourison is pleased to announce the promotion of Owen Baker and Jeff Forwood to the position of Regional Sales Manager. Mr. Baker will manage the Western Region of the U.S. for Nourison, while Mr. Forwood will manage the Northeast Region. Each will be responsible for managing and developing business within his respective territory, while supervising a team of company-employed Account Executives. Nourison is a member of the ORIA. Mr. Baker is a well-respected industry veteran in both rugs and broadloom. He has spent the last 8 years as Account Executive of the Southern California territory for Nourison. Mr. Forwood has strong rug and carpet sales and management experience. He has been a Nourison Account Executive in Eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland for more than two years. “These are well-deserved promotions that are reflective of the success and commitment to excellence that these gentlemen have shown at Nourison. They are also indicative of Nourison’s continued investment to its sales, service and manufacturing infrastructure,” said Gerard O’Keefe, Nourison’s Vice President of Sales. “Our sales organization is stronger than ever and poised for great success as market conditions continue to...
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