Cindy C. Hall
Executive in Home Furnishings
Hickory,NC
Summary
I am a forward-thinking Senior Executive with over 30 years in the home and furnishings industry. One of my key strengths is my ability to spearhead the development of new and inspiring product introductions. By staying attuned to market trends and consumer preferences, I have consistently delivered timely and compelling offerings that resonate with customers, which has contributed to achieving impressive gross profit margins. I am also able to see the gaps in product lines or the need to change direction. One example of this was Mélange, introduced in 2010 and grew to $20 million in 7 years. Mélange was a catalyst that changed the trajectory of that company to be a more resonating and "in the moment" brand.
As a proven leader, I have led teams across various facets of business operations with distinction. In the center of my philosophy is the importance of fostering open and effective communication channels. This includes employees, shareholders, customers, vendors, and designers. I prioritize building and nurturing relationships based on trust, integrity and collaboration.
In summary, my extensive experience, ethical approach, and track record of success position me as a valuable asset capable of making significant contributions to any organization within the home and furnishings industry.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
VP - Merchandising & Product Development
Sherrill Furniture
Hickory, NC
11/24/19 - 04/04/24
- Casegoods Product Development experience in customized domestic manufacturing and imported product.
- Introduced Hickory White's Revival 81 whole home collection that made the company a more relevant brand.
- Developed and managed a dynamic product development team in NC and Vietnam that consistently introduced 150 new industry-leading products twice a year, aligning with market demands and customer preferences. Brands include: Lillian August, Hickory White, Sherrill Occasional, Christiane Lemieux Et. Cie. and Mr. & Mrs. Howard.
- Led cross-functional teams in developing innovative solutions to complex business challenges.
- Briefed executive leadership every quarter on department activities, collected feedback and incorporated new directives resulting from strategy meetings.
- Strategically guided leadership teams through challenging periods by leveraging home furnishings knowledge and business acumen.
Creative Director
The Uttermost Co.
Rocky Mount, VA
10.2018 - 11.2019
- Conveyed and developed creative team design vision by defining group direction and goals.
- Researched emerging trends in design and technology to stay ahead of industry changes.
- Developed Casegoods furniture product for Revelation and Uttermost brands.
Chief Executive Officer
Forte Group, Inc.
Martinsville, Virginia
08.2017 - 10.2018
- Luxury Plumbing Buying Group - Restructured complete brand strategy, incorporated CRM system, and rebuilt leadership structure.
- Negotiated and approved contracts between company and distributors, vendors and other external entities.
- Facilitated quarterly Board of Director Meetings, oversaw budgetary and financial activities, and implemented growth strategies to increase growth among Shareholders.
- Delivered speeches and attended industry conferences to enhance company reputation and interact with Shareholders and Vendor Partners.
- Managed daily operations in Marketing, Sales, and Finance.
VP - Merchandising & Product Development
Hooker Furniture Corp.
Martinsville, VA
09.2014 - 08.2017
- Executed and strategized merchandising and product development for luxury price points ($80+ million wholesale).
- Managed brands - Mélange and Sanctuary brands ($36+ million wholesale).
- Managed daily operations of merchandising and showroom staff, while setting price points, devising negotiations, and exceeding gross profit margins.
- Traveled to international factories for sample finalization, color panel approval, and initial production supervision.
- Participated in monthly Officer Financial Review and Sales & Operational Planning meetings.
Director of Merchandising
Hooker Furniture
Martinsville, Virginia
02.2012 - 09.2014
- Developed and managed the Mélange brand ($20+ million wholesale) and still strong in 2024
- Developed private label product for National Accounts ($7+ million wholesale), including Costco, Crate & Barrel etc.
Senior Product Manager, Merchandising Mgr
Hooker Furniture
Martinsville, Virginia
04.2005 - 01.2012
Import Manager, Customer Service
Hooker Furniture
Martinsville, Virginia
06.1990 - 04.2005
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Averett University
Danville, VA 08.1991 - 12.1993
Skills
- Intuitiveness
- Leadership
- Licensing
- Problem Solving
- Product Strategy
- Product Development
- Corporate Communications
- Pricing Strategy
Accomplishments
- Worldwide Women's Association 2023
- WITHIT Member
- 2011 and 2012 Pinnacle Design Award Winner
- WithIt Mentoring WOW Award Finalist 2021
- Graduate of the Landmark Forum 2014, Advanced Course 2020
- Fowler International Academy of Professional Coaching - August 2021
- Dale Carnegie High Impact Presentations
Timeline
Creative Director
The Uttermost Co.
10.2018 - 11.2019
Chief Executive Officer
Forte Group, Inc.
08.2017 - 10.2018
VP - Merchandising & Product Development
Hooker Furniture Corp.
09.2014 - 08.2017
Director of Merchandising
Hooker Furniture
02.2012 - 09.2014
Senior Product Manager, Merchandising Mgr
Hooker Furniture
04.2005 - 01.2012
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Averett University
08.1991 - 12.1993
Import Manager, Customer Service
Hooker Furniture
06.1990 - 04.2005
VP - Merchandising & Product Development
Sherrill Furniture
11/24/19 - 04/04/24
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