New Universal Furniture president Sean O'Connor takes the helm in January.
HIGH POINT — Sean O’Connor, an 11-year veteran of Universal Furniture, will be taking the helm as president of the company starting in January 2023.
O’Connor began his career at Universal as vice president, sales, East in 2011 and became senior vice president of sales in 2017. In the announcement last month about his new role, he said that leading a company like Universal has been a long-term goal.
Furniture Today asked O’Connor about the transition to president of the company, what plans he has for Universal and what motivates him to lead.
What about Universal compelled you to say “yes” to the presidential challenge at this stage in your career?
I am third generation in the furniture industry, and Universal has been my home for the past 11 years. I have helped build Universal into the brand it is today, and I see potential for its future.
Being part of Samson Holdings portfolio of companies is also appealing, knowing we are a financially sound organization with a forward-thinking chairman encouraging our growth.
What strategies will you employ for your first 100 days as president at Universal?
We are looking for an experienced upholstery merchant who can further our vision for the company’s fastest growing product category. We will also complete plans for our new Vietnam warehouse, which will re-establish our direct container business and allow us to better serve our international customers.
What qualities do you look for in your leaders, managers and employees?
People that can have ownership of their respective area of the business. Thinkers and idea generators that thrive in a team environment and help us execute for our customers.
What is your management philosophy?
Surround myself with people who complement my strengths. Use my passion for who we are and what we do to energize the team. Then trust and listen, both internally and externally.
What business practices did you implement in previous positions that you think could be effective at leading Universal?
Many things come to mind. Leading by example, but also the ability to delegate when necessary. Uniting the team to seek what’s best for Universal and our customers rather than our individual interests. Remaining approachable is also important. I hope to create an environment and culture where people feel comfortable sharing information openly and proactively.
What’s the best advice that anyone has given you over the years in terms of leadership?
There are two that stand out to me. One is that leaders don’t set out to be leaders; they set out to make a difference. It’s never about the role. It’s about the goal we’re working to achieve.
The other is that as a leader our job is not to produce all the great ideas. Our role as a leader is to create an environment in which great ideas can happen.
Prior to his time with Universal, O’Connor worked for 14 years with Rowe Furniture starting off as a marketing rep and rising through the ranks to national sales manager for the Southeastern U.S. and Canada. O’Connor graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne University in 1997 with a degree in business administration.
See also:
"furniture" - Google News
October 06, 2022 at 08:31PM
https://ift.tt/xTA8uRd
Universal Furniture has a new president: Here's how he plans to make a difference - Furniture Today
"furniture" - Google News
https://ift.tt/ZkbyFxH
No comments:
Post a Comment