FabricTech2000 Taps Bergman As President & COO

Furniture World Magazine

FabricTech2000, a leader in bringing advanced technology and comfort to the sleep products protection industry, announced that it has named Jeff Bergman its new president and chief operating officer. With nearly 30 years experience in the industry, Bergman is widely credited with driving major sales increases as executive vice president of sales and marketing for Spring Air’s former Phoenix licensee, and most recently as national vice president of sales and marketing at Aireloom Mattress Company. “We are excited about the energy and expertise Jeff brings to our brand. He is by far the most successful sales and marketing executive in the mattress industry today, and has a tremendously successful track record taking strong brands and expanding their retail presence,” said FabricTech2000 Chairman and CEO Arnold Hershbain. Bergman said he was drawn to the FabricTech2000 opportunity because of the quality of the product, advanced technology and the increasing importance accessories are playing in retail strategies. “With declining traffic and sales, sleep shops and furniture stores are hungry for new sources of revenue and accessories, particularly quality protection products. These superior products can be an important new source of incremental sales for retailers,” said Bergman. “When I studied the category, no one in my opinion was offering the quality, value and rigorous testing that FabricTech2000 offers to the marketplace and I wanted to be a part of this company’s growth,” he added. Bergman said his initial plans will be to complete the recruitment of a national sales force that was begun by management last year, and to open new accounts, particularly in the Southeast, Midwest and Western United States. FabricTech2000 sells through more than 700 retail locations throughout the United States in chains such as Sleepy’s, RC Willey, Value City Furniture, Ashley Home Stores and Mattress4You. Currently there are over 3 million Bed Barriers in use throughout the United States. Dealers typically position FabricTech2000 products as a premium solution for mattress and pillow protection in their stores. Because the company provides exceptional training and support to the dealers and their retail sales associates, there is usually an attractive spike in accessory sales after our products reach the floor. Hershbain said that new technologies offered in their products make the FabricTech lineup a favorite for consumers purchasing higher-end bedding and, in particular, visco latex products. Plus, FabricTech is endorsed, recommended and used by more than 12,000 physicians in the United States. “The unique construction of our products provides the ultimate in protection, without altering the feel of the mattress in any way. This is particularly important in visco and latex products. The consumer is making the purchase based on a particular feel when they demo a mattress in the store. In many cases, with other mattress pads, they would be dissatisfied with the mattress when they get it home because most pads interfere with the temperature sensing properties of the foam and alter the mattress’s overall comfort,” said Hershbain. All FabricTech2000 products prevent skin particles and moisture from reaching a mattress, using a three-step approach. OmniGuard® Ultra’s breathable PolyKnit™ outer layer absorbs perspiration, moisture and stains, while the waterproof InnerShield™ membrane protects them from reaching the mattress. It wicks moisture away instead of creating an uncomfortable “puddle” effect. This also prevents mold and mildew from forming. OmniGuard® Ultra is naturally dust mite, bed bug, stain and water resistant, and is made with no added chemicals, so it is safe for children and pets. The products are waterproof, quiet and cool, unlike noisy, sticky vinyl. The InnerShield™ membrane also safeguards a mattress manufacturer’s warranty since it can be voided if there is a stain on a mattress –regardless if your claim is for another reason. Founded in 1992, FabricTech2000 provides consumers with a safer and healthier sleeping environment by utilizing the most advanced technology, the finest materials and highest quality workmanship. In addition, all FabricTech2000 products are proudly made in the United States and adhere to strict medical guidelines. FabricTech2000 is the exclusive provider of mattress protection products for The Style Network. For more information about FabricTech2000 visit www.fabrictech.com or call 1 (800) 758-8563.