Prominent South Florida Businesswoman Celebrates Dual Milestones

Furniture World Magazine

From rare artwork to unique antiques, Karel Exposition Management (KEM) has showcased countless fine furnishings and fixtures in its 46 years of operation. Their most priceless feature, however, is not a chair, chest or chandelier -- it's Tema Bolnick, their devoted operations manager who's enjoying a notable '98. Bolnick, a resident of Aventura, recently reached her 23rd year at KEM, but she has an additional, more momentous, reason to celebrate: She just turned 80. And, according to KEM president Larry Karel, Bolnick shows no signs of slowing down. "She's missed maybe two days in 23 years," Karel explains, "but that's because a flu kept her from coming in. Tema's a perfect 'type-A' personality -stubborn and determined -- but, deep down, she's all heart. That sort of balance has helped make her truly the hardest worker I've ever seen," he says. "For her, perfection is merely adequate. Bolnick, who is known nationwide through her extensive travels with KEM's Regional Furniture and Decorative Accessory Markets, has achieved "irreplaceable status," according to Karel. "She's family to me and the entire staff. She not only oversees our entire operation, she's become this company's backbone. A proud great-grandmother, Bolnick, when not working, enjoys a competitive round of golf (low handicap), trying hard to emulate her hero, Tiger Woods. "She's constantly active," Karel says. "Tema's three or four people rolled into one. Karel Exposition Management is the nation's largest producer of regional furniture and decorative accessory markets. Based in its new office in Aventura, Fla., the company holds regional markets at Edison, N.J.; Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Orlando, Fla.; Las Vegas, Nev.; Fitchburg, Mass.; Atlanta, Ga.; and Pomona, Calif. For more information, contact KEM at (305) 792-9990, or by fax at (305) 792-9898 or visit their website at www.kemexpo.com.