Whitewood Industries Promotes Division Heads to Presidency Roles

Furniture World Magazine

Jorge Mata CEO of Whitewood Industries, recently announced an internal restructuring of Whitewood Industries’ various divisions, which included two key promotions. Erik Kristiansen, previously Vice President of Sales for the International Concepts division of Whitewood Industries has been named President of International Concepts. In a similar move, Davis Beaston, Vice President of Sales for John Thomas Furniture Division, has been named President of John Thomas Furniture. Whitewood Industries CEO, Jorge Mata, stated, “Today‘s business model, more than ever, calls for strong, progressive, ‘clearly stated’ leadership. Davis and Erik’s strong leadership, forward thinking, and continued commitment have proved invaluable to our success. As Whitewood moves forward and continues to grow, these positions will now have full ’ownership’ of their division’s development.” Company History-Backgrounder: Whitewood Industries, Inc. was founded in 1982 in Greensboro, NC as a distributor of ready-to-finish furniture to retail stores throughout the eastern United States. Initially, Whitewood moved to a 9,000 square foot warehouse in Jamestown, NC and added finished juvenile furniture to its product mix while continuing to distribute ready-to-finish furniture. In 1987 the company began an import division, expanding its capabilities as a complete offshore resource. That same year, Whitewood moved from Jamestown to High Point, NC and leased a new 24,000 square foot facility, and business continued to grow. In 1990, Whitewood’s owners purchased a building in Thomasville, NC, which allowed the company to triple its warehouse space. With this large warehousing facility, Whitewood began sourcing finished furniture and opening new retail markets. In mid-1994, Whitewood again expanded its facilities, which brought total manufacturing, office and warehouse space to more than 200,000 square feet. The year 2000 saw an exciting benchmark for Whitewood: The company recruited a talented team and engaged well-known furniture designer Carol Wheeless to develop Whitewood’s own, finished furniture brand. Called “John Thomas Furniture,” the mid-priced, design-oriented line features full-sized dining groups that are casual enough for everyday meals but handsome enough for special occasions too. In April 2001, the company moved from its original High Point showroom to a new, 10,000-sq.-ft showroom at 215 S. Main St., High Point. The year 2005 marked, yet another, benchmark for Whitewood: The company launched a new division/brand, Whitewood Masterfinish. Whitewood Masterfinish, a thirty-five color choice, paint/stain gel product, offers ready-to finish and specialty retailers the opportunity to marry ready-to-finish furniture with a “same brand“ finishing product. Today, Whitewood Industries Inc. divisions include, Whitewood Ready-To-Finish, Whitewood Masterfinish, John Thomas Furniture, and International Concepts. Whitewood Industries employs 150 Thomasville, NC residents with manufacturing, warehousing, corporate offices, and showroom facilities. Incorporated, it totals over 350,000 square feet.