Todd Wanek Inducted into American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame

ARCADIA, Wis. – On Sunday, October 17th, Ashley Furniture Industries’ President and CEO, Todd Wanek, was inducted into the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame as one of five in the Class of 2020. Todd joins his father, Ron Wanek, Class of 2006, in the Hall of Fame. Each year, an anonymous, seven-member selection committee chooses three to five nominees for their contributions to the growth and development of the home furnishings industry in America. Committee voting is grounded on four foundations: enduring excellence, superior accomplishments, innovation and creativity and philanthropic generosity.

“Success requires intensive innovation, continuous improvement and mentoring,” stated Wanek. “Throughout my 40 years in the business, I’ve learned a lot. Most importantly I gained expertise in all parts of the business and believe in the power of curiosity. I love working “on” the business and have always found my passion creating new products and understanding how to bring it to market through great manufacturing.”

Todd moved to Asia in the late 80’s to develop a manufacturing base in Taiwan, China, Malaysia and Indonesia, which secured a blended strategy of domestic production and offshore sourcing needed to grow Ashley Furniture Industries into the world’s largest furniture manufacturer. Today, the company has over 30,000,000 square feet of manufacturing and distribution space and 30,000 employees across the globe.

Additionally, Todd spearheaded manufacturing expansion into upholstery, leather, motion, mattresses, outdoor and RTA furniture categories. The first Ashley HomeStore opened in 1997, growing into North America’s largest furniture retailer with eCommerce and more than 1,050 stores.

“I am deeply humbled to be represented in the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame. Tonight has been nothing short of the ultimate achievement; It has been a blessing and an honor to work in the furniture industry and I plan on continuing for many more years,” said Wanek.

Other 2020 inductees include Irv Blumkin, CEO of Nebraska Furniture Mart; the late Robert G. Culp III, co-founder, former chairman and CEO of Culp Inc.; Robert J. Maricich, chairman and CEO of International Market Centers; and Allan H. Palecek, chairman and founder of PALECEK.

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Ashley is committed to being your trusted partner and style leader for the home. This commitment has made Ashley the largest furniture store brand in North America and one of the world’s best-selling home furnishing brands with more than 1,100 locations in 70 countries.

Start designing your dream home today. Visit Ashley online at www.ashley.com. Connect on social media through Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, X and TikTok, and check out our design-focused boards on Pinterest.

Ashley Furniture Industries, LLC (Ashley) feels that every person deserves more value for their money. Established in 1945, Ashley is the largest manufacturer of home furnishings in the world and strives to be the most innovative and competitive home furnishings company on the planet. From design through fulfillment, Ashley is committed to delivering the world’s best home furnishing values, selection and service, and earning the loyalty and trust of its customers every day. Visit Ashley online at www.ashleyglobal.com and “like” Ashley Furniture Industries on Facebook.

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