by Retiring retail executive came to High Point this April for his final market
HIGH POINT, NC – Lexington’s Sunday afternoon dealer reception at market has become a highly anticipated event for the company’s retailers and design professionals.
At the most recent party in April, the company gave special recognition to Tom Lias – an industry icon and CEO of Gorman’s Home Furnishings in Detroit, who recently announced his retirement. Hundreds of attendees joined Lexington’s executive team in honoring one of the industry’s finest at his last market.
“While Tom is known for his humility, we had no intention of allowing him to ease into retirement without a proper sendoff,” said Phil Haney, President and CEO of Lexington Home Brands. “He’s been a tremendous friend and mentor to scores of us in the industry
for decades, and that calls for recognition by his peers. A warm spring evening on our outdoor patio provided the perfect backdrop to express our thanks and appreciation.”
Born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, Tom graduated from The Art Institute at the Pittsburgh School of Design. He was vice president and general manager of a group of Ethan Allen stores in Michigan and Ohio before moving on to become co-owner and president of eight La-Z-Boy stores in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey.
Tom joined Gorman’s in 1983 and was promoted to chief executive officer in 2017. In a career spanning 53 years, he has been both a tireless student of the industry and a respected teacher.
In 2022, Tom was honored as Michiganian of the Year for his legacy of philanthropic work with The Arc of Oakland County – a nonprofit which serves people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. He served on the board of directors, as president, and a tireless fundraiser. Tom’s son David has a developmental disability, which further fueled his passion and advocacy. Tom, his wife Chris, and their son David plan to move to the Orlando area in retirement.
“A career spanning 53-years in any industry is exceptional,” continued Haney. “What sets Tom apart is his remarkable breadth of experience; his capacity to bridge the disciplines of marketing, merchandising and executive leadership; and his enthusiasm for mentoring anyone following in his footsteps. Rare is the individual in business who finds great success, and then works equally hard in sharing that knowledge with others. Tom has been a great friend and retail partner to all of us at Lexington, and we wish he, Chris and David the very best in retirement. He’ll be greatly missed.”
