by NORWALK, Ohio — Anyone who has been in the business for more than a day probably knows Tim Newlin, newly named president and chief executive officer at upholstery manufacturer Norwalk Furniture.
Newlin spent close to 30 years sharpening his skills at Flexsteel, but what really set the stage for his success in the home furnishings arena was the years he spent at retail, managing a large and successful furniture and bedding store called Lower Valley Furniture in Springfield, Ohio.
“I did spend almost 30 great years at Flexsteel, but my time at retail — well, that’s where I cut my teeth in,” Newlin told Home News Now. “It was as a store manager where I leaned the business, even before I went to Flexsteel,” he said.
When asked what his biggest opportunity is as he takes the helm at Norwalk, Newlin said, “I think our biggest opportunity is to take the Norwalk brand, which is incredibly strong with the design trade, and grow that brand with many of the big regional players that I am familiar with.”
Newlin added, “The Norwalk brand is a wonderful brand that stands for incredible quality and great value. Now, I want to take our brand and introduce it to an even larger base of retailers,” he said, adding, “I can’t wait to dig in. I’m an Ohio kid that went to Miami of Ohio for college. My family is in Ohio and nothing beats having family and an amazing opportunity right here.”
