2017 Sales Rep of the Year Finalists Named

The award recognizes an outstanding sales representative within the casual furnishings industry. Finalists were selected based on leadership, professionalism, exceptional service, communication skills, knowledge and product training expertise.

The 2017 winner will be selected from among the four finalists through online voting of the ICFA membership. Finalists include:

Dave Digirolamo, Dublin, Calif.
Dave is the owner of Digirolamo & Associates, a business founded by his father, Joe Digirolamo, in 1967. As a teen he learned about casual furnishings by unloading boxes at his father’s showroom, assembling product and cleaning up. He began his casual industry career in 1991, working with his father through the 1993 season until his father’s health declined and he took over the business. Dave is a member of the ICFA Sales Representatives Council and currently covers Northern California, Northern Nevada and Hawaii selling O.W. Lee, Treasure Garden, Hanamint, Alu-mont, Gloster and IndoSoul.

Scott Ellis, Weston, Conn.
Scott is the owner of Ellis Group, LLC. He started in the industry in 1990, joining his father-in-law Bill Berman, a former Brown Jordan representative in the New England territory. After three years of learning the outdoor industry, he was hired by Brown Jordan to cover the New York tri-state region. Scott also handles upholstery producer American Leather and added Tropitone Furniture a year and a half ago.

Andy Hamilton, Dallas
Andy is president of Andy Hamilton DSA and a third-generation sales representative following his grandfather and parents. After graduating from Texas A&M in 1997, he took an outside sales rep job and joined his mother and stepfather in late 1998. Andy now partners with his stepbrother, Steven Dennis, who joined in 2003. As business grew in their nine-state territory, the firm added a third representative, Blake McElroy in 2013, and currently handles Hanamint, Alu-mont, Treasure Garden, Ebel, Breezesta, IndoSoul, Kannoa/Eddie Bauer and Classic Cushions. Andy is a member of the ICFA Sales Representative Council.

Vern Lachowitzer, Longwood, Fla.
Vern joined Typhoon International as Eastern Division Manager in 1984 and served as Vice President/Eastern Division Manager from 1986 to 1990. He resigned to become an independent furniture sales representative and formed VJL & Associates. He initially carried interior furnishings lines but added Casual Living and Shae Designs to his assortment. In December 2002, he began his specialty in outdoor furnishings when he joined Telescope Casual Furniture to handle the state of Florida. Vern’s son, Robert “RJ,” has joined the business that now represents Telescope Casual, Firetainment, Veranda Classics, Frankford Umbrellas and Patio Living Concepts.

Charlie Smith, La Quinta, Calif.
Charlie Smith started his career in his father’s manufacturers’ representative business to help cover the Southern California, Las Vegas and Arizona territory for O.W. Lee, Hanamint, Alu-mont, Gloster and Gold Crest. Over the past 14 years he established Charles H. Smith Associates and added TUUCI in 2003. Charlie is a member of the ICFA Sales Representative Council.