management
Born and raised in Ohio, Thomas Orr graduated from The Ohio State University with a Business degree in 1989. Immediately following graduation, Tom relocated to North Carolina and accepted a position with CHF Industries – a manufacturer of curtains, draperies, bedding, and bath products and one of the largest suppliers to the retail trade. While employed at CHF Industries, Tom earned an MBA from the University of North Carolina Charlotte in 1993.
In 1995, Tom was promoted to Director of Marketing for the Curtain and Drapery Division of CHF Industries and relocated to New York City. One year later, he was promoted to VP of Merchandising for the Division and assumed management responsibility for the design and merchandising team. During his tenure in New York, Tom developed products and programs exclusively merchandised for the retail trade including the Martha Stewart brand.
After spending nine years with CHF Industries, Tom was offered a position by Barth & Dreyfuss of California – the largest supplier of kitchen and table linen textile products in the United States. Tom relocated to Los Angeles in 1999 and assumed the role of VP of Marketing for the company focused on private label and licensed programs. After two years, Tom was promoted to Executive VP of Sales and Marketing and assumed responsibility for the design, merchandising, marketing and sales functions for the company. In this capacity, he traveled extensively to Europe, China, India and other countries sourcing and developing products for the retail trade. Tom recognized the importance of excellent design and brand identity and successfully developed licensed programs with Waverly Home Fashions, Springmaid, Good Housekeeping, and Andy Warhol.
In February 2004, Tom returned to North Carolina and joined Conso products – the largest manufacturer of decorative trimmings to furniture manufacturers, distributors, and the retail trade. As VP of Sales and Marketing, he was responsible for introducing an updated marketing campaign including a new catalog and developing products for the interior designer and decorator trade.
Tom’s experience, passion and interest for home furnishings led him to the opportunity to acquire Lester Furniture in September of 2006. As the owner and creative director of the company, he looks forward to developing the John Lester, Ltd. brand into a major resource for the interior designer and decorator trade.