Leadership
Dedicated to Your Success
The IHFRA team is comprised of staff, executives, and a board of directors who work together with the common mission of helping furniture industry representatives thrive.
Steve Allegrezza
Executive Director
Steve entered the home furnishings industry in 2013 after spending five years working at Apple, Inc. He’s had the privilege of working with some incredible companies including Summer Classics, Magnussen Home and ManWah, where his focus was E-Commerce growth and development. Since joining IHFRA in 2020, Steve has been instrumental in providing direction for the group’s digital strategies and initiatives. He is passionate about building relationships, problem solving and utilizing technology to help streamline processes. Outside of work Steve enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids, playing hockey and volunteering with his church’s youth.
Michele Elliott
Operations Coordinator
While Michele is new to the home furnishings industry, she brings a wealth of experience from her background in education and event planning. She is a strong communicator, highly organized, and adept at managing multiple projects simultaneously.
Michele joined the IHFRA staff in 2024 and is responsible for overseeing member benefits, managing office operations, providing administrative support, and coordinating events.
Ray Allegrezza
Events & Content Manager
Allegrezza, the former Editor in Chief at Furniture/Today is well-versed in all aspects of this industry and even before joining IHFRA was a staunch advocate of the independent home furnishings rep. When he’s not at work, he can be found jamming his guitar at open mic night or playing gigs with one of his bands. He enjoys spending time with his family and tinkering with his Packard.
Nolan Reynolds
Membership Coordinator
Currently enrolled at Davidson County Community College and the owner of NC Photo Video, Nolan is an entrepreneur who is passionate about creativity and client satisfaction. His fresh perspective and innovative approach will help us connect with our members more effectively.
Nolan joined IHFRA in 2024 as the Membership Coordinator and will be focused on member outreach and marketing.
John Pinion
Chairman
John Pinion holds a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law and an MBA, from Thunderbird, School of Global Management. He resides in Cedar Park, Texas, with his wife, Michelle, and their two boys, Johnny and Austin. With over two decades of experience in territory management for interior and exterior furnishings, Pinion brings his extensive knowledge and passion for the furniture industry and its representatives to IHFRA.
Wendy Buzzard
President
Wendy Buzzard is experienced in selling and marketing directly to influencers, champions, and decision makers. She builds lasting relationships through identifying needs and then providing excellent service and communication. With a strong desire to succeed through growing every territory’s sales, she enjoys coaching her team and helping them succeed in all that they do. Wendy’s specialties include building relationships with customers, sales reps, and vendors, finding solutions that solve needs, and working with people and companies that have a vision and values that motivate their business success.
Cynthia Heathcoe
1st Vice President
Cynthia Heathcoe cut her teeth in the industry as a salesperson with Bassett in South Florida. She would go on to become a National Award-winning retailer with a passion for the Home Furnishings Industry. Having previously served on the Board of HFA and on the HP Market Advisory panel, Cynthia tapped into her experience as a retailer to assist other retailers facing challenging times. She now serves as President of SCL solving inventory pain points for both vendors and retailers.
Kimberly Wheat
2nd Vice President
Kimberly Wheat, president of WB Media Group and Revolutionary Retail based in Greensboro, NC, has been in the sales and marketing side of the industry for over 20 years. WB Media works with independent retailers throughout the U.S. offering training, guidance and continuing support with advertising and marketing, specifically helping to guide retailers through the ever-changing digital terrain.
Sam Simonton
Secretary/Treasurer
Sam’s Company, Sales.Furniture, has one mission in mind: To make a clear path forward for e-commerce and B&M offerings.
Through the development of private label brands and products for manufacturers and importers, they strive to diversify the e-commerce and B&M Offerings. Sam’s expertise in business operations, marketing, and sales, as a manufacturer’s agent, a tech start-up founder, and a creative idea-maker has been instrumental in helping her to achieve that goal.
Sam lives in Vancouver, Canada with her daughter and husband.
Brent Jones
Membership Chair
Brent Jones is an Ashley Furniture Marketing Specialist for the Casegoods division in Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana territory. He received his Associates Degree in Liberal Art from Holy Cross College in South Bend, IN and his B.S. in Marketing from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Upon graduating, Brent entered the world of furniture with his father as a sales representative for Lane Furniture. Several years later, he received the opportunity to become a Representative for American Furniture where he traveled a five state territory. Finally he received his position as Marketing Specialist with Ashley Furniture in 2010. Brent is also affiliated with the Midwest Furniture Club as the current President.
Brent is husband to Ursula and father to three beautiful children, Oliver, Elinor, and Annika. He spends his free time with his family and is involved with his children's sports and recreational activities.
Ed Myers
Emeritus
Ed Myers has been a Board Member of IHFRA since 2020 and served as IHFRA’s 71st President in 2009. Remaining active with IHFRA, he continues to contribute as a member of the Board of Directors and advises on financial matters. Currently employed at Jackson Furniture Industries as Vice President of Sales, he brings extensive experience from his tenure of 14 years with Broyhill Furniture and Zenith Global Logistics. In total, he boasts nearly 50 years of association with the Furniture Industry.
Mike Root
Emeritus
Founded in 1963 by his father as a multi-line furniture rep firm, the agency has represented esteemed firms in the home furnishings sector. Following his father's retirement in 2020 at the age of 86, Mike continues to uphold the legacy with a wealth of experience in retail, rental, and wholesale sectors. He is grateful to have his son Jay and five other associates now actively contributing to the business.
Tom Schuckert
Emeritus
Tom Schuckert worked in retail for 11 years and has been a sales representative for more than 50 years. He has been active with IHFRA both on the state level and nationally, having served as IHFRA’s 65th president in 2003.
Tommy Leflein
District Chair - Northeast
Tommy Leflein is recognized as a seasoned representative with nearly 50 years of experience in the furniture industry, representing major brands such as Thomasville, Stratford, Pennsylvania House, Rowe, Lexington, and ART Furniture. His career includes notable roles as Vice President of Sales for Berkline, Nourison, and other distinguished companies.
Tommy has held influential positions including president and chairman of IHFRA, and currently serves as district chairman of IHFRA. Additionally, he holds the role of Vice President at GMFA (Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Association) of NY/NJ and has previously served as President and chairman of the Tri-State furniture organization of Pennsylvania.
Most recently, Tommy lent his expertise as a sales representative for ART Furniture, managing territories across 8 states including New England, New York, and New Jersey.
Lane Brundieck
District Chair - Midwest
Before transitioning to an independent sales rep in 2011, Lane Brundieck embarked on his career in the home furnishings industry as a retail sales associate in 1994, steadily advancing to the position of store manager. Over the years, he has cultivated strong relationships with both small independent retailers and larger establishments across the Midwest, demonstrating his adaptability and collaborative spirit.
Brundieck's deep-rooted belief in the evolving dynamics of the home furnishings sector is complemented by his unwavering support for IHFRA, emphasizing the values of integrity, camaraderie, and cooperation among its members. He is committed to ensuring these principles translate into positive outcomes for customers and dealers alike.
Currently, Brundieck holds the role of Vice President at NCHFRA (North Central HFRA), where he actively works towards expanding and modernizing the chapter to better serve its members and the industry at large.
Neil Friedman
District Chair - West
Throughout his career, Friedman has been a steadfast supporter of IHFRA at both national and local levels, notably serving as President of the Home Furnishing Representative Guild of Southern California. His contributions to the industry and commitment to humanitarian initiatives have garnered him numerous accolades, including the Rudy Steltemeir award, the Charles B Costar award, and recognition as City of Hope’s Volunteer of the Year, among others.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Friedman finds joy in spending time with his wife of 57 years, Sharon, their children Susan and Adam, and their four grandchildren. He also actively engages in mentoring, volunteering, traveling, and indulging in his passion for reading.
Todd Gerdes
District Chair - Southeast
Todd Gerdes resides in Conway, AR, and has spent over 45 years in the home furnishings industry. Todd started in his family's furniture store where he learned all aspects of the retail business, and eventually became a retail sales associate. In 1984 he became a manufacturer's representative and has worked with multiple store chains, independent stores, and stores in the Top 100 across multiple states.
He and his wife Lisa married in 1987 and have two kids and three grandchildren. They love spending time with their family, traveling, and antiquing together.
Todd has been a member and officer of the Arkansas Road Runners since 1999, providing help and direction for retailers and other representatives. Todd has received numerous sales awards and positions throughout his career and is a member of IHFRA, the Arkansas Home Furnishings Association, the Arkansas Society of Association Executives (ASAE), and the Arkansas Society of Professional Lobbyists.