NAFCD Awards Its First Lifetime Achievement Award
Former J.J. Haines CEO M. Lee Marston First Recipient
Chicago -
The North American Association of Floor Covering Distributors (
NAFCD) recently established a Lifetime Achievement Award to honor exceptional leadership or contributions that have led to expanding the vision of the floor covering distribution industry.
This first recipient of this award is M. Lee Marston, former CEO and Chairman of the Board of J.J. Haines & Co. Inc. in Glen Burnie, MD. Marston received the reward at the NAFCD's 37th Annual Meeting held at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel in Schaumburg, IL.
"Lee is also known for his optimism, enthusiasm and generosity," said Jack Lindenschmidt, the newly elected President of NAFCD. "We are honored to have Lee as our first recipient."
The great grandson of the company's founder, J.J. Haines, Marston has been in the flooring industry for more than 50 years. He has served as VP, President, CEO and Chairman of the Board, actively leaving JJ Haines as CEO in 2000, then retiring from the Board in June, 2008. Marston presided during Haines' most significant growth phase - from 1950 to 2001 Haines' sales grew from $15 million to $200 million.
Marston dislikes the word "retirement," and continues to stay physically active by swimming, sailing, hiking, biking and playing squash. At 75 years young, he is also active in his church and in many civic organizations, including his charitable work with the Chesapeake Bay Association. A devoted family person, Marston’s extended family includes his four children and their spouses, six grandchildren, his company and all of its employees.
Marston was recently featured in Floor Covering News in which Bruce Zwicker, current CEO and president of J.J. Haines, agreed Marston has been great to work with, calling him a people person known and loved throughout the industry.
"Lee has the 'people touch,' making everyone feel appreciated," Zwicker says. "He truly cares about others and still stays in contact with customers and employees, who think of him as a friend. Lee’s legacy of selfless leadership as an inspiration to everyone."
To receive the award, an individual must have a minimum of 15 years experience in any field of the floor covering distribution channel, such as manufacturer, distributor, or service provider. The individual must also have provided leadership, growth, assistance in fostering the ideals and best practices in the floor covering industry and has served in a position of leadership within an organization. Nominations for the 2009 award will be open in mid year of 2009.
The North American Association of Floor Covering Distributors is the leading trade association for distribution of all floor covering materials in North America. Membership includes distributors, manufacturers and service providers to the industry.
For more information, contact:
Tracy Schorle
312.673.5921
tschorle@smithbucklin.com
