New Lifestyle CEO Michael Hsieh, left, with Pat Stearn, Rooms To Go, Seffner, Fla.; retiring Lifestyle CEO James Riddle; and RTG’S Ed Rubin share a moment at Lifestyle party celebrating Riddle’s distinguished career.
HIGH POINT — Lifestyle Enterprise is honoring James Riddle during this week’s High Point Market, as he retires as chairman of Lifestyle and after more than 50 years in the furniture industry.
Before joining Lifestyle Enterprise, Riddle held key positions in the industry, including executive merchandising roles at Helig Meyers, Rhodes Furniture and other retailers. He also held executive positions with leading domestic and import furniture companies.
His extensive experience has not only contributed to the success of those organizations, Lifestyle officials noted, but also he has fostered lifelong friendships and earned the respect of industry peers.
Earlier this week, Michael Hsieh, CEO of Lifestyle Enterprise, hosted a celebratory lunch in Riddle’s honor. “James has been my teacher, mentor, friend and part of my family,” Hsieh said. “His accomplishments are numerous, and the list of industry friends he has made over the years is too extensive to mention. We are incredibly grateful for everything he has done for our company and for me personally.”
Other industry leaders also reflected on Riddle’s career and friendship.
“James Riddle has given so much of himself to the industry, but also to the people in it,” said Rachel Stewart, CEO of Detroit-based Gardner White. “He’s been a mentor to me and others. Early in my career he sent me to Asia with his team for a true case goods education. The real one, where you stayed near the factories vs. nice hotels in the city. It’s been paying dividends ever since.
“Also, this is a guy who has evolved with the times and stayed current and forward thinking to today,” she added. “James is also a master at something we could all use today, generating retail velocity.”
“I had the opportunity to work with James the last three years of his amazing career,” said Shawn Cantrell, president of PRI. “It didn’t take long to understand this was a man who had a tremendous heart, a passion for the industry, a passion for his team and one of the most loyal partners a customer could partner with. James is a man of his word and had your back in the most difficult times.”
“James has been a great friend for many years. When we worked together he gave me a lot of opportunities and supported me at every turn,” said Pat Stern, president of Rooms To Go, Seffner, Fla. “James has been a mentor to many. I feel very fortunate to have had the pleasure of knowing and working with James and wish him the best in his next chapter. He will be missed.”
The Lifestyle Enterprise family extends its best wishes to Riddle as he embarks on this new chapter in his life.