Norman Waxman, CEO of Norman Waxman Consulting, has been an adviser and mentor to dozens of manufacturers and retailers who have sought his good counsel as an insightful coach. During his long career, he has identified and forged new channels of distribution abroad and domestically, introduced new concepts of product merchandising, reinvented sales and marketing operations, and mentored generations of leaders. A socially responsible philanthropist, Mr. Waxman is known for representing the highest ethical standards and is passionate about sharing his love for the industry, building trust and the right ways to do business. 

The first sales trainee hired by the Schnadig Corp., Mr. Waxman rose to become executive vice president and a member of the board of directors before moving on to executive management positions for Rowe Furniture, Quaker Fabrics and Corson Furniture. An astute business strategist and team builder, Mr. Waxman was an early adopter of merchandising the whole room through correlated upholstery, fabric and table groups.  One key to his success was his ability to forge close partnerships with retail customers, whose input he leveraged to develop furnishings for changing consumer lifestyles during the transition from predominantly traditional to contemporary and transitional design preferences.   

Mr. Waxman was a merchant, marketer and operator.  As one of the first to recognize the potential of export sales for U.S. upholstered products, he was a leader in opening new channels of international distribution and logistics through the establishment of “American Show Place” galleries and other innovative retail programs in Europe and South Africa. In addition, he was a catalyst in streamlining operations to optimize return on investment with all the brands he worked with, enhancing teamwork and accountability. 

Recognized as a leading industry ambassador, both nationally and internationally, Mr. Waxman is involved in numerous civic and philanthropic activities, including the City of Hope, Anti-Defamation League and the Sondra and Norman Waxman Endowment Fund for Social Justice.