Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JANUARY 2018 60 ANNUAL TRIBUTE AWARD DINNER the Home Technology Specialists of America (HTSA) and Nationwide. Tom also piloted the launch of Home Technology Specialists Nationwide (HTSN), Nationwide's lifestyle CE and home-automation division. The son of a 23-year career U.S. Marine, Tom earned his MBA at Florida International University in Miami. Currently, he serves on the board of directors at the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University. He is an avid Crossfitter, diver, golfer, and adventurer. Tom counts himself as the unbelievably proud father of daughters Aidan and Riley, and the thankful husband of almost 20 years to wife Jennifer. He is honored to serve the brave souls that have the nerve to make the CE business their life's work and holds them to highest levels of respect and appreciation. AMERICAN HERITAGE AWARD HONOREE Mike Edwards Former chief executive officer of eBags.com, and an Omni Channel/B2B/ wholesale executive, Mike Edwards has led brand transformations and business turnarounds for leading industry names in the fashion and hardline categories. In his first year with eBags, he extended the company's position in the critical categories of luggage, backpacks, and travel accessories, achieving a YoY growth rate of +28%. He orchestrated and spearheaded explosive growth of the eBags brand product line with YoY sales of +53% in the third quarter of 2016. As the former head of global merchandising at the office supply giant Staples, he managed teams supporting divisions in 26 countries that generated over $20 billion in sales. Prior to that, he was the CEO and president of Borders Group, Inc. Mike has received many accolades for his ability to lead and handle extremely challenging restructuring efforts. As CEO and president of lucy Activewear, he led the reinvention of the specialty retailer. Starting with ten stores, Mike spread the business to over 60 stores and developed a successful e-commerce portal. The International Council of Shopping Centers recognized his leadership at lucy when the company received the 'Brand of the Year' awarded in 2007. Also, Mike was a finalist for the E&Y Entrepreneur of the year award. Mike began his career with positions at the retailer Jo-Ann Stores Inc. (NYSE: JAS), The May Department Store Company, and Target Corporation. He earned a BS from Drexel University in Philadelphia, where he now serves as a trustee. He serves on the Board of Directors Flexsteel Industries FLXS (Nasdaq) as well. TORCH OF LIBERTY AWARD HONOREE Joe Stinziano Joe Stinziano is the executive vice president of Samsung Electronics America's consumer business division and is responsible for overseeing sales and marketing for an array of best-in-class consumer electronics products in the TV and home entertainment, audio, home appliance, and personal computing categories. 2017 National Consumer Technology Industry

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