A highlight of each ISPA EXPO is the awarding of the industry’s highest honors. This year, Karl Glassman, executive vice president and chief operating officer for industry supplier Leggett & Platt in Carthage, Mo., and Don Wright, chairman and chief marketing officer for Wright Global Graphic Solutions in Thomasville, N.C., were recognized for their achievements and contributions to the mattress industry during a breakfast on March 17.
Leggett & Platt’s Karl Glassman was recognized by his peers for his long service and many contributions to the bedding industry with the The Russell L. Abolt Exceptional Service Award.
Glassman received the Russell L. Abolt Exceptional Service Award after being nominated by his peers for having exemplified the highest level of career devotion to the well-being and betterment of the bedding industry.
Glassman began his career as a sales representative for L&P in 1982 and was promoted to his current executive role in 2006. He has served on the board of the International Sleep Products Association and its Executive Committee, as well as the ISPA Suppliers Council. Glassman also been active in the American Innerspring Manufacturing Association and the National Association of Manufacturers.
“Everyone would agree that today’s recipient treats both his professional colleagues and his friends with the same respect and compassion,” said ISPA President Ryan Trainer when introducing Glassman.
Wright earned the Robert MacMorran Memorial Award from the Suppliers Council in recognition of his outstanding service to the mattress industry. He started his career running a die-cut press while still in school. Wright then earned a degree in printing management and technology from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 1986 and joined the family business to manage the company’s screen-printing operation. He was named CMO in 2005 and chairman in 2010.
Don Wright of Wright Global Graphic Solutions was lauded by the International Sleep Products Association’s Suppliers Council with the Robert MacMorran Memorial Award.
Wright has served on virtually every ISPA group, including the Suppliers Council, Better Sleep Council and Events Planning Committee. Most recently, he has served on the board, the Executive Committee and as ISPA chairman. He also finds time to be lead singer of the industry band, the Insomniaczzz.
“A member of the ISPA board by day and a soulful singer at night, this year’s recipient of the Robert MacMorran Memorial Award is indeed an outstanding executive, a phenomenal ISPA member, and a compassionate, motivational and inspiring person,” said Gerry Borreggine, ISPA chairman and president and chief executive officer of Therapedic International. “It is truly my great pleasure to present this distinguished award to one of the great leaders of our industry.”
