Neil Zimmer
Neil Zimmer, vice president and general merchandise manager for mattress retailer Sleepy’s, will receive the 2015 Jerry Gans Memorial Award from the Greater Metropolitan Home Furnishings Association during its annual dinner and dance Nov. 21.
The award recognizes a person who has served the industry with distinction.
“Its an honor to be this year’s recipient of the Gans Award,” Zimmer said. “The GMFA members are my peers and family. They’ve been my partners from the time I owned a small business on Staten Island to my current position of vice president–GMM at Sleepy’s.”
Before joining Sleepy’s, Zimmer held management positions at Huffman Koos and Fortunoff.
“Neil is one of the smartest guys in the furniture business and also one of the nicest,” said Andy Gans, GMFA president. “He’s a merchandising genius, and has always lent his support to good causes. The Gans award, named for my father, is given to people who give honor and dignity to their profession. I can’t think of anyone more deserving.”
The dinner and dance event draws retailers, manufacturers, representatives and suppliers from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Sleepy’s is headquartered in Hicksville, New York.
Lenny Kharitonov and Tom Corrales, owners of wholesaler Unlimited Furniture and online furniture retailer BedroomFurnitureDiscounts.com, also will be honored at the event. They will receive the Howard Liveright Award.
