Mattress industry supplier HSM has announced the retirement of Jimmy Bush, president of the Hickory Springs division. He spent his entire 40-year career with the company and is a third-generation member of the extended family that founded the Hickory, North Carolina-based company.
Highly honored At ISPA EXPO 2014 in New Orleans, HSM’s Jimmy Bush expressed his gratitude upon receiving IPSA’s prestigious Russell Abolt Exceptional Service Award.
According to a news release, two top executives in the division, Tim Becker, vice president of Hickory Springs, and Rick Anthony, vice president of Hickory Springs Home Furnishings, “will continue to oversee operations and retain their current roles, while reporting to Michael Hinshaw Jr., HSM chief operating officer.”
Bush officially joined HSM after obtaining a bachelor’s degree in business science and a Master of Business Administration from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. He moved up through the ranks of Hickory Springs from sales trainee to senior sales and management posts in the wire products group and the bedding product division to senior vice president of corporate development and then to president of the division.
But his time with HSM extends further back. As a youth, Bush and his brother Bobby helped their father Bob Bush Sr. around the Hickory Springs’ offices and spent summer vacations as teenagers working in the warehouse and learning procedures from the ground up.
Throughout his career, Bush was an active and devoted member of the International Sleep Products Association. He served on the Supplier Advisory Committee, Better Sleep Council, board of trustees, Executive Committee as the Suppliers Council Liaison, Finance Committee and other project-specific committees. He also is past president of the American Innerspring Manufacturers.
One of his proudest professional moments, he has said, was accepting the Russell Abolt Exceptional Service Award in 2014. It’s ISPA’s highest honor bestowed on an individual.
In retirement, Bush plans to spend more time with his family and new grandchild, as well as pursue favorite pastimes.
He also has said he remains committed to continuing to serve HSM and the bedding industry when the opportunity presents.
Commenting on Bush’s retirement, Mark Jones, HSM chief executive officer, said, “I am very appreciative of having the opportunity to work alongside JB the past three-plus years and for his invaluable contribution and dedication to our company. He will be greatly missed for his diligent commitment, daily banter, interactions in the office and proud display of Hickory Springs red or Duke blue apparel.”
