Stanley F. Pauley, former CEO and chair of Richmond, Virginia-based Carpenter Co., was posthumously inducted into the American Home Furnishing Hall of Fame on Oct. 26.
He, along with Jeffrey S. Child, president of R.C. Willey Home Furnishings; William A. Hinks, founder and chair of Furniture Mart USA; and Norman Waxman of Norman Waxman Consulting, joined the 139 members of the Hall of Fame.
The induction began with a pinning ceremony at noon at the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame building in High Point. The new Hall of Fame members have plaques on the Wall of Fame and named bricks will be placed in the Walk of Fame in front of the building.
The day concluded with an induction celebration and dinner at the Sheraton Greensboro Four Seasons, hosted by Erin and Ben Napier, authors, business owners and stars of HGTV’s “Home Town” and other shows.
Brad Beauchamp, president and CEO of Carpenter, spoke on Pauley’s behalf.
Pauley was born in Winnipeg, Canada, and grew up during the Great Depression. “He knew what it was like to make do with what was available and to appreciate what resources he had available to him,” Beauchamp said. “He also learned the value of hard work, and he exhibited those qualities throughout his life, continuing to lead the company until shortly before he passed away in November 2020 at the age of 93.”
An engineer by training, Pauley guided many of the innovations that became standards in the foam and fiber industry, including the continuous pouring of polyurethane foam, Beauchamp said.
“He was never afraid to invest in the business, believing that we needed to be moving forward, and that to stay stationery was to fall behind,” Beauchamp said. “Stan’s career at Carpenter spanned more than 60 years. Just imagine giving your time, talent, energy, and enthusiasm to a pursuit for that length of time. It truly shows his love for the business and an enjoyment he received from being active and engaged with Carpenter.”
Carpenter appreciates the recognition bestowed upon “someone who has had such an outsized impact on the industry,” Beauchamp said. “We thank you very much for this honor.”
