828 hires veteran to tap independent rug retailers

-- Home Textiles Today, 10/8/2004 12:14:00 PM

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Looking to increase its presence with national specialty stores and mass merchants as well as cultivate its core business with independent area and accent rug retailers, 828 International Trading Co. recently appointed 20-year industry veteran Mark Ferullo to vice president.

He reports to Jim Clardy, president. Ferullo replaces Len Andolino, who left the company earlier this year to pursue other opportunities. Ferullo was most recently president of West Warwick, R.I.-based Central Oriental, a division of Natco Home. His career began in 1983 when he joined Peter Burnham as a sales representative. In 1985, the pair began importing products from overseas and incorporated Central Oriental. That company was sold to Natco in 1993 and since then he has served as president of the division. "(Ferullo) understands the direction we are taking 828 International and has the experience we need to move ahead," Clardy said. "Our company and our customers will benefit from Ferullo's success in sales management, product development and international purchasing."