Gilford●Johnson Flooring announced an equity investment from Johnson Premium Hardwood Flooring. In addition, the company appointed flooring professional Bill Schollmeyer to its senior Leadership Team as President and Nik Burdett as Chief Commercial & Development Officer. Jonathan Blue will remain as Executive Chairman for the company.
These moves solidify the transformational partnership between Gilford●Johnson, the Ku family, and Johnson Hardwood. Johnson Hardwood will be exclusively distributed by Gilford●Johnson throughout its markets in the Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Products designed for the national market will also be developed, marketed and sold by the partnership.
“We are extremely excited to forge this strong partnership with Gilford●Johnson and support Bill in his new role,” says Danny Chen, Chairman of Johnson Hardwood.
Schollmeyer has served as CEO of manufacturer Johnson Hardwood since 2011. He previously served for many years as head of product management and hardwood category manager at national distributor Hoboken Floors. His new role at Gilford●Johnson involves leading all of the company’s functions as well as overseeing its strategic direction.
Says Blue, “Landing someone with the caliber of a Bill Schollmeyer is a home run for our organization. We are now positioned for growth under Bill’s leadership.”
Burdett is rejoining Gilford●Johnson to lead its Southeast/Florida and Commercial Sales teams as well as to develop new markets and sales opportunities for the company. Based from Atlanta, Burdett brings decades of experience in the company’s regions and in-depth knowledge of customer needs acquired while at his most recent position with one of the country’s top 5 flooring retailers.
“I’m humbled and honored to be able to work with all of the incredible people at GJ and rejoin my longtime partners and friends. I look forward to sitting face to face with our customers to understand how we can add value to our service and make business easier for them,” says Burdett.