Retail Leader, Industry Challenges, and the Role of AI

Welcome to another episode of Covered by NewLeaf, where we dive into the world of service contracts and retail excellence. In this episode, host Sean Hicks, CEO of NewLeaf Service Contracts, sits down with Pete Theran, the CEO of the Home Furnishings Association (HFA).

Theran shares his extensive journey as a "career retailer," from his early days in the Macy’s executive training program and serving as a float participant in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade to leading Boston Interiors and the Bose Corporation retail division. Now at the helm of the HFA, Theran discusses the association's mission to be "indispensable" to furniture retailers of all sizes.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

• The HFA Mission: How the association serves over 10,000 storefronts through education, qualifying industry partners, and government relations.
• Navigating Industry Challenges: Theran provides insights into the impact of shifting tariffs and how the HFA assists members in interpreting complex legislative changes.
• The Future of AI in Retail: A discussion on how "Agentic AI" is being used to supplement human talent in the high-touch furniture industry.
• Servant Leadership: Theran explains his leadership philosophy of inspiring organizations while "coaching like crazy" from the back.
• Upcoming Events: Information on the HFA Resource Center and seminars at the High Point Spring Market.

• Website: nahfa.org
• Email: ptheran@nahfa.org

1. #HomeFurnishings
2. #RetailLeadership
3. #FurnitureIndustry
4. #NewLeafServiceContracts
5. #BusinessEducation
6. #AIRetail