Steven's greatest area of strength is understanding how to put together wholesalers/manufacturers/importers that need to move merchandise with retailers that want goods to sell without the headache of inventory and order fulfillment. To facilitate this he brings together drop shipping, bulk sales programs, container and buying group programs resulting in a win/win for all parties concerned.
A sought after speaker,having been the keynote speaker for conventions and annual general meetings for organizations such as the Society of Interior Designers (ASID and BSID)and the Physiotherapists Association (BPA) on topics such as effective use of space vs. efficient use of space and ergonomics.He has been awarded numerous industry awards for customer focus and sales volume.
He is also sought after as a consultant by such financial powerhouses as Palmyra Capital, Friess Associates, McKinsey & Company, Franklin Resources, Soundpost Partners, Eminence Capital, Greenlight Capital, TowerBrook Capital Partners, AEA Investors & MSD Capital.
Prior to joining Brighton as Managing Director in 2001, he was Vice President & General Manager with US Office Furniture, a Country Manager with Steelcase International, and President of Garden State Insurance.
Specialties
Going far beyond 'rainmaker' in his career, Mr. Husak is known for creating new markets without requiring new products. He beats competitors to the punch through his unique style of surgically targeted marketing and his vast international network of contacts.
Steven has led successful turnarounds of failing or under-performing companies and business units in Europe, North America and Asia, primarily in the Commercial Furniture, Residential Furniture and Accessories industries.
Experience
CEO
Continents Apart, LLC
Privately Held; Wholesale industry
June 2009 – Present ( 4 months)
The best way to describe Continents Apart is to say we are the first national rep organization to specialize in the drop shipping marketplace, almost exclusively servicing e-commerce and catalog retailers. Our primary focus is in home & garden decor and giftware.
Continents Apart is an international group of manufacturer's representatives in the furniture, home decor/accessories and gift space. We primarily service drop ship/e-commerce/catalog and key strategic accounts in the US, Mexico, UAE and Caribbean nations for the manufacturers that we represent. Additionally we handle direct container programs and conventional distribution for mid-sized retailers and national buying groups.
In our consultative capacity we are bringing wholesalers, importers and manufacturers together with online and catalog retailers in the internet marketplace. We represent drop ship lines for home decor, accessories, garden and outdoor furniture, gift ware, permanent botanicals. As a value added service in many cases we take on projects with suppliers or retailers seeking to enter this arena and guide them through the start up process. Please call us at (310)601-4121 to know more!
Business Consultant-Educator Level
Gerson Lehrman Group Councils
Public Company; GE; Financial Services industry
2003 – Present (6 years)
Gerson Lehrman Group Councils are industry- and discipline-focused networks of consultants, physicians, scientists, engineers, attorneys, market researchers and other professionals from around the world. GLG Council Members enable decision-makers at investment firms, corporations and non-profit organizations to better understand the products, services, companies, issues, and industries on which they focus.
Specialized Council Managers in the United States, Europe and Asia continually expand the GLG Councils, adding thousands of new Council Members each month.
Council Managers utilize sophisticated taxonomies and profiling tools to categorize the experience and expertise of each Member. Council Members, based on this categorization, are organized into dynamic populations to improve the accuracy and shorten the time required to generate high-quality relevant matches for client projects.
Strategic Accounts
CBK Styles, Inc., Division of Blyth, Inc.
Public Company; BTH; Wholesale industry
March 2008 – May 2009 (1 year 3 months)
I brought in hundreds of accounts and negotiated a contract with a buying group with over 360 stores and over $1.5 billion in annual revenues.
I covered Domestic and International accounts for major retailers, distributors, exporters & e-commerce companies. Areas included home decor, gifts, garden accessories, home accessories, jewelry, holiday decor, Music CDs and licensed products such as Build-A-Bear accessories and Casa Cristina home accessories.
I sold via direct import container programs, drop ship programs for e-tailers & catalog companies.
Steven has 5 recommendations (1 manager, 1 co-worker, 3 clients) including:
- Barry Palmour, VP National/Strategic Accounts, CBK Styles, Division of Blyth, Inc.
- Brock Wagner
Regional Vice President
CBK Styles, Inc. Division of Blyth, Inc.
Public Company; BTH; Wholesale industry
March 2008 – May 2009 (1 year 3 months)
A leading designer and marketer of home decorative and fragranced products. I was responsible for sales representatives covering Florida, Southern Georgia and the Caribbean.
Steven joined the CBK Styles company,a member of the Blyth,Inc. family of companies as Regional Vice President in March, 2008.His region was expanded to include Central America, Florida, the Caribbean and Southern Georgia.In August 2008 he was transferred to handle all strategic and e-commerce accounts for those areas plus all states east of the Mississippi River and Europe.This also involved the launch of a new drop ship program in support of catalog and e-commerce retailers.
Steven has 2 recommendations (2 co-workers) including:
- Mark Marcel, National sales trainer, cbk
- Tom Eady, sales consultant, Baer's Furniture
Managing General Partner
CADsecret.com
Architecture & Planning industry
2005 – 2008 (3 years)
CADsecret.com is an outsourcing firm for specifications of Systems Furniture, Seating and Case Goods. We also develop 3D and 2D CAD drawings, “typicals” and presentation packages. We work with Office Furniture Dealers, Manufacturers, Interior Architects and Interior Designers world-wide. All sales and marketing are done via e-commerce/internet.
Senior Design Consultant
Baer's Furniture
Privately Held; 501-1000 employees; Furniture industry
September 2004 – March 2008 (3 years 7 months)
Winner-Baer's President's Club Membership 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-2008 for outstanding sales achievement. Three time winner of Baer's Raving Fans Award for customer service and focus by unsolicited endorsements of customers, 2005-06-07. My focus is in developing long-term relationships with clients including end-users, realtors and builders.
Steven has 12 recommendations (3 co-workers, 7 clients, 2 partners) including:
- Robin Lehmann, Senior Design Consultant, Baer's Furniture
- Ruth Sklar
President & CEO
Brighton Furnishings
Furniture industry
2001 – 2004 (3 years)
After managing the turnaround of the company Mr. Husak assembled a group of investors to purchase the company. Company was in the business of commercial/office furnishings.
Steven has 5 recommendations (2 clients, 3 partners) including:
- Steven Burda, MBA, Founder, President & Philanthropist, Burda Consulting Co.
- Mark Resnick
Vice President & General Manager
USOP
Furniture industry
2000 – 2001 (1 year)
Managed turnaround of all Florida locations of US Office Furniture.
US Office Furniture was a division of USOP. The company was broken up and the assets were sold off to Corporate Express and Mailboxes,etc. (now the UPS Store) among others.
Country Manager - Asia
Steelcase Hong Kong Ltd.
Public Company; 10,001 or more employees; Furniture industry
1997 – 2000 (3 years)
Managed Asian market sales operations/staff for world's #1 manufacturer of office furniture. Worked in the Philippines, Thailand, HK, Singapore and Malaysia
Reorganized operations; improved efficiency/profitability in highly competitive market during Asian economic crisis.
Increased dealer sales 150% and secured exclusivity; key in dealership business reengineering project that reduced staff from 60 to 12 salespeople marketing only Steelcase brands.
1 of 4 chosen from 20K employee base to receive industry certification.
Team Leader - Office Furniture
A F Smith Trading Co., Ltd.
Privately Held; 51-200 employees; Business Supplies and Equipment industry
1994 – 1997 (3 years)
Supervised $2.7 million office furnishings division and 11 sales/service professionals for $5 million company in Bermuda, dealing primarily with major design firms and multi national accounts.
Instituted highly effective business plan that drove Steelcase division to become company's core profit center.
Surpassed objectives by 30% for 3 consecutive years; received "President's Club" every year of employment.
Launched programs to foster relationships with influential industry professionals; grew business through interior design and physiotherapist networks; invited to speak at respective association events.
Account Executive
Office Interiors
Privately Held; 11-50 employees; Design industry
1988 – 1994 (6 years)
Worked as a business development person focused on the middle market at this Steelcase dealership.
Sales/Design Consultant
Leather Center
Furniture industry
1986 – 1988 (2 years)
Direct to consumer leather furniture manufacturer based in Carolton, TX. Had over 110 showrooms nationwide. I designed and sold custom made leather furniture while breaking all previous sales records for the Philadephia/Cherry Hill, NJ region.
Salesman
Seaman's Furniture
Wholesale industry
1984 – 1986 (2 years)
President/CEO
Garden State Insurance
Insurance industry
1982 – 1984 (2 years)
Personal Lines company with multiple locations throughout NJ.
Education
Hightstown High School
Diploma, College Prep
1972 – 1976
Andy Gray Schools of Real Estate
Licensed Realtor, Real Estate
Columbia University in the City of New York
Scholarship Participant, Program for Gifted Children
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey-New Brunswick
BA, Business Administration, Political Science, Journalism
Thunderbird School of Global Management
Post Graduate Executive Certificate, International Marketing
Recommendations For Steven
Strategic Accounts
CBK Styles, Inc., Division of Blyth, Inc.
“During Steven's time at CBK he was always forward thinking, with excellent recommendation for problem resolution. Technology focused to provide superior service to our customer base and used this technology for prospecting and finding addition opportunities. Innovative and creative in through process. Very customer oriented.” May 21, 2009
Barry Palmour, VP National/Strategic Accounts, CBK Styles, Division of Blyth, Inc.
managed Steven at CBK Styles, Inc., Division of Blyth, Inc.
“Steven is extremely personable and knowledgeable (of his product and his company), always presenting a professional demeanor and creating a comfortable atmosphere in which to do business. I consider him to be a person of integrity and value his intuitive business perspective.” May 18, 2009
Top qualities: Personable, Expert, High Integrity
Brock Wagner
hired Steven as a Account Representative in 2006
“Steven is every thing we looks for in a supplier partner: prompt and responsive, solution / results-driven and very easy to work with.” May 16, 2009
Top qualities: Great Results, Good Value, On Time
Lark Shirley-Stevens
hired Steven as a home decor wholesaler in 2009
“Steven is an expert in his field of online retail. He is an advocate for the customer and ensures that all points of service with each customer are promptly and satisfactorily done. Steven is personable and very trustworthy as he does what he says he will do. I am fortunate to have Steven as an account manager for BeInspiredHome.com.” May 13, 2009
Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert
Brandon Sisson
hired Steven as a account manager in 2008, and hired Steven more than once
“Steven has an ability to leverage technology to the advantoge of the company he reperesents as well as articulating how it can save the customer direct and indirect cost. By leveraging technology he can span his reach and access points complimenting face to face contact and in essence geting more out of a day. Terry” May 13, 2009
Terry Stewart, President, CBK
managed Steven indirectly at CBK Styles, Inc., Division of Blyth, Inc.
Regional Vice President
CBK Styles, Inc. Division of Blyth, Inc.
“I have had the privilege of working with Steven in many situations. He has a razor sharp business acumen, sharp wit, and a very professional and competitive edge. He was an asset to our organization, and will be a valuable asset to other organizations.” May 11, 2009
Mark Marcel, National sales trainer, cbk
worked with Steven at CBK Styles, Inc. Division of Blyth, Inc.
“Steven was a true professional and a pleasure to work with. His ability to focus in on an objective and follow it through to the end all the while having great multitasking skills was a pleasure to watch. He will always be an asset to whoever he works for or with. Sincerely, Thomas Eady” June 16, 2008
Tom Eady, sales consultant, Baer's Furniture
worked directly with Steven at CBK Styles, Inc. Division of Blyth, Inc.
Senior Design Consultant
Baer's Furniture
“Steven is a proven professional with great work ethic, and very devoted to his family and clients. I wish Steven the best in his life and endeavors, and enjoy working with him.” March 28, 2009
Robin Lehmann, Senior Design Consultant, Baer's Furniture
worked directly with Steven at Baer's Furniture
“I needed some new furniture for 2 different rooms and I had been looking at lots of stores and when I went to see Steven at Baer's, he showed me exactly what I told him I wanted and then worked with me to get a very nice deal. So I highly recommend his expert and personable abilities. I will go to him from now on for all of my furniture/designing needs! Ruth Sklar” September 27, 2008
Top qualities: Personable, Expert, Good Value
Ruth Sklar
hired Steven as a Furniture/Design Consultant in 2008
“Steven is a pleasure to work with from start to finish. He has excellent product knowledge and has the patience of a saint. He guided our purchase with presicion and got us the most value for the money spent.I would definetely recommend him for consistent results.” February 2, 2008
Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert
Toni Bratton
hired Steven as a Furniture Sales in 2007
“Steven is a smart energetic person knowledgeable of his products and very competent in working with both the customer and his support staff. I would follow him to another location to continue doing businesswith him.” August 30, 2007
Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity
Francine DiFilippo Kent, Ph. D.
hired Steven as a sales in 2005, and hired Steven more than once
“Steven is my Senior Design Consultant at Baer's furniture. I rely on his expertise to assist me and my clients while we shop for furnitrure. Steven is the first person I go to for furniture, he goes way beyond the top to make the right deal and make the process as smooth as possible. He's a true professional and very easy and enjoyable to work with. I would recommend him to anyone looking for furniture.” August 29, 2007
Debbie Wagner, Owner, The Home Stylist - Interior Design
was with another company when working with Steven at Baer's Furniture
“Steve is a consummate professional as well as extremely knowledgeable and personable.” August 3, 2007
Top qualities: Personable, Expert, High Integrity
Michael Klauber
hired Steven as a Design Consultant in 2006
“I have worked with Steven for 2-1/2 years. No one knows the products more thoroughly than he. His attention to detail and product recommendation and selection are stellar. Steven assists the clients in such a way that they know they have made the right purchase and spent their money wisely the first time. From a designer's standpoint that is the greatest compliment.” March 14, 2007
Janet Timinsky, Designer, Baer's Furniture
worked with Steven at Baer's Furniture
“Steven is an effective communicator with great experience working with clients and their homes.” March 4, 2007
Amanda Heelan, Design consultant, Baer's Furniture
worked directly with Steven at Baer's Furniture
“My wife and I purchased several rooms of furniture from Steven recently. We found him to be very knowledgable concerning the products and very professional in working with us to complete the purchase, paperwork and delivery. I would highly recommend Steven to anyone looking to purchase furniture.” June 1, 2006
Dean Hunter, CRB, Broker Associate, Michael Saunders and Company
was Steven's client
“When I first met Steven he went way beyond the normal attitude when helping us maximize our work space issues, and the results were an efficient solution that he stood behind. Have known him for 10 years and he's joy to work with!” May 26, 2006
Jimmy Dean, President, Jimmy Dean, P.A. dba OMG
was Steven's client
“I have sought Steven's experience and expertise on multiple occasions. I find it satisfying and fulfillling to find a professional so dedicated and commited to his profession. Steven sacrifices his own satisfaction to meet the goals of his clients. I will continue to work with him over and over, and have recommended him to friends who feel the same satisfaction and professionalism.” May 25, 2006
Duane Kinnison, Mortgage Consultant, American Home Mortgage
was Steven's client
“Steven has done excellent work for our company on several occassions. He is a complete professional and I highly recommend him.” May 25, 2006
Ty Walker, President/CEO, M&S Foods
was with another company when working with Steven at Baer's Furniture
President & CEO
Brighton Furnishings
“Great to be part of Steven's trusted network! Always a pleasure to be professionally associated with a consummate professional of great caliber! Highly recommend to all others. Thank you.” May 23, 2009
Steven Burda, MBA, Founder, President & Philanthropist, Burda Consulting Co.
was with another company when working with Steven at Brighton Furnishings
“Steven and I worked together on a couple different projects over the years, ranging from supplying my home office with incredible furniture to advertising campaigns. Simply put, Steven’s a great guy to work with. It was always a pleasure meeting with him. He knows how to get the job done and get it done right. Because of Steven’s philanthropic affairs he was a staple on the non-profit scene, always having a smile. I would recommend any company to employ Steven or any company to use Steven as a vendor. You can’t go wrong.” October 27, 2008
Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity
Mark Resnick
hired Steven as a Commercial Furniture in 2002