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Industry veteran named Manufacturer's Rep Award winner

Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal - 8/18/2018

Aug. 18--TUPELO -- Henry Hulse spoke to his wife, Linda, who was at their home in Cabot, Arkansas, about 30 minutes before Friday's National Manufacturer's Representative Award ceremony at the Tupelo Furniture Market.

So he was stunned when Linda walked to the podium at the start of the ceremony to join in helping celebrate another moment that was just as surprising -- his being named the award winner at this year's Summer Market.

"I've got to say this is the highlight of my career," said Henry, fighting back tears.

The U.S. Marine Corps veteran, 80, has been in the furniture business for nearly six decades. He's sold furniture as a retailer, made furniture for retailers, sold furniture to retailers and dealers as a sales representative and otherwise had been immersed in the business.

"I've been doing this since 1958," he said. "But when I got out of college I went to X-ray school."

But things didn't quite work out and he eventually made his way into retailing in East Tennessee.

One day, a gentleman came in looking for parts for a lawnmower, but nobody would help him. Hulse offered to help the customer, who happened to be a furniture manufacturer.

"About four days later, he came back in and asked if I'd be interested in working for him," Hulse said. "That started it."

He stayed with the company for nine years, then followed that with several stops in his career. He was sales manager for some companies, was a partner in another furniture company and later became a sales rep for several companies.

He now represents Tennessee Enterprises, Pine Crafters and Kirby Recliners.

One of his accounts is Rackley Furniture in Atkins, Arkansas, and owner Tracey Rackley said Hulse is like a family member.

"I think the absolute world of Henry," she said. "He's a person that takes ownership and pride in selling the lines he has sold."

Hulse has no plans to slow down anytime soon. While he has a few minor health issues, he said they're not enough to keep him from seeing his customers, most of whom he considers friends as well.

"I stay active and I'm going to continue doing what I'm doing and I enjoy it," he said. "It's a passion."

dennis.seid@journalinc.com

Twitter: @dennisseid

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(c)2018 the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal (Tupelo, Miss.)

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