o. william fenn, jr.
Bill Fenn, Jr. (b. 1927) grew up in East Texas and served his country in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1952. During his service, Mr. Fenn earned a Bachelor of Science in applied economics from Yale University and attended classes at Oklahoma University, the University of Minnesota, and the Imperial University of Tokyo, Japan where he studied language, far eastern economics and geography.
Mr. Fenn’s experience in the home furnishings industry spans over 30 years. He was president, chief executive officer and chief operating officer at Stanley Furniture Company and also held senior management positions with Thomasville Furniture Industries and Armstrong World Interiors prior to joining LADD Furniture, Inc. as president and chief operating officer in 1982. In 1990, he was named vice chairman of LADD. He retired from the company in 1992.
Mr. Fenn believes the furniture industry is a global market. His contributions to the North Carolina Furniture Export Council have been extremely important to the growth of the industry overseas. In 2004, he was awarded the Export Appreciation Award by the U.S. Department of Commerce for his support of international trade by small and medium-sized businesses in North Carolina. He served as director of the International Trade Division of the N.C. Department of Commerce and director of the Furniture Export Office in High Point, N.C. He also has served as honorary director of the Piedmont Triad Chapter of the N.C. World Trade Association., which promotes international trade and related education.
Mr. Fenn’s military experience, education, and years of service to the furniture industry prepared him to receive the honor to serve as Honorary Consul General representing Japan in the Southeastern United States. In 1995, he was appointed to the "Order of the Long Leaf Pine," the highest civilian award that can be presented within the state, by Governor James B. Hunt, Jr.
Mr. Fenn is an individual with boundless energy who embodies the ideals of integrity, intelligence, courage and generosity. He has contributed to and been recognized by the furniture industry, his community, state, national and international government, his church and numerous charitable organizations.