Robert G. Culp, III
Robert “Rob" G. Culp III became a student of fabrics and the industry when he and his father co-founded Culp Inc. as an upholstery fabric converter in 1972. During his 45-year tenure, the company grew into a global producer and marketer of two distinctly different core businesses: upholstery fabrics and mattress fabrics. As CEO and chairman, he kept the company growing, even in difficult times, through ongoing investments in new products, design, supply-chain logistics and technology. Through several acquisitions, Culp’s manufacturing footprint steadily expanded to 16 facilities and over 4,000 employees. In 1983, Culp Inc. went public on NASDAQ and today is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CULP).
A consummate listener, curious and ever optimistic, he built a company known for design creativity, product innovation and an unwavering commitment to customers. For many years, Culp produced fabrics domestically, but as U.S. upholstery sourcing moved to Asia, he took a bold step and established a state-of-the-art product development, fabric sourcing, finishing and distribution platform in China. The realignment enabled the company to maintain its strength in competitively priced, fashion-forward products and resulted in the development of new multi-million-yard sellers, such as printed and leather-like polyurethane film products, weft woven velvets, innovative decorative textures and over-printed mattress fabrics. Due to his leadership, Culp became a global company with manufacturing and distribution in the USA, Canada and Asia.
Mr. Culp was a family man first and a true community leader, generous with his time and resources. He and his wife supported numerous community causes and initiatives from the “Say Yes to Education” campaign to High Point revitalization. He was board president of the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame Foundation, a founder of Furniture Fellowship, and a trustee of High Point University. He served on the board of directors of Leggett & Platt, Slumberland and Old Dominion. He also was an ardent supporter of his church and his undergraduate alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.