Winner of the 2025 HFA Trailblazer of the Year
The Home Furnishings Association (HFA) is honored to recognize Todd Wanek, President & CEO of Ashley Furniture Industries, as the 2025 Trailblazer of the Year. This prestigious award celebrates individuals who have dedicated over two decades to the home furnishings industry, driving innovation, growth, and an exceptional customer experience. Todd’s leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to excellence have shaped Ashley Furniture into a global powerhouse and transformed the industry.
A Legacy Built on Passion and Innovation
Furniture is in Todd Wanek’s DNA. From an early age, he immersed himself in every aspect of the business, gaining hands-on experience in manufacturing, shipping, product design, engineering, finance, and global sourcing. After earning a degree in industrial technologies from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, he and his wife, Karen, moved to Asia, where he played a pivotal role in developing Ashley’s supply chain across China, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Indonesia. This global perspective proved invaluable as he led Ashley into new markets and categories.
Todd’s strategic vision propelled him to leadership roles, including President and Chief Operations Officer in 1996, where he expanded Ashley’s global operations and introduced its first retail store in Anchorage, Alaska. By 2002, he became CEO, implementing groundbreaking strategies such as the “blended manufacturing strategy,” which optimized domestic and international production to support growth, efficiency, and quality.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Under Todd’s leadership, Ashley has navigated some of the industry’s most significant challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic tested businesses worldwide, but Todd’s resilience and innovation guided Ashley through supply chain disruptions with agility and adaptability. His “Gratitude Sunday” emails became a beacon of encouragement for employees, fostering morale, connectivity, and a shared commitment to overcoming obstacles.
His problem-solving mindset—seeing challenges as opportunities—has become a cornerstone of Ashley’s corporate culture, ensuring that the company remains flexible and forward-thinking in an ever-evolving marketplace.
Pioneering Growth and Industry Transformation
Todd’s leadership has redefined the home furnishings industry. His commitment to U.S. manufacturing has preserved thousands of jobs while leveraging international markets for strategic growth. Through investments in automation, technology, and AI-driven insights, Ashley continues to push the boundaries of innovation, enhancing product quality, operational efficiency, and customer experience.
Beyond Ashley, Todd Wanek’s contributions to the industry are vast. He actively shares his knowledge at conferences, serves on advisory boards, and fosters professional development through mentorship and leadership programs. His dedication to education is evident in initiatives like the Todd and Karen Wanek School of Natural Sciences at High Point University and workforce training programs that bridge the gap between education and industry.
Giving Back: A Legacy of Philanthropy and Sustainability
Todd Wanek’s impact extends far beyond business success. His philanthropic efforts and Ashley Furniture’s community initiatives have touched countless lives. From funding groundbreaking medical research for Type 1 Diabetes and Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome to supporting education, STEM programs, and first responders, his contributions have made a lasting difference.
Programs like Hope to Dream, which provides beds to children in need, and Ashley’s Angels, supporting families during the holidays, showcase his unwavering commitment to community welfare. His leadership in sustainable manufacturing, recycling initiatives, and renewable energy investments demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental stewardship.
A Trailblazer in Every Sense
Todd Wanek exemplifies what it means to be a Trailblazer—an innovator, leader, and visionary whose impact spans industries, communities, and generations. His relentless pursuit of excellence, adaptability in the face of challenges, and deep commitment to making a difference have solidified his legacy in the home furnishings industry.
The HFA proudly celebrates Todd Wanek as the 2025 Trailblazer of the Year, honoring his extraordinary contributions and the indelible mark he continues to leave on the world of home furnishings.
