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Holiday Entrepreneur Heather Shepardson Named CEO of Rauch Industries, Inc. and Christopher Radko
Entrepreneurial Spirit, Creativity and F500 Business Savvy Make Shepardson the Shining Star of Holiday Ornaments, Accessories and Décor
| Source: Rauch Industries, Inc.
GASTONIA, NC--(Marketwire - June 16, 2008) - Rauch Industries, Inc., a leader in seasonal
décor since 1952, today announced that Heather Shepardson has been named
the CEO of Rauch Industries, Inc. and its Christopher Radko® Division, the
producer of fine European glass ornaments and holiday collectables.
"Heather's seasonal and holiday industry experience combined with her
Fortune 500 business management background make her the ideal candidate to
lead Christopher Radko to the next phase of its success," said Aldus H.
Chapin II, Chairman of Rauch Industries, Inc. "We are thrilled to have her
driving new growth and expansion for the company."
The Christopher Radko Division of Rauch Industries carries a strong brand
that was created by its founder, Christopher Radko. In the early 1980s,
his desire to replace his family's lost heirloom collection of fine
European glass Christmas ornaments led him to create the designs that are
now known and loved around the world. Many of the same talented artists
that worked with Christopher Radko in the early days of the company's
inception continue to create the iconic symbols of Christmas, which bear
the Radko name today.
"Christopher Radko has a distinguished brand backed by excellent quality
products," said Heather Shepardson, CEO of Rauch Industries. "This company
is supported by a tremendous team of professionals and I am proud to be
furthering our success by directing the organization towards new
opportunities."
Prior to joining Rauch Industries, Shepardson built a company in the
holiday sector from the ground up. Ever-Green Seasons offers innovative
solutions for holiday decorating. The company's Ever-Green Watering
System, a clever device to easily water a Christmas tree, has been wildly
popular and garnered recognition in many national media outlets including
Oprah Magazine's O List, "The Today Show," "Good Morning America" and
countless others. Shepardson invented all of Ever-Green Seasons'
innovative products and has marketed them successfully.
Earlier in her career, Shepardson held key executive, management and sales
positions in Fortune 500 companies including Level 3 Communications, Qwest
Communications, Coors Brewing and Nike. Over the course of her career, she
has been responsible for the entire spectrum of product development,
product management, brand positioning, market strategy, P&L, operations,
sales and customer service.
Shepardson resides in NYC. She earned an MBA from the Daniels Business
School at the University of Denver, and a BA in Mathematics and Computer
Science from the University of Denver.
About Rauch Industries, Inc.
Founded by the Rauch Family in 1952, Rauch Industries designs and
distributes Christmas ornaments and seasonal goods through mass retailers.
After acquiring Christopher Radko, leading designer and distributor of fine
European glass ornaments, in 2005, the two entities were integrated
leveraging distribution channels, marketing efforts and operational
support. Today Rauch Industries, Inc. distributes its Christopher Radko
brand to more than 2,500 stores, including major department stores and
specialty gift retailers nationwide. For more information regarding the
Christopher Radko Division of Rauch Industries, Inc, please call
1-800-71-RADKO.