HIGH POINT — Having worked for the High Point Market Authority for more than 20 years, current Chief Operating Officer Tammy Nagem is preparing to assume the role of president and CEO of the organization effective on Jan. 1, 2023, when current President Tom Conley retires.
Hired as only the second employee at the Market Authority, Nagem has acted as the organization’s COO since 2011. She said she believes furniture is in her blood since she grew up in nearby Martinsville, Va., a long-time furniture manufacturing town.
During the past 10 years, Nagem has worked closely with Conley and the rest of the team to continue to innovate, keeping up with the changing demands placed on the High Point Market. Here, she talks about her new role and how she plans to continue to move the Market Authority forward.
Where do your best ideas come from?
My best ideas come after a long exhausting day at market when our team gathers to wrap up the day. When we are knee-deep in the event and we are already excited about planning the next one, ideas flow like a faucet.
Who opened doors for you?
Two women along my career path really made a difference for me. The first was Dr. Phyllis Mable, who was my mentor while in graduate school at Longwood University. She was loud, eccentric and brilliant. She challenged me at every turn and encouraged me think bigger than I had ever imagined.
The next was the first president of the High Point Market Authority, Judy Mendenhall. She took a chance on me when I knew nothing about the market or furniture. She said she knew I could keep balls in the air, and she knew she needed someone strong in operations.
I became her right hand and learned everything I could from her. No one could walk the halls of the legislature like she could. No matter what side of the aisle the member claimed, she could make a case for why they needed to fund the crown jewel of North Carolina: the High Point Market.
Where is the most interesting place your job has taken you?
High Point Market has taken me to so many interesting places. Not only to several international shows, but also to the furniture factory floors.
Whether walking the Brera District in Milan, standing in the midst of the weavers in Valdese or sitting on the porch at Red Egg, I could not be more fascinated by the people and places in this home furnishings industry. Even after 20 years, I find it interesting and energizing every day.
How do you balance work and home life?
I guess the most honest answer is: I don’t. In my life it is hard to tell where one stops and the other starts. I do make time for the things that matter most, and I don’t sweat the other stuff. I guess I should apologize now to everyone that has not received a birthday card from me for 20 years.
What questions related to the industry have you been asking yourself lately?
In today’s economy, have the needs of this industry changed in terms of what they are looking for in a market? We can connect buyers and sellers, but what else makes for a meaningful market experience. Education, networking, connecting with like-minded colleagues, more fun, less distractions … what moves the needle? How can we make the “in-person business” more relevant? How will future generations see these interactions?
What has been your biggest business mistake and what did you learn from it?
In the early days of the Market Authority, I think we made a lot. We were trying to move quickly and make noticeable change and with that came some potholes. Everyone had a suggestion, and we tried to work by committee.
When you try to be all things to all people, you sometimes end up not making anyone happy. I learned to slow down, ask good questions and sometimes sleeping on a decision is the best way to go.
When you get together with others in the industry these days, what is the key topic of discussion?
The amount of change this industry has endured in the past two years has been staggering. Supply chain, container prices, retail consolidation, employee shortages, material backlogs, and by the way … a global pandemic. Just as we started seeing a light at the end of the tunnel, we are hit with conversations of a recession.
My friend Randy Short of Stanford Furniture used to say that “those of us who make it through this mess will be stronger on the other side”. His words have never been truer.
If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?
I wish the home furnishings industry was more appealing to a wider demographic. I do think this is improving, but we have some work to do. It has been seen for years as a male-dominated industry, and it could not claim very much diversity.
It is a great industry with many creative and hardworking people. That can only improve if the faces around the table are more diverse. I am excited to be a part of efforts that bring about the positive change we’re looking to see within the industry.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given and by whom?
I often quote my grandmother; she used to always say there is a reason you were given two ears and only one mouth, so listen! I try to go through life doing just that.
What are the three things people would be surprised to learn about you?
- I am an avid old-time bluegrass lover and clogger and have been since childhood.
- I am obsessed with the show Yellowstone.
- I love indoor rowing and am on the erg six days a week before 5 a.m.
Market Authority’s Tammy Nagem talks about her tenure and upcoming new role & Latest News Update
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