The International Home Furnishings Representatives Association (IHFRA) has announced details about the rebirth of its LINK Ambassador Program.
As longtime supporter and executive committee member, IHFRA President Cynthia Heathcoe has been instrumental in relaunching the program.
“Our LINK Ambassador Program is about collective momentum,” said Heathco. “The best reps don’t just sell—they lead. They elevate brands, educate retailers and turn challenges into opportunities. LINK gives them the platform to do that work on a bigger stage, while inspiring reps from across our industry and at every level of their careers.”
Through a combined mission to empower, support and advocate for independent home furnishings reps, IHFRA has breathed new life into its LINK Ambassador Program with a shared vision that is creating momentum that strengthens a path forward and fosters a stronger, more connected industry.
“Being a Link Ambassador is not only ideal for a sales representative to lead by example but also combines the support of product manufacturers, supply chain managers, lifestyle design studios, marketing firms and much more into one platform supporting the heart and soul of our industry—sales,” said Heather Bolick, IHFRA membership chair, LINK co-chair, and senior vice president of sales for Man Wah. “Everyone can take advantage of these programs as they are advantageous for our industry’s growth. Our enhanced team of highly influential Ambassadors truly create the ‘link’ between the many channels within the furniture industry.”
IHFRA’s LINK stands for: L – Liaison, be the bridge between IHFRA, reps and manufacturers; I – Influence, be an advocate for IHFRA and its initiatives; N – Network: build and strengthen relationships with reps, retailers, manufacturers and industry professionals; and K – Key Partnerships, identify and cultivate key partnerships and relationships with manufacturers and service providers.
Each of IHFRA’s LINK ambassadors leads by example and serves as an exemplary example in their community, while their career experience provides guidance and insight to fellow home furnishings reps. IHFRA’s LINK ambassadors also encourage new membership, emphasizing the expansion of member benefits and initiatives, while seeking to open doors to collaboration and innovation with the manufacturing companies that shape the industry.
“Our LINK ambassadors aren’t chosen to elevate themselves—they’re here to elevate us,” said Heathcoe. “They represent some of the most engaged, respected and connected reps in the business. These professionals already lead with influence inside their organizations —and now, IHFRA is helping direct that influence toward building stronger, more unified partnerships across the industry.”
One of the primary goals in relaunching the LINK Ambassador Program is to connect members with experienced mentors to promote community and peer support.
“LINK takes individual excellence and turns it into shared momentum,” said Geoff Weed, LINK ambassador and past IHFRA president. “Because real leadership isn’t about what you get—it’s about what you give. And these ambassadors are giving back in a way that lifts the entire industry.”
The reimagined LINK program has evolved from its earlier version to now blend mentorship, education and opportunities with critical tools needed to expand the reps reach and grow their members network.
Connecting IHFRA’s community at summer events includes a variety of engagements aimed at providing meaningful networking opportunities at spirited happy hours with helpful resources to connect members and industry professionals. Partnering with contemporary furniture manufacturer Armen Living, IHFRA will host a Member Meet-up + Happy Hour, on Tuesday, July 15 at the company’s AmericasMart showroom in Atlanta.
Headquartered in the furniture capital of the world, High Point, N.C, IHFRA is a member-based, not-for-profit trade association committed to the continuous growth and success of its members. Additional IHFRA events can be found here.
