Jonesboro, AR (January 25, 2024) – E.C. Barton & Company has announced the retirement of two company leaders who worked a combined 75 years at the organization – David Herriman and Bob Orr, both Regional Vice Presidents. E.C. Barton and Company has promoted three from within the company to fill their roles – Ben Sharp, Jefferds Dixon, and Jesse Watson.
Retirements
David Herriman began his career with E.C. Barton & Company in March 1983 as a truck driver. Since that time, he has held the roles of Customer Service Representative, Assistant Manager, Outside Salesman, Store Manager and as Regional Vice President for the last 20 years, overseeing stores in Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida markets. He recently celebrated his Crystal Eagle, or 40-year service award, with the company.
Travis Laurence, Vice President of Operations, added “Over his 40-year career, David has served in a multitude of roles and has positively impacted decades of generations of E.C. Barton & Company partners, and I personally fit into that group. David has always put the company and the partners first as he has navigated to seek the best in all things. David, thank you for your contribution to E.C. Barton & Company and we wish you the very best in your retirement spending quality time with your family.”
Bob Orr was hired by Grossman’s Bargain outlet in 1988 in the Buffalo, NY market as an Assistant Store Manager. Over the years, he relocated several times, holding various ASM roles and moving on to Store Manager and Group Store Manager. He has held the position of Regional Vice President since 2005, overseeing stores in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Central NY markets.
“Bob has spent his 35-year career with E.C. Barton & Company serving in many different roles and has made a major contribution every step of the way toward our company’s success. Bob has always sought to do what is right for the company and the partners, providing countless advancement opportunities for those that worked for him. All those who have worked with and for him have benefited personally and professionally. Bob, I want to thank you for your contribution to E.C. Barton & Company, for your wisdom, your friendship, and say a job well done! We all wish you the very best in your retirement,” says Travis Laurence.
Promotions
To fill the roles of David and Bob, E.C. Barton and Company has promoted three individuals from within the company – Ben Sharp, Jefferds Dixon, and Jesse Watson. Each of these individuals served as store managers prior to their promotions.
Ben Sharp was promoted to Regional Vice President in April 2023 from his role as store manager at Home Outlet of Tallahassee, FL. His journey with E.C. Barton & Company began in December 2009 as a part-time CSR in Dothan, AL while attending Troy University for Business Management. He moved to a full-time position and took on an Assistant Store Manager position in 2014 in Northport, AL. He was promoted to Store Manager shortly after and moved to the Tallahassee market in 2021 to help open a new store there. He now oversees Home Outlet stores in markets throughout Florida, Alabama, and Georgia.
“Ben Sharp has served as a successful manager in multiple locations, most recently overseeing the opening of Tallahassee, which has performed exceptionally well. I know his success will translate well at the next level and I look forward to working with Ben in his new role,” Travis Laurence, VP of Operations.
Jefferds Dixon joined E.C. Barton and Company in 2019 as Assistant Store Manager at Home Outlet of Memphis, TN. He was promoted to Store Manager in Fort Walton Beach, FL in 2021 and in June 2022, he returned home as Store Manager in Memphis. He was promoted to Regional Vice President in July 2023. He now oversees Home Outlet stores in markets throughout Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama.
Travis Laurence adds, “Jefferds has performed at a very high level in the manager role in multiple locations. I am confident that he will bring the same level of energy and engagement to the Regional Vice President role, helping stores to be the best they can be. I look forward to working with Jefferds in his new role.”
Jesse Watson was promoted to Regional Vice President in January 2024. He was hired into E.C. Barton & Company in 2005 as an Assistant Manager for Bargain Outlet. He later took over the role of Store Manager in 2013 in Olean, NY, where he worked until his promotion. He will oversee Home Outlet stores across several markets in New York.
“Jesse Watson has successfully served as manager of our Olean, NY Home Outlet store for many years, maximizing opportunities and utilizing all SLE options to drive success and profitability. I know the success he has had will translate well at the next level, and I look forward to working with Jesse in his new role,” says Travis Laurence.
About E.C. Barton & Company
E.C. Barton & Company is a team of home improvement experts offering quality products and solutions at the Guaranteed Lowest Price to help customers achieve their dreams. As an employee-owned company, its employee Partners have a vested interest in providing customers with expert advice and top-quality service as they work to build, remodel, or restore their kitchens, baths, flooring, doors, and windows. Founded in 1885, the company is headquartered in Jonesboro, Arkansas and operates Barton’s Lumber, Home Outlet and Seconds & Surplus in 20 states from upstate New York to south Texas. E.C. Barton & Co. is 100% employee-owned with more than 800 Partners who operate 120 stores. To learn more, visit www.ecbarton.com.
