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Meet our Advisory Board

Meet Our Furniture Today Leadership Editorial Advisory Board. The Board’s aim is to offer ideas and insights, reflecting the real challenges and needs of furniture retailers today. Their expert insight is used to craft unforgettable event experiences.

Andrew Tepperman

CEO, Tepperman’s Furniture

Andrew Tepperman is the third-generation President of this family-owned business, taking the reins from his father Bill in 2006. Before that, he served the company in myriad capacities including manager and general manager roles for Tepperman’s in London, Ontario. As part of a planned succession Andrew also served in several leadership roles, including warehouse manager, GM, and operations manager.

Sam Zavary

Owner, CEO, Exclusive Furniture

Sam Zavary founded Exclusive Furniture in 1998, opening his first store in Houston’s Alameda Mall with a single employee. Within 16 months the company opened its second store, more than twice the size of the original. Today the company operates 8 stores and has more than $60 million in annual sales.

Bo Coconis

Coconis Furniture

Bo Coconis represents the fourth generation of leadership at Coconis Furniture, a family-owned business founded in 1927 in Zanesville, Ohio. Since officially joining the company in 2010, Bo has played a pivotal role in transforming the retailer into one of Ohio’s most respected furniture brands. With a background in merchandising and a degree from The Ohio State University—where he also competed on the golf team—Bo brought fresh energy and strategic insight to the business.

Under Bo’s leadership, Coconis Furniture expanded to include three full-line furniture stores and a fourth location dedicated to mattresses and a La-Z-Boy gallery. He helped modernize operations, refine the company’s buying and merchandising strategies, and elevate its customer experience.

His collaborative approach with his brother Chad, who oversees operations and team development, has been instrumental in driving growth and resilience, especially during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic Bo’s commitment to excellence and innovation earned him recognition in Furniture Today’s “40 Under 40” list, celebrating rising leaders in the industry.

Today, he continues to guide Coconis Furniture with a focus on community engagement, operational excellence, and honoring the legacy of a century-old family business.

Mark Mueller

Mueller’s Furniture

Mark Mueller is the fourth-generation owner of Mueller Furniture, a family-run business founded in 1927 by his great-grandfather, John Mueller. Mark began his journey in the company working in the warehouse during the late 1990s, gaining firsthand experience in operations and supply chain challenges. Inspired by a shift in the industry and a desire to support domestic craftsmanship, Mark led a strategic pivot toward American-made furniture—a move that became the cornerstone of Mueller Furniture’s brand identity.

Under Mark’s leadership, the company expanded from a single store with $2.5 million in annual sales in 2008 to a multi-location operation generating over $24 million by 2022. He oversaw the opening of new stores in Lake St. Louis and Ellisville, Missouri, and a warehouse showroom in Fairview Heights, Illinois, solidifying Mueller Furniture’s reputation as the leading source for quality American-made furniture in the St. Louis region.

Mark’s commitment to excellence and community extends beyond retail. In 2025, he was inducted into the Greater St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame, honoring his lifelong passion for the sport and its influence on his leadership style. Today, Mueller Furniture continues to thrive, blending tradition with innovation under Mark’s visionary guidance

Don’t take our word for it…

What a week at the 2025 Furniture Today Leadership Conference! We connected with so many inspiring leaders — from manufacturers to retailers to innovators driving transformation across the home furnishings industry. Thank you to everyone who shared ideas, asked questions, and explored what’s possible with AI purpose-built for this industry. We’re energized and excited for what’s next!

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