by WADENA, Minn. — Homecrest Outdoor Living has hired industry veteran Randy Shorts as CEO of the luxury outdoor furniture maker. He will replace Tim DeJong, who is retiring.
Shorts, the former vice president of operations for Brown Jordan, started in Wadena Monday and will work alongside DeJong during a transition period. He “brings decades of experience in the outdoor furniture industry,” Homecrest said is a release. “He is a seasoned leader known for his growth mindset and people-centered approach—prime reasons why he was chosen for this significant role.
Shorts has decades of experience in manufacturing management, including his VP post at Brown Jordan since 2014. Before that, he was general manager of the outdoor resource from 2002 to 2013. Homecrest said his experience will be invaluable “as the company continues to expand its position of market leadership in the casual furniture industry.”
“We are incredibly proud of Homecrest’s accomplishments as a leading U.S. manufacturer over the past 65+ years, and we are confident that Randy is the right person to lead the company into the next chapter of our story,” said Mike Bullinger, Owner of Homecrest Outdoor Living.
DeJong is retiring with well wishes and praise from Bullinger and the Homecrest team. “Looking to the future, we acknowledge with gratitude Tim’s tireless work and look forward to building on the foundation that he has carefully laid over the last decade,” Bullinger said.
DeJong is credited with incorporating new manufacturing technology and expanding product lines during his tenure. He said it was his “honor and privilege” to serve the Homecrest Outdoor Living team, and “I see wonderful opportunities for growth under Randy’s leadership, both for our people and our brand, as Homecrest continues to lead the industry in quality, comfort and design.”
Shorts said he plans to expand on DeJong’s work. “The company is solidly positioned to continue growing the legacy that is Homecrest,” he said. “We will continue to design and develop unique, market-driven, contemporary pieces.”
Founded in 1953 in Wadena, Minn., Homecrest Outdoor Living designs and manufactures luxury commercial quality outdoor furniture in a range of styles from modern to traditional.
