by HIGH POINT — Lineage Collections President Chris De Lisa has been named the recipient of the prestigious Simon Kaplan Distinguished Leadership Award by the Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Association.
De Lisa will be formally honored on June 16 at the Crystal Springs Golf & Resort in Hamburg, New Jersey, during the annual charity event held in collaboration with the Dean Michael Clarizio Cancer Foundation.
“Chris is the definition of a leader — enthusiastic, supportive, forward thinking and with a giant heart,” said Harris Kirsch, president of the GMFA.
Chris Clarizio, president of the DMCCF, said, “I’ve had the privilege of knowing Chris for many years, and his integrity, leadership and lasting contributions make him truly deserving of this recognition. That’s why the DMCCF looks forward to another successful golf outing as we proudly honor Chris De Lisa as this year’s Simon Kaplan Distinguished Leadership Award recipient”.
The event, which includes a charity golf outing and evening celebration, will raise funds to support families battling cancer.
Director of the GMFA Tony Bellarosa put it this way: “Chris is a local New Jerseyan who grew up in his family’s retail furniture business and has gone on to become a respected leader in our furniture industry. Anyone that knows Chris will agree it is a well-deserved award!”
Simon Kaplan, whom the award was named after, was an iconic figure in the furniture industry. As a World War II veteran who won the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, Simon built a Top 100 furniture retail business with continuous improvement, team collaboration and operational excellence.
“I’m truly honored and humbled for this recognition,” said De Lisa. “Simon Kaplan is the epitome of the American success story and is the standard of what we should all try to emulate and achieve in our lives.”
Tommy Leflein, GMFA board member, said, “Chris continues to move the bar of excellence to a higher level in everything he does. He’s a wonderful human being with a heart of gold.” De Lisa will share the evening with Frank Arroyo and Larry Tennen, two of the furniture industry’s most respected sales representatives, each recognized for their decades of dedication and service to customers and manufacturing partners. The evening will also include a special remembrance of Alan Granetz, honoring his lasting contributions and service to the industry.
“Chris has grown into one of the most real, caring and professional individuals that I have ever met in my career. No one I know in the furniture industry has the passion and perseverance like Chris. He is very deserving of this award,” said Peter Avella, GMFA board member.
De Lisa also emphasized the importance of the charitable mission behind the event: “The opportunity to help the DMCCF raise money for families battling cancer in real time is incredible, and the fact that 100% of every donation reaches the families is indeed special.”
The Simon Kaplan Distinguished Leadership Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, integrity and commitment to the furniture industry — qualities that De Lisa has exemplified throughout his career.
“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Chris for over 20 years, and it’s a privilege to celebrate him at the DMCCF Dean Clarizio Cancer Foundation Golf Outing.”
Todd Weinstein, GMFA board member, continued, “Chris De Lisa embodies a true passion for our industry that began when he was born into a family retail business and continued as a sales rep, sales manager and now president. He has remarkable energy and tenacity and is known for his positive and faithful outlook on business and life.”
The June 16 event will bring together industry leaders, colleagues and supporters for a meaningful evening of recognition, remembrance and philanthropy.
I am so very proud of Chris DeLisa and all he has accomplished in just a few years!! Chris and his son will help bring Lineage to the next level of excellence like never seen before. I watched Chris from when he was just a little “pup” starting out. Now he has become a true leader and mentor in our furniture industry.