by Markor Furniture has had a majority stake in the manufacturer since early 2018
HIGH POINT — Jonathan Sowter has regained majority ownership of wood furniture manufacturer Jonathan Charles Designs for the first time since around 2017.
Markor obtained a majority stake in the business around 2018 and put different industry leaders in executive level positions since then to help reinvigorate and grow the business. This started with Eric Graham in early 2018, who was followed by Jeff Young and Doug Rozenboom.
During this period, Sowter said he never relinquished his role running the operations of the company’s factory in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, which will soon be expanding from about 800,000 square feet to 950,000 square feet.
He returned to the president’s role on an interim basis in January 2024, following the departure of Doug Rozenboom in December 2023. The company later named Garth Robinson president in January of this year.
Sowter told Home News Now that the change in ownership has been amicable and that Jonathan Charles and Markor still have an active business relationship that allows Jonathan Charles to operate from its existing showroom/offices in the Markor Arts Center in downtown High Point and the warehouse it shares with Markor brands A | R | T Furniture and Caracole.
“We are still the same company with the same president (Robinson) and are still focused on the same Jonathan Charles direction,” Sowter told Home News Now. “The only thing that has changed is that I have total control now as to what to do, how to do it and how to go about it.”
“It is a win-win for both of us and there has been no big fallout,” he added. “It has just been a realignment and the right thing to do. At this point in the journey, this makes sense.”
Citing limits to what can be said publicly about the transaction, Markor Chairman Mark Feng declined comment other than to say that he has a strong relationship with Sowter and that the companies continue to work together in a positive manner.
“We are 100% aligned and we want Jonathan Charles to be successful,” he said. “Jon has done a lot of work in the factory and also has built the whole hospitality division. So our partnership has been very positive.”
In a letter issued to dealers earlier this month and obtained by Home News Now late last week, the company announced the change in ownership.
“After many years of partnership between Markor and founder Jonathan Sowter, the shareholders have agreed to realign the ownership of the business,” Robinson wrote. “Markor has played an important role in supporting Jonathan Charles, and our working relationship will continue.”
“Our commitment to you remains unchanged,” he continued. “We are dedicated to delivering the exceptional products, quality and customer service you have come to expect from Jonathan Charles.”
Robinson added that existing sales representatives and contacts remain in place and customers can continue using established ordering channels. The company also said that it also has implemented a new ERP system that is aimed at better supporting customers and streamlining operations.
“We are excited about the future of Jonathan Charles and the opportunities ahead,” he said. “Most importantly, we remain committed to strengthening our partnership with you and providing the level of service and support your business deserves.”
