Meet Brian Palethorpe

2018 RSPA honouree – Western Region

Brian Palethorpe, general manager of the two-unit, Calgary-based Perfect Home Furniture is a 20-year industry veteran who has carried on his family’s legacy and helped build a successful operation that constantly asks him to find new solutions for the customers he’s happy to serve.

For that reason, it’s easy to see why he was selected as this year’s recipient of the Retail Sales Professional (RSP) Award for Western Canada.

The award recognises the achievements of experienced sales professionals who are leaders at delivering exceptional customer sales and service.

Furniture runs in his blood. “I’ve been in the furniture business my entire life; my family built furniture. They used to own a furniture factory called Palethorpe and Dowling and it was based in Vancouver, B.C.,” he said, adding he started working in the family business in 1998.

“I stayed with the family business until my parents retired and closed down the factory in 2005. I moved to Perfect Home Furniture in 2006 and I’ve been selling in the store ever since.”

Shauna Schlamp, a manufacturer’s sales representative with the Calgary-based Westridge Group, nominated Palethorpe because of his passion for the industry.

“Brian loves what he does. His passion for his profession is evident. He is enthusiastic with a positive attitude,” she says, adding, “In addition to his years at Perfect Home, Brian brings a lifetime of experience and expertise to his profession. Born into the industry, Brian’s depth of knowledge and proficiency is a valuable asset to the retail customer experience and to his role in leading and mentoring the sales team.  He leads by example. He has earned the respect of his team. Brian brings his skill set to the floor when serving customers.”

Palethorpe admits he was surprised to learn he’d been nominated.

“I found out in February or March when Shauna called to let me know,” he says. “It’s exciting. It’s humbling to be honoured by your peers. I wasn’t expecting it at all. I honestly didn’t even know there was an award for it, so it was a nice surprise.”

Click here to read the rest of Ashley’s profile of Brian Palethorpe…