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On June 1, 2018, Karl became the new owner and president of PMI. Under his leadership, PMI remains committed to providing exceptional service and solutions for our customers.
Karl became immersed in the furniture business when he studied cabinet making in his home country of Austria. After becoming a successful sales manager at one of the largest custom woodworking companies, Karl decided to pursue a new challenge.
Although anxious to succeed in a larger market, Karl arrived in the U.S. speaking only a few English words. Never one to shy away from an obstacle, in less than two years, Karl became fluent in the language while bringing a host of new customers to the business. Since then, Karl has worked tirelessly to expand PMI’s product range and partnerships.
Karl is an exercise enthusiast and professional globetrotter. He exemplifies what it means to work and play hard. To him, the U.S. is truly a land of unlimited possibilities.
Troy joined PMI on March 1st, 2022 as National Sales Manager.
Troy started his career in the Cabinet and Furniture industry in 1982, under his father’s mentorship. Troy was fortunate to have started from the ground level to learn about the industry from his early days of sweeping the warehouse floors, stocking the shelves and making deliveries to local customers. Troy spent numerous hours working with cabinet and furniture makers to experience the craft firsthand. Troy has participated in many sales and marketing programs to strengthen his position to be more relevant to his customers and his colleagues. These were the pinnacle points that drove Troy to his high level of passion for the business. Striving every day to learn, improve and make a long-lasting impression on those in our business longing for a sustainable career. Troy has been blessed to have developed people, product lines, markets and innovative selling systems over his career, and looks forward to many more rewarding years of service. Troy likes to say, “There’s a perfect solution for every opportunity and challenge, you just need to see it”
Tim joined the PMI in 1992 as Warehouse Manager. Over the years, he has become a valuable asset to the company. He works first hand with our Accounting, Customer Service and Sales departments. His responsibilities include logistics, inventory control and purchasing.
Christie began employment in our industry in 1989 as a hinge department associate at Grass America, Inc. She consecutively worked her way through college to obtain her Accounting degree and was then personally recommended to Peter Meier in 1990 when she came to work for us. Throughout the years at PMI, she has stepped in where coverage was needed and brings experience in Corporate Administration, Marketing, Customer Service and today in Accounts Receivable. Christie enjoys being part of our team and is always ready to help!
Jessi was a former restaurant and bar owner for many years, who enjoys helping her customers in any way that she can. She also brings 11 years of working experience in Customer Service and Dispatch to PMI and takes pride in doing the job right from start to finish. We are lucky to have her!
In January 2022, Chip Banks joined our PMI team.
He graduated from Appalachian State University with a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in 1993, with a concentration in Furniture Manufacturing. Chip brings to the PMI roundtable 27 plus years of experience in the Engineering of Contract Furniture and Marine Construction, holding a strong background in Furniture Case Goods, Woodworking, and Metalworking.
We are lucky to have his expertise!
Rodrick has worked in a call center environment for over 8 years. His initiative and problem-solving skills helped him to achieve various management positions throughout his career. Rodrick joined PMI in January 2016 when Peter Meier offered him the opportunity. He is always willing to learn and take on new challenges, which is why he holds many responsibilities at PMI as a Marketing Manager and IT Administrator. Rodrick is a true asset to our company!
PMI’s team is a tight-knit group committed to delivering excellent customer service. Therefore, it was a natural fit for Karl Kothmaier’s partner, Marta Nova, to lead marketing and sales support for the business. In this role, Marta will manage CRM systems and customer email communications.
Marta began in the kitchen and bath hardware industry in 1998, coordinating sales and marketing events. She is excited to return to the industry, having managed tradeshows in the fire safety and equipment rental markets since 2013.
A native to Colombia, Marta’s passion for customer service can be traced to the compassion, work ethic, and humility her parents instilled from an early age. In addition to the U.S. and Colombia, Marta’s lived in the United Kingdom and visited more than 20 countries.
Marta is multilingual, speaking Spanish and English fluently. She also speaks some German, although how much remains a mystery to Karl.
Marta maintains that her only vice is her addiction to Orangetheory Fitness. When she’s not working out, she enjoys traveling the world with Karl, dancing, and tending her impressive garden.
Lee began working with Peter Meier, Inc. in January 2018 after relocating to the Winston-Salem area from the eastern region of North Carolina. In 1986, she graduated from East Carolina University with a BS in Business Administration and has worked in the Accounting field for over 30 years. Her experience includes working in private industry, nonprofit accounting, and at a CPA firm. For the last 10 years before her employment with PMI, Lee worked as the Finance Director of a large nonprofit organization and was responsible for all financial aspects there. We are so glad that we have Lee here to crunch our numbers!
I joined PMI on January 1, 2006, after making a ‘break’ from the furniture and retail businesses in New York City. I brought with me managerial experience, which I gained after my hard work and dedication led to promotion. Today, I’m happy and grateful to be working with PMI, where I not only lead my dedicated warehouse team, but am a respected member of our work family.
I have worked at PMI in the Shipping and Receiving area for over 10 years. With this opportunity, I’ve learned many valuable skills, such as forklift operation and safety. Much thanks to our former owner Peter Meier for believing in me and recommending me for other opportunities along the way. I believe that I’m a valued employee with my experience and knowledge of our Table Base product line. Continued thanks goes out to our new owner Karl Kothmaier for taking over the company and keeping each of us busy and productive in our daily efforts to excel and grow the business.
Originating in Monterrey, Mexico, I began my career working in the Automotive Industry as an Assistant Manager in a major reputable dealership. Collegiate courses allowed me to study English and Computer Systems, where I earned an Associate’s Degree. After making the move to NC, I advanced through various positions: a receptionist in a hiring agency, then gaining further experience in Sales, Production and Shipping. I’ve been employed with PMI for approximately 5 years in the Shipping Department, where I excel in expediting orders out the door. I enjoy working in Shipping and have the ability and desire to advance to other positions if given the opportunity.
