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says. "It's the best combination of both the left brain and right brain, as I get to both crunch numbers and interact with clients." Salmons joined the company in 2012 and in 2017 was promoted to Vice President/Partner. Under Salmons' leadership in Houston, the firm has quadrupled its business. A new grandfather, Hardage retired in 2021. Designer Karen Rogers- Still, Hardage's friend, purchased his shares and became the third member of the powerful trio, and third generation steering Culp Associates into the next half century, building upon Culp's and Hardage's rich legacies. "As a designer and previous client of Culp Associates, joining the team was very special," Rogers-Still says. "Culp was always my first stop when I was specifying items for a project. Now I'm able to join forces with two remarkable women. Women who trust each other make great teams, and we can't wait for the future." At the heart of Culp Associates are its exceptional products and team members. The showroom has had many of its lines — and employees — for more than 20 years. "Culture is extremely important to us," says Marrs, "and while egos can run big in this business, we're a no-ego firm." The company also credits success to its expansive o u t s i d e t e a m , which spans the region from Texas a n d O k l a h o m a to Louisiana and beyond providing concierge service to designers who may not have the resources of Dallas or Houston at their fingertips. "We have the most comprehensive outside program in the region," Salmons says. "Through this team, we're able to get our products into new hands, expand our showrooms, and further our presence." As for what's next, Culp Associates is poised for rapid growth over the next 50 years. The values that guided Culp Associates in 1972 — showcasing exceptional design, quality, and customer service — are the company's compass today. The partners are laser-focused on growth, building upon existing brands while also launching new ones. A new private-label line exclusive to Culp Associates, Novare ("fresh") is also in the works, which will focus on well-priced textiles with rich textures, wide-width sheers, and coveted faux leathers. 173 " Through this team, we're able to get our products into new hands." — Jessica Salmons Culp Associates FOR MORE INFORMATION ON Culp Associates, visit culpassociates.com culpassociates culpassociates Jessica Salmons, Cammie Marrs, Karen Rogers-Still Pierre Frey