Dick Idol Brand Ramps Up With Shadow Mountain and Flat Rock Furniture

Whitefish, MT (August 1, 2010) – Montana outdoorsman, artist, and outdoor lifestyle personality Dick Idol has spent the last ten years providing innovative products that bring the beauty and spirit of the great outdoors into consumers’ homes. And Idol is now pleased to support lead licensee Shadow Mountain’s newly announced acquisition, allowing them to restock inventory on their well-received Dick Idol Montana Reflections collection, a “new and improved” blend of the original blockbuster Mission Valley and Northwoods collections that were proven winners in the marketplace. In addition, Shadow Mountain and Dick Idol are announcing a new partnership with Flat Rock Furniture to expand the brand offering into higher-end, US made, rustic hickory products that will be distributed exclusively by Shadow Mountain. The brand partners are planning a soft opening at the Las Vegas market in August (new showroom #B-162), with a major launch to follow at the High Point Market in October.

Dick Idol, brand founder and namesake, emphasized, “We believe that the timing is ideal to claim the brand’s position as the top source for refined rustic styling for the home. There really is no other key player left who is solely focused on this strong niche that continues to grow.” Idol added that the brand has all key home furnishings categories covered with a wide variety of products that are specifically designed to complement each other:

• Shadow Mountain - Signature furniture line (import and US made from Flat Rock Furniture);

• Urban Craftsmen collection from Klaussner - Modern rustic furniture collection;

• Pacific Coast Lighting – Lighting and decorative accessories;

• Surya – Area rugs and coordinating decorative pillows; and

• StyleCraft – Wall décor.

Idol is firmly committed on the front end as he remains actively involved throughout the design process. Importantly, no competitor offers products with the unique artistic details (direct from Idol’s studio in MT) and authentic inspirations from nature and antiquities that Dick Idol demands throughout his line. Idol is also committed to help drive sales on the back end and plans to make a number of store appearances with the brand’s key retail partners.

Chad Turney, president and CEO of Shadow Mountain, said, “We are excited to hit the ground again with our feet running. We believe that the renewed commitment from the Dick Idol brand and our new partnership with Flat Rock Furniture are key elements of Shadow Mountain’s growth strategy.” Turney added, “With these partnerships in place, we expect to be an even stronger player in the refined rustic niche as the industry continues to recover.”

Van McQueen, president of Flat Rock Furniture, Inc., said, “Flat Rock has been in the hickory furniture business for over 25 years, and I believe that this partnership is a win-win for everyone involved. I can focus on what I do best: Developing, sourcing, and manufacturing distinctive hickory products. Shadow Mountain and Dick Idol can focus on expanding sales, marketing, and distribution.” McQueen added, “I want to assure all our current and new customers that I remain actively involved in the business, and that they can still expect the same unique products, quality, service, and value that they have always received from Flat Rock.”

Dick Idol has utilized his expertise in art, antiquities, and nature to create a lifestyle brand that brings the spirit of the outdoors into everyday American life. In 2001, Idol successfully launched the Dick Idol Home Collection, an outdoor-inspired furniture and household accessories line that has established Idol as an original American lifestyle innovator. More than 2,500 retailers in North America and overseas have carried Dick Idol products, with sales exceeding $150 million. The “signature” Dick Idol Legends by Shadow Mountain line was launched in 2006 with the objective of becoming the all-inclusive source for refined rustic styling. Idol continues to design products and create fine artwork including paintings and sculptures in his studio in beautiful Whitefish, MT with the goal of establishing signature art galleries within select furniture partner’s stores in 2011. As Idol often says, “It’s a tough life, but somebody has to do it!”
 

CURTIS STONE, STEVE ELLS AND LORENA GARCIA JOIN BOBBY
FLAY AS PANELISTS AND INVESTORS ON NBC’S NEW
ALTERNATIVE SERIES ‘AMERICA’S NEXT GREAT RESTAURANT’
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – June 10, 2010 – Curtis Stone, internationally renowned
chef (NBC’s “The Biggest Loser,” “Take Home Chef”), Steve Ells, founder, chairman
and co-CEO of Chipotle, and Lorena Garcia, executive chef and restaurateur, join Bobby
Flay (“Iron Chef America: The Series”) as investors and judges on NBC’s new
alternative competition series “America’s Next Great Restaurant” premiering next
season.
The series from Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz of Magical Elves (Emmy Awardnominated
producers of “Project Runway” and “Top Chef”) features contestants vying
for arguably the biggest prize in reality show history -- the opportunity to see their ideas
turned into a new restaurant chain in three cities across America.
Thousands of potential restaurateurs submitted ideas, which were narrowed down to the
select few candidates that will be featured on the series. Each week the judges/investors,
Flay, Stone, Ells and Garcia, will put the chosen few through rigorous business and
cooking challenges to discover which contestant’s concept has the greatest potential for
success. The stakes have never been higher for the contestants or the investors as they
put their money where there mouth is and one contestant’s dream will become a reality.
Stone is a master chef, best-selling author, TV host and entrepreneur. He recently was a
contestant on NBC’s “The Celebrity Apprentice” and can also be seen teaching
contestants about healthy food choices on NBC's “The Biggest Loser.” He is also a
regular contributor on NBC’s “TODAY” show. In the Fall of 2008, Stone launched his
line of sleek and eco-friendly kitchen solutions at Williams-Sonoma. He is the first chef
to have an eponymous product line sold at the prestigious retailer.
Ells opened the first Chipotle in Denver in 1993 and has changed the way the world
thinks about and eats fast food. With a commitment to using ingredients from more
sustainable sources – including naturally raised meat, organic and locally grown produce,
and dairy products made with milk from cows that are not given synthetic hormones –
Ells and Chipotle are leading a revolution to make great food affordable and accessible so
everyone can eat better. Ells is a classically trained chef and has received considerable
praise for his vision and leadership at Chipotle.
Garcia, one of the country’s leading Latina chefs, made her dream to become a chef a
reality by trading law papers for a cutting board and chef’s knife. She has taken on the
challenge of combating childhood obesity and developed “Big Chef, Little Chef” as a
comprehensive program to help kids and their families take control of their eating habits
and ultimately, their lives. More than simply promoting healthy eating, Garcia’s program
is a lifestyle modification plan that educates children of all ages and their families about
the benefits of nutrition and of living a healthy, happy, and positive life. Later this year
Garcia will be opening Lorena Garcia Cocina in the American Airlines terminal at Miami
International Airport, and she is writing her first book.
Flay, star of “Iron Chef America: The Series” and “Throwdown with Bobby Flay,” shows
his culinary versatility in the multiple talents he brings to the field as a chef/restaurateur,
award-winning cookbook author and television personality. Most importantly, he is a
leading restaurateur.
“America’s Next Great Restaurant” is a Magical Elves production. Dan Cutforth and
Jane Lipsitz (the Emmy Award-nominated producers of “Project Runway” and “Top
Chef”) are the executive producers.
Magical Elves is the production team behind some of the highest quality reality
programming on television. Since their partnership began eight years ago, The Elves,
Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz, have been nominated for eleven Primetime Emmys. Last
year “Project Runway” and “Top Chef” were both nominated in the Outstanding Reality
Competition category for the third year in succession. Magical Elves are the recipients of
the first Peabody Award ever presented to a reality television program for Project
Runway and they produced 4 of Entertainment Weekly's 20 Best Reality Shows of all
time. Other notable credits include “Bands on the Run,” “Project Greenlight,” “Last
Comic Standing” and “Kell on Earth” and the Elves have several shows in production
and slated for premiere including “Top Chef 7,” “Top Chef Masters,” “Top Chef: Just
Desserts” and “Work of Art” for Bravo, “Dance Your Ass Off” for Oxygen and “The
Real L Word” for Showtime.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kellie Kulikowsky, NBC Entertainment Publicity, 818/777-3006
kellie.kulikowsky@nbcuni.com

New Dick Idol Surya Rugs on RugNews.com

Genevieve Gorder Home Designs on QVC
Friday, February 19, 2010
10:00 - 11:00 PM ET

You've seen her as one of the judges on HGTV's Design Star and on her HGTV series Dear Genevieve. Now, join one of America's favorite interior designers when Genevieve Gorder comes to QVC® with her line of bedding and bath accessories. By finding inspiration and beauty in everyday life, Genevieve applies her soulful, eclectic and whimsical style to her designs. Tune in to QVC, and update your bed and bath in just a few simple steps with her comforter, coverlet and duvet sets plus decorative pillows and bathroom sets during Genevieve Gorder Home Designs.

 

Watch Chef Lorena Garcia on the Today Show January 20, 2010

Genevieve Gorder in People Magazine July 27, 2009 Issue

Dick Idol Expands Outdoor-Inspired Lifestyle Brand
Launching New Surya Rug Collection In Fall 2009

Whitefish, MT (September 29, 2009) – Montana outdoorsman, artist, and outdoor lifestyle personality Dick Idol has spent the last ten years providing consumers with innovative ways to bring the beauty and spirit of the great outdoors into their homes. And Idol is now pleased to announce a new partnership with Surya Rugs that will offer a complete new line of area rugs at the fall 2009 High Point Market in North Carolina. This new collection from Surya is inspired by the majesty and heritage of the great northwest that Idol calls home and is designed to complement the extremely successful new Montana Reflections furniture collection by Shadow Mountain and longstanding lighting program from Pacific Coast Lighting. The objective of this new partnership is to continue building the Dick Idol brand’s position as the premiere outdoor lifestyle brand for the home and the top source for refined rustic styling.

Thirty-plus year old Surya has been a big success-story in the rug industry under the second-generation family leadership of President Satya Tiwari. Tiwari said, “Our company continues to grow, and we believe our partnership with Dick Idol will help us tap into the outdoor-inspired product niche and reach a new customer who wants refined rustic styling.” The two new collections will encompass over 20 styles reflecting the Dick Idol brand. The product will retail for $199 for the machine made polypropylene rugs and $599 for the hand-tufted New Zealand wool rugs in a 5’x 8’ size. Surya can be visited at its showrooms in High Point (Showplace #3233), Las Vegas (World Market Center #B350), Atlanta (AmericasMart Bldg. 1, 6th floor, #A7), New York (7 W. 34th St., 4th floor, #439), and New Delhi.

Idol, founder and namesake of the brand, said, “I am extremely pleased to announce our new partnership with Surya as they are clearly a leader in the rug industry.” He added, “I believe that great area rugs are a key design element in any room in the home and am confident that Surya will provide our customers with great selling refined rustic designs at a great value.”

Dick Idol has utilized his expertise in art, antiquities, and nature to create a lifestyle brand that brings the spirit of the outdoors into everyday American life. In 2001, Idol successfully launched the Dick Idol Home Collection, an outdoor-inspired furniture and household accessories line that has established Idol as an original American lifestyle innovator. More than 2,500 retailers in North America and overseas have carried Dick Idol products, with sales exceeding $150 million. The “signature” Dick Idol Legends by Shadow Mountain line was launched in October 2006 with the objective of becoming the all-inclusive source for refined rustic styling. Idol continues to design products and create fine artwork including paintings and sculptures in his studio in beautiful Whitefish, Montana. As Idol often says, “It’s a tough life, but somebody has to do it!”
 

Dick Idol Brand Relaunching With Shadow Mountain Furnishings

New Collection Reflects Back To Move Forward

 Lexington, NC (February 23, 2009) – Montana outdoorsman, artist, and outdoor lifestyle personality Dick Idol and key licensee Shadow Mountain Inc. are returning to the brand’s roots after its more than seven years of providing consumers with innovative ways to bring the beauty and spirit of the great outdoors into their homes.  At the spring 2009 High Point Market in North Carolina, the partners will launch the new “Montana Reflections” collection inspired by the original collections that launched the brand with a bang back in 2001.  This new program will target current, previous, and new Dick Idol retailers who want to tap into proven sellers and take advantage of one-stop shopping convenience and excellent values.  A broad assortment of Dick Idol lifestyle products including case goods, upholstery, lighting, area rugs and more can be seen during market at the Shadow Mountain showroom in historic Market Square Suite #392.   

 

Like everyone else in this difficult business environment, Dick Idol felt it was more critical than ever to step back and reflect upon what has made the brand and its products successful in the first place.  Many retailers have commented about the need for compelling new products that are proven sellers and aren’t big inventory risks.  In addition, Idol continues to regularly receive calls and e-mails from consumers who still strongly desire the look and feel of the original Dick Idol products.  Therefore, he felt it was important to focus on the basic product elements that have been successful…forms, finishes, and signature artistic details…and worked to improve them.  Idol collaborated with Shadow Mountain to develop a “new and improved” collection that truly delivers refined rustic styling inspired by the majesty and heritage of the great northwest that Idol calls home.  This new collection is sure to continue building the Dick Idol brand’s position as the premiere outdoor lifestyle brand for the home and the top source for refined rustic styling.     

 

Dick Idol, founder and namesake of the brand, said, “We felt strongly that we didn’t need to recreate the wheel.  We’ve seen many good brands lose their way over time by forgetting who they are and what types of products historically work for them.  These brands are too often tempted to try to become something they’re not and end up declining because their products become watered down and look like everything else.”  He added, “The Dick Idol brand has experienced tremendous success with the original furniture groups that offered our customers rustic elegance and a good value.  We believe there is a big opportunity to build on our past success if we can improve our core products, continue offering a good value, and deliver consistently.”

 

The new “Montana Reflections” collection is a true “Reflection” of the brand’s historical success and Idol’s Montana roots.  The group’s mission-inspired panel design mixes birch solids with maple veneers and offers a rustic yet sophisticated execution of the original collection’s signature two-toned finish.  In addition, a rustically elegant textured metal bed incorporates real distressed buffalo leather with baseball stitching and nailhead trim.  The collection emphasizes artistic details such as artistically sculpted metal twig accents and metal bas relief sculpted panels all created by Idol himself.  Authentic northwest-inspired embellishments include hand hammered metal insets and antiqued bronze hardware, among others.  These refined rustic furnishings incorporating such unique signature features are distinctly Dick Idol Legends and are sure to become treasured heirlooms.

 

Chad M. Turney, president and CEO of Shadow Mountain said, “We are thrilled with our partnership with Dick Idol and believe that this new collection is a great opportunity for us to penetrate a wide variety of accounts that have a great track record with the brand and are seeking proven, relatively low risk products.”  He added, “Shadow Mountain has demonstrated that we can offer superior rustic products at a great value and deliver them consistently, and we look forward to growing our Dick Idol business.”

Dick Idol has utilized his expertise in art, antiquities, and nature to create a lifestyle brand that brings the spirit of the outdoors into everyday American life.  In 2001, Idol successfully launched the Dick Idol Home Collection, an outdoor-inspired furniture and household accessories line that has established Idol as an original American lifestyle innovator.  More than 2,500 retailers in North America and overseas have carried Dick Idol products, with sales exceeding $150 million.  The “signature” Dick Idol Legends by Shadow Mountain line was launched in October 2006 with the objective of becoming the all-inclusive source for refined rustic styling for somewhat smaller independent furniture retailers and specialty furniture boutiques.  The new Montana Reflections collection is intended to allow Shadow Mountain to expand the line to a broader customer base.  Idol continues to design products and create fine artwork including paintings and sculptures in his studio in beautiful Whitefish, MT.  As Idol often says, “It’s a tough life, but somebody has to do it!”