The Pete Primeau Show

Producer Chris Stone takes over as host and puts Pete in the hot seat with some fun and interesting questions. Pete chats about his most embarrassing sales rep moments, shares practical tips for tackling Market, and drops some solid advice for anyone dreaming of opening their own mattress store. He dives into the importance of networking, taking customer feedback seriously, and constantly learning...

In this episode, we’re joined by Darren Sparks, President of BedTech, and Justin Trumbo, Owner of BedTech Midwest. Darren discusses his vision for transforming retail partnerships by offering superior products with faster delivery, using technology to improve both customer and partner experiences, ultimately boosting sales and profitability for retailers. Justin, who transitioned from retail sales...

In this episode, we’re joined by two industry veterans with deep expertise in the bedding sector: Steve Karns and Phil Carlitz. Steve is the Director of Sales at Bedding Industries of America, bringing more than 40 years of experience in the industry. His extensive background working with both large and small retailers gives him a unique perspective on sales and the bedding market. Phil Carlitz, c...

In this episode, we chat with Mike Salter, a seasoned veteran with over 20 years of experience in the Home Furnishings Industry. Mike is the owner of his own independent rep company and also runs Retailer Advantage, a company dedicated to providing promotional solutions for retail stores. Known for his positive energy, great sense of humor, and knack for creative problem-solving, Mike shares his i...

In this episode, we chat with Chris Taheny, a veteran of the mattress industry with over a decade of experience. Chris not only makes a special announcement, but also shares his expert insights on the latest trends shaping the industry, the challenges businesses face, and the innovative strategies driving consumer satisfaction. Whether you're interested in the future of sleep technology or looking...

In this festive episode, Pete discusses the importance of customer experience in the mattress and furniture industry, especially during the holiday season. He emphasizes creating a memorable, personalized shopping experience that stands out and influences purchasing decisions. Pete highlights the value of making customers feel understood and comfortable, fostering trust and loyalty.   He also shar...

In this episode, we sit down with Mark Klingenberg, the National Sales Manager for Personal Comfort/Instant Comfort. With an impressive background in the bedding industry, Mark brings a wealth of experience from both wholesale and retail sales of smart beds. He shares insights into the evolution of the sleep technology market, the growing demand for adjustable beds, and the innovative solutions th...

In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Wipfler, the Director of Sales at Mueller Furniture and Mattress Co. With more than ten years of experience in the industry, Michael is known for his collaborative leadership style and empathetic approach. Tune in as we explore his insights on creating successful sales teams, cultivating a positive work environment, and the role of empathy in leadership. Mi...

Welcome back to "ASK PETE!", the must-listen podcast for everyone in the mattress industry. In this episode, Pete Primeau, drawing on over 40 years of experience, teams up with his producer Chris Stone to address your questions. Don’t miss this chance to hear Pete share his insights and personal anecdotes. So put on your headphones, relax, and prepare for an episode brimming with wisdom and practi...

The Pete Primeau Show is turning 200! Join us for a very special live celebration as we honor Pete Primeau, the legend who’s been the guiding light for mattress industry veterans, newbies, and everyone in between. For two decades, Pete has empowered business owners with actionable advice, insider knowledge, and an unshakable passion for helping others thrive.   This isn’t just any podcast—it’s you...

In this episode, we sit down with Andrew, an 8-year veteran in the furniture industry, and currently a store manager at Slumberland Furniture. With years of experience under his belt, Andrew shares valuable insights on building a successful career in retail, emphasizing the importance of integrity, honesty, and a strong work ethic. He also discusses his personal journey in the industry, the challe...

In this episode, host Pete Primeau, President of Primeau Furniture Sales, dives into the latest trends shaping the world of sales today. Pete shares his insights on how the furniture sales industry is evolving, the impact of digital transformation, and the strategies sales professionals need to adopt to stay ahead of the curve. Whether you're a seasoned sales pro or just starting out, this episode...

In this episode, we sit down with industry veterans Greg Jent and Steve Houk to explore the dynamic world of mattress sales and marketing. Greg, owner of Discount Mattress and a sales representative for Puffy and BedGear, shares insights from his 23 years in the industry. Meanwhile, Steve, owner of Boise Mattress and the mastermind behind the Mattress Industry Network Group on Facebook, discusses...

Welcome back to "ASK PETE!", the must-listen podcast for everyone in the mattress industry. In this episode, Pete Primeau, drawing on over 40 years of experience, teams up with his producer Chris Stone to address your questions. Don’t miss this chance to hear Pete share his insights and personal anecdotes. So put on your headphones, relax, and prepare for an episode brimming with wisdom and practi...

In this episode, we chat with Kelly Charles, the Owner and President of The Big Mattress Outlet, who brings over 25 years of experience in the mattress industry. Kelly shares her insights on the latest trends in sleep technology and what to look for when choosing the perfect mattress. We also dive into her journey as a business owner and her passion for helping customers achieve better sleep. Plus...

In this episode, we welcome Karen Converse, an industry veteran with over 20 years of experience in both retail and wholesale. Currently thriving as an independent rep, Karen shares her insights on navigating the ever-changing landscape of the industry. We discuss her journey, the challenges she has faced, and the strategies that have contributed to her success. Whether you’re in retail, wholesale...

In this episode, we welcome Steve Houk, the owner of Boise Mattress and the driving force behind the largest Facebook group in the mattress industry, The Mattress Industry Network Group. Just as a football coach strategizes to build a winning team, Steve has mastered the art of marketing and sales, creating a robust network that supports store owners across the nation.    We dive into his insights...

In this episode, we welcome Michael Wipfler, the Director of Sales for Mueller Furniture and Mattress Co. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Michael is recognized for his collaborative leadership style and empathetic approach. Join us as we dive into his insights on building effective sales teams, fostering a positive work culture, and the importance of empathy in leadership. Michae...

In this episode, we welcome Larry Levine, best-selling author of *Selling from the Heart* and co-host of the *Selling from the Heart Podcast*. With over 30 years of experience in B2B technology sales, Larry has a deep understanding of what it takes to thrive in today's challenging sales landscape. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity, helping sales teams not only grow their revenue but als...

In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Brent Batterman, a seasoned expert with over twenty years in the mattress industry. Brent has made significant strides in transforming sales and product launches, notably through his work at Mattress Firm. He’s renowned for his leadership in training sales teams and for pioneering the first waterfall system with finance companies—a groundbreaking innovati...

In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Gordon, Senior Regional Manager at Strategic Retail Group. With over 40 years of experience in the Home Furnishings and Mattress Industry, Gordon is a highly respected consultant with deep expertise in product development, marketing, sales, and management. His extensive background has made him a key figure in the industry, and he’s also a prolific writer...

In this episode, we’re thrilled to host Roy Osing, a visionary leader who propelled a startup to a staggering $1 billion in annual sales. Roy is the unique blend of author, entrepreneur, and executive leader known for his groundbreaking strategies and audacious approaches to business. With over 40 years of unparalleled executive experience, including serving as President and CMO of a major data an...

In this episode, we're joined by two remarkable guests. Scott Vaughn, the owner of Happy Zzz's Sit n' Sleep in Paducah and Benton, Kentucky, shares his journey transitioning from owning two America Mattress Stores to establishing his own successful business. Meanwhile, Scott Bidwell, a seasoned marketer and business expert with over two decades of experience, brings invaluable insights from his wo...

In this episode, we sit down with Pete, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 29 years of experience in business ownership. Pete is dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs transform their frustrations into freedoms by cutting through the chaos and overwhelm of running a business. Through a variety of effective frameworks, Pete empowers business owners to shift from being operators to true owners of...

Pete and “Super-Producer” Chris Stone dig into the world of business and the mattress industry, covering a wide range of topics on the latest episode of “Ask Pete!” From Pete's personal journey and the importance of supportive partners to the impact of smart bed technology and the value of customer experience, this episode is packed with valuable insights. The conversation also delves into managin...