Nashville—CCA Global Partners kicked off its 2022 summer convention here Monday evening by paying tribute to Howard Brodsky, the co-founder, co-CEO and chairman of CCA, who is retiring from day-to-day activities after 38 years.
The tribute featured a one-on-one conversation with Brodsky about his career as well as testimonials from his siblings, college roommates at Wesleyan University in Connecticut and current and former CCA members. Many of them praised Brodsky for his empathy and warm heart, a man who has devoted considerable time to causes like Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Tunnel to Towers, as well as serving as a trustee at Southern New Hampshire University.
Brodsky, who started in the flooring business as a young teenager, said he was determined to make it a career after his father, who started the family flooring store in Manchester, N.H., passed away when Brodsky was 13 years old.
Brodsky regaled the audience at Opryland Hotel with stories of how he and Alan Greenberg took a chance on starting the co-op 38 years ago, at a time when many of the mills tried to convinced them otherwise.
However, it turned out to be the right decision as CCA has grown into a powerhouse as the industry’s largest buying group for flooring. “The cooperative is the great equalizer,” Brodsky said. “We can provide the tools to allow a small business to flourish while maintaining their independence.”
Although he is retiring from active duty, he will remain chairman of the board of CCA. “Over 38 incredible years, CCA Global has given my life both purpose and joy,” he said. “For me, the greatest joy has been building this company and community together for the betterment of everyone. I feel lucky every day to wake up with a passion and love for what I do. I have deep gratitude for each of you.”
Here are highlights from the event:
Rick Bennet, co-CEO of CCA Global Partners, presents outgoing co-CEO, Howard Brodsky, with a plaque recognizing his contributions over 38 years. Brodsky, seated with his wife Joan, will remain as chairman of the board but will relinquish day-to-day activities.
Brodsky addresses CCA members while surrounded by graduates of Southern New Hampshire University. Brodsky has been a trustee at the university for many years. As a retirement gift, CCA announced a scholarship in Brodsky’s name, with an initial funding of $200,000. “This is a touching, wonderful gift,” Brodsky told members. “You couldn’t have come up with a better gift for me.”
The CCA Summer Convention, which combines all the organization’s retail groups, continues this week with general sessions for Carpet One Floor & Home and Flooring America, as well as a vendor trade show.
Check back this week for more on the event.