Biz News: Home furnishings and design business celebrates 95 years
Von Hemert Interiors recently marked the family-run business’s 95th anniversary with a celebration co-hosted by California Homes magazine.
Sisters Carrie and Kelly von Hemert represent the fourth generation of their family to run the home furnishings and interior design business, which has a showroom at 1595 Newport Blvd. in Costa Mesa and others in Laguna Beach and Torrance.
The business was started in 1920 by the sisters’ great-grandmother Anna Martin von Hemert. She opened a shop in Los Angeles, selling imported high-end silks, satins and other fabrics. Her son Theodore joined her in the business after studying interior design and worked as a movie set designer, as well as on interior designs for homes.
When Anna von Hemert wanted to retire in the late 1940s, Theodore added furniture to the business and moved it to Laguna Beach.
In the 1960s, Theodore and his son Barry built the 30,000-square-foot Costa Mesa showroom, along with the 11,000-square-foot Torrance location.
In the late 1980s, Barry’s son Mickey began the fourth-generation’s era, specializing in management and purchasing until 2011.
Kelly and Carrie joined their brother Mickey and father, Barry, in the business in the 1990s. The sisters now operate it.
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Irvine marketing and PR firm sold to its vice president
Melinda Morgan Kartsonis, founder and president of Irvine-based Morgan Marketing & Public Relations, announced that she has sold the company to Kristin Daher, the agency’s vice president.
The agency’s employees and clients will remain with the 25-year-old firm, according to a news release.
“It has been rewarding to play a part in the success of many wonderful brands,” Morgan Kartsonis said in a statement. “While celebrating countless wins with Morgan Marketing, after 25 years the time is right to follow my heart and take on new challenges while pursuing my many other interests.”
Morgan Marketing has represented clients across many industries, including Del Taco, Lugano Diamonds, Wienerschnitzel, Juice It Up!, Pieology Pizzeria, Hawaiian Host and Philly’s Best.
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Modere names new chief marketing officer
Modere, a retailer of beauty, personal care, health and wellness and household products, has appointed Vic Catalfamo as chief marketing officer.
Catalfamo, along with the Modere product development and marketing teams, will work in the company’s newly opened Newport Beach office. He succeeds Bob Finigan, who will transition to the new role of chief brand officer, the company said.