Industry veteran Bryan Echols is taking on the role of president of Jensen Outdoor, following the retirement of Eric Parsons, who remains with the company as chairman and strategic adviser.
“It’s really an honor. And I think that one of the things that is important to me is recognizing all the work that was done to get Jensen in the place that it is, and what a fantastic team that Eric has built,” Echols said. “I’m thankful that he’s still going to be involved as chairman of the board and in the advisory capacity. And I’m just excited about working with the team and continuing the story of Jensen and helping it to grow and keep moving on.”
Echols joined Jensen Outdoor last summer as vice president of sales. Prior to that, he was senior vice president of sales and marketing at Lloyd Flanders, after a nearly 30-year career as a manufacturer’s representative for brands such as Samsonite Furniture, Grossfilex, Shelley’s Cushions & Umbrellas, Three Coins Imports, Treasure Garden and Lloyd Flanders.
“Bryan is a proven leader with deep industry knowledge, exceptional customer insight and a steady, values-driven approach to growth,” Parsons said. “He understands what makes Jensen special — our people, our partners, and our product integrity — and he is exceptionally well prepared to lead the organization forward. I am confident Jensen is in very capable hands.”
Echols earned the International Casual Furniture Retailers Association’s Sales Rep of the Year Award in 1998 and also received Sales Rep of the Year awards from Treasure Garden and Lloyd Flanders. He also earned Sales Rep of the Year honors from the International Casual Furnishings Association in 2010 and 2016.
Echols also has been an active member of the ICFA, serving on the organization’s board since 2013 and chairing the ICFA Sales Representative Council in 2016.
Parsons, who joined Jensen Outdoor in 2019 and has been president since 2022, will remain actively involved in guiding long-term strategy, product development and leadership mentorship in his role as chairman and strategic adviser. Prior to working with Jensen, he was president of Gloster Furniture and in leadership positions with Brown Jordan and Woodard.
Under Echols’ leadership, Jensen Outdoor will continue to advance its vision of sustainable luxury. The company said this leadership transition reflects continuity, not disruption, and reinforces Jensen Outdoor’s long-term commitment to its retail partners, sales representatives, designers and vendors.
“As president, my focus is simple and disciplined,” Echols said. “We will continue to strengthen our partnerships, support our retail and trade community, and invest thoughtfully in the people and processes that allow Jensen to perform at the highest level. This transition positions us to take on new opportunities while remaining deeply committed to the relationships and standards that have defined Jensen Outdoor for decades.”
