LAUREL — The Home Furnishings Association (HFA) recently announced that David Koehler, chairman of Johnny Janosik in Laurel, has received the Home Furnishings Association’s Trailblazer Award for 2020. The award recognizes lifetime achievement in the retail furniture business.

A panel of industry experts selected Mr. Koehler based on several factors, including contributions to the industry, philanthropy, mentoring, customer experience, social responsibility, and challenges overcome. HFA plans to honor Mr. Koehler with an in-store celebration as COVID-19 restrictions allow, and the local community is also encouraged to congratulate their hometown retailer.

For 20 years Mr. Koehler worked with one of the nation’s top furniture retailers, Havertys Furniture based in Atlanta, and held various management positions.

Now serving as chairman, Mr. Koehler diligently worked to overcome the challenges of 2020 with the onset of COVID-19, helping Johnny Janosik reinvent their customer experience through socially responsible strategies.