Kay Marquez

Date of Interview: February 19, 2009
Location of Interview: Marquez's Residence New York, New York
Length of Transcript: 17 pages 

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Biographical Summary

Kay Marquez was born in Baltimore, Maryland. She graduated from the New York School of Interior Design. Marquez worked as a paint and wallpaper buyer for Stern's Department Store, New York, and for Janovic, the largest paint contractor in New York. Her ambition was to work directly with the design community and she joined Jack Lenor Larsen Incorporated in the late 1960s, remaining there for thirty years. 
Marquez worked her way up to Vice President at Jack Lenor Larsen Incorporated responsible for the New York multi-line showroom, the largest profit center. She worked with many vendors and became the top salesperson. Marquez left Jack Lenor Larsen Incorporated when the company was sold to manage the Pranich New York showroom. She later joined Niermann Weeks, a manufacturer of lighting and furniture, as National Sales Manager. Marquez is now retired.
 

Interview Topics

Marquez comments on the loyalty of the Jack Lenor Larsen Incorporated customers; the excellent training the sales force received; the unique atmosphere in the showroom; the revolutionary nature of some of the fabrics; Jack Lenor Larsen’s innovative marketing ideas; and Jack Lenor Larsen’s close involvement and interaction with the company.

Funding for these oral histories was provided by a Craft Research Fund Grant from the University of North Carolina, Ashville Center for Craft, Creativity & Design.