HPU Students Gain Experience and Make Connections at High Point Market

High Point University students worked alongside thousands of home furnishings professionals during the fall High Point Market, which ran from Oct. 25-29. Pictured from left in the Bernhardt Furniture Company showroom were Jack Brusse, a sophomore finance major; Ryan Foley, a junior business administration major; and Jack Allyn, a senior business administration major.

HIGH POINT, N.C., Nov. 3, 2025 – High Point University students worked alongside thousands of home furnishings professionals during the fall High Point Market, which ran from Oct. 25-29. Students gained life skills and real-world experience in the furniture, design, merchandising and sales sectors as they handled various job responsibilities during one of the world’s largest home furnishings tradeshows.

Learning Outside the Classroom

Jack Allyn, a senior business administration major, worked with dozens of other HPU students at the Bernhardt Furniture Company showroom. He assisted the company’s Florida sales representative for a second market at the rep’s request.

“I want to be an entrepreneur, so learning my sales pitch and being able to practice it in real-time and face-to-face with people from all over the world is an amazing opportunity,” said Allyn, who is from Ledyard, Connecticut. “It feels great to be able to contribute to High Point’s economy, with furniture its bread and butter.”

Ryan Foley, a junior business administration major from Weston, Massachusetts, assisted Bernhardt’s East Coast sales representatives. He said he appreciated getting the opportunity twice a year to work at the High Point Market, which will look good on his resume.

“Getting a little bit of sales experience and seeing the day-to-day life helps me to build my professionalism skills,” Foley said. “Being in an environment where people have this as fulltime jobs, where much of their income comes from the High Point Market and being able to help sales reps is an awesome experience, especially as a student.”

Jack Brusse, a sophomore finance major, got his first market experience working in the Bernhardt showroom.

“It’s been a great way to work on sales skills to be personable,” said Brusse, who is from Annapolis, Maryland. “I’ve worked with a lot of interior designers, who all have different visions.”

Caroline Edwards, a junior interior design major, worked for her fourth market with Bernhardt by guiding customers through the showroom and creating wish lists for them. She also provided pricing information and assisted two North and South Carolina sales representatives.

“Working at the High Point Market has given me invaluable insight into the business side of the interior design industry,” said Edwards, who is from Delray Beach, Florida. “I’ve learned how to connect with clients, understand their design preferences and clearly communicate product details. I’ve also gained a deeper appreciation for how much goes into furniture making – from design and material selection to craftsmanship and how it is essential to build lasting relationships with customers throughout the process. Observing how designers and sales representatives collaborate has shown me the importance of trust and communication in creating successful, client-centered designs. This experience will greatly benefit my future career as an interior designer by strengthening my client communication skills, product knowledge and appreciation for the artistry behind each piece.”

Nikki Schreiber, a sophomore interior design major, worked at the Bernhardt showroom assisting a representative for Michigan and eastern Canada.

“Learning about their collections, furniture pieces and how they fit into different spaces was really beneficial,” said Schreiber, who is from Middletown, New York. “We’re also learning how to talk to customers about prices and helping them through the process of choosing what they might need or what they might be interested in having on their floors for the people who have showrooms.”

Building Life Skills

Working at the market was helpful for Destiny Webster, a sophomore interior design major whose goal is to work with designers and eventually open her own firm.

“I think it helps my communications skills and my interaction with different people,” said Webster, who is from Durham, North Carolina. “I can meet other designers as well.”

Celia Caliri, a sophomore communications major, spent her first time working at the market by gaining hospitality experience at Bernhardt’s front desk and connecting customers with sales representatives.

“We’re the first face that someone sees when walking into the building, so we try to be as warm and welcoming as possible,” said Caliri, who is from East Greenwich, Rhode Island. “We answer people’s questions and scan them in. It’s an important position, but I really want to move up to be a sales rep assistant and show people through the showroom. I didn’t realize how big the furniture market world was, how important it is and that there’s a lot of money in it.”

Lindsey Tombline, a sophomore marketing major with a minor in fashion merchandising, worked at the D&W Silks showroom in the International Home Furnishings Center by helping scan customers’ passes, answer questions and take orders.

“This job has helped me in the business field,” said Tombline, who is from Long Island, New York. “Just hearing the sales reps’ and the business owners’ market strategies helps me to think differently.”

Kylie Figueroa, a senior interior design major from Orange, California, worked as an assistant to Florida sales reps for the Wildwood brand during her fourth time working at the High Point Market.

“Not only have I gotten real-world experience and a sense of what it looks like to work for major companies, but I also hope that one day I will be on the other end of this, visiting these showrooms as a buyer from these great companies,” Figueroa said. “Last year I had the privilege of being selected for the Diversity Advocacy Alliance Insider Access Experience that gave me and one other student the opportunity to walk side-by-side with the famous designer and TV personality Mikel Welch, getting insight into market trends from the Fall 2024 market and pointing out the things he looks for when he is walking through market.”

Olivia Wenzel, a junior interior design major with a minor in entrepreneurship, worked at Behold Home’s showroom for her fourth market. Originally from Wrentham, Massachusetts, she began working with Behold Home during her freshman year, initially shadowing the sales team. She took on a front-desk position by her sophomore year, and now in her junior year, she played an integral leadership role with the company. She set up the showroom, hired and trained interns, oversaw daily operations, assisted sales representatives and ensured the showroom’s presentation and client experience are exceptional.

“This year, they let me come in for the last five weeks and set up the showroom,” Wenzel said. “I found interns for them this year. I’ve trained the interns and set up an intern program that will be passed down each year. I’ve been able to grow with this company, and beyond the furniture market as a student I’ve gotten to meet designers and furniture retailers.”

Through her experience at High Point Market, Wenzel has gained confidence and skills in sales, leadership and organization, along with hands-on knowledge in showroom design, hiring and management. Working at the market has shaped both her educational journey and her future career path — strengthening her ability to blend design and business while preparing her to lead with creativity and professionalism in the interior design industry.

Madison Jacobowitz, a sophomore criminal justice major who greeted customers at the Behold Home showroom, gained customer service experience while working a third time at the market.

“It’s not similar to my major, but it helps you learn people skills and things you wouldn’t necessarily learn in the classroom,” said Jacobowitz, who is from Hollywood, Florida.

Sophia Roglieri, a sophomore interior design major, worked for a third time at the High Point Market in the Rene Cazares showroom and said it was a beneficial experience.

“This market, I am focusing on maintaining the showroom, making sure all the rooms are presentable,” said Roglieri, who is from Clifton Park, New York. “I’m also engaged in helping with the front desk, greeting customers and making sure everything is going according to a plan. I love how we can have this real-life experience. I get to connect with industry professionals from all over the country and even the world, from design firms to sales reps. That is one unique aspect that I might not have gotten elsewhere. I’m excited to keep working market, building my networking and seeing where my life can take me.”