Craig McAndrews

Mr. McAndrews has over 27 years of business experience in sales, marketing and C-level leadership. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. He began his career in sales at Sealy/Stearns & Foster mattress company where he served as a key account executive. He transitioned to the Simmons Company and at the age of 29 became the youngest Vice President of Sales in company history. After seven years as a sales rep and sales leader, he became an entrepreneur, opening a franchise in Arizona for Mattress Firm. During the four years of owning and operating the business, he and his team expanded the store count to eighteen locations. In 2003, he and his partner sold the business and launched a retail consulting firm specializing in consumer purchase research and sales education. During his time as the Executive Director of Innovate Retail, they launched a prolific mystery shopping program and designed a variety of sales process systems for top home furnishings retailers. In 2009, Mr. McAndrews rejoined Mattress Firm as the Southeast Regional Sales Manager. In 2012, he was appointed Chief Merchandising Officer of the organization responsible for supply agreements, product selection and pricing. As Mattress Firm expanded, he transitioned into the role of Chief Learning Officer and was instrumental in introducing a tuition reimbursement benefit and an expanded sales education program. In 2014 he received the Mattress Firm Spirit of Life award which recognizes an individual in the organization who embodies the principles of service and leadership the company was founded on. In 2016 he was appointed Chief Strategy Officer at Mattress Firm responsible for growth plans in stores and online. Since leaving Mattress Firm his focus has been on teaching at the University of Houston main campus. Mr. McAndrews is an Executive Professor in the C.T. Bauer College of Business. He teaches Introduction to Professional Sales, Advanced Professional Sales and Sales for Social Impact. Mr. McAndrews also does consulting, corporate speaking, and executive education. His areas of expertise include Sales, Sales Leadership, Merchandising, Key Account Selling, Marketing, and Executive Leadership.

Areas of Expertise

• Key Account Selling
• Sales Leadership
• Leadership Development
• Executive Coaching