EASLEY, SC- Over 400 people from all over the world attended the funeral April 6 for Jim Clardy, founder and president of 828 International Trading. He died Sunday, April 3, after suffering a massive heart attack on Wednesday, March 30. He was 50.
I lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be made to the Jade Tree Project, First Asia Development, PO BOX 9606, Springdale, AR 72766.
Clardy is survived by his widow, Martha, a daughter, Andrea, and a son, Caleb.
Jim Clardy founded 828 in 1994 after traveling to Moldova on a church mission trip in 1992. He discovered the remnants of a carpet industry in the impoverished Balkan country, with a labor force longing to find economic independence.
He had a brilliant idea. Fix up the old rug machinery and sell the rugs in the United States. Until that time, Clardy knew nothing about the rug business. But he was a fast learner.
The name of the company was inspired by a New Testament Bible verse: Romans 8:28. "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God." The short line of scripture was the guiding force of his personal and professional life.
Clardy worked closely with the weavers of Moldova to develop a products that would offer Americans classically designed Oriental style rugs that offered good value. The Moldovan Masters collection was introduced in 1995.
In 1996, John Shepherd joined 828 as chairman of the board and chief executive officer.
Together they built a company that now includes both machine made and hand made rugs from all over the world. The collections now include room size rugs, mansion size rugs and bath and accent rugs. In the past year, the company has made a major effort in the textiles segment of the market.
Under the leadership of Clardy and Shepherd, 828 has established a reputation for innovative, high quality rugs at value-oriented prices.
Clardy soon developed a passion for rugs, but his compassion for people has been strengthened over the years, as well. Working in Tibet with an economic development company, he helped establish a new rug factory. Samples from this rug factory will be on display in 828's showroom during the upcoming International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, NC.
"828 International-its employees and salesmen-have lost more than a founder,€VbCrLf said John Shepherd, CEO of 828 International. "We've lost a friend, a leader, and a visionary. His presence will be missed, but his passion will continue to inspire us as we move the company ahead.€VbCrLf
(Photo: Courtesy of Paul Shaper Productions)
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