800-526-4677
Gabriel Schwartz
VP of Corporate Strategy and Development
Gabriel Schwartz is an accomplished sales and strategy executive with over 14 years of experience in the FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment) industry. As the Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Development at Hertz Furniture, Gabriel leverages his expertise in sales leadership, process optimization, and strategic planning to drive long-term growth. His ability to identify innovative classroom furniture solutions and enhance customer offerings has positioned Hertz Furniture as a leader in the learning space sector.
As Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Development since January 2024, Gabriel Schwartz spearheads strategic initiatives to optimize business operations and drive market expansion. By implementing innovative, process-driven sales strategies, he enhances client solutions and fosters long-term partnerships. A strong advocate for professional growth, Gabriel focuses on training, mentoring, and development programs that strengthen customer service and overall company performance.
Previously, as Vice President of Sales for the Western Region from September 2017 to November 2024, Gabriel led a team of five sales managers across California and Arizona, achieving remarkable growth, including a 54% increase in sales and a 53% rise in gross profit between 2018 and 2019. By developing a targeted prospect acquisition strategy, he secured 360 new clients and generated $4.6 million in new sales. Under his leadership, the California region climbed to the fourth-highest gross profit earner in the U.S., up from fifth place in 2018. Additionally, Gabriel introduced sales pipeline tracking tools to enhance revenue forecasting and business expansion while establishing operational processes that improved client satisfaction and increased market share.
From May 2010 to December 2017, Gabriel served as Regional Sales Manager, earning recognition as the #1 Regional Sales Manager from 2013 to 2017. Over this period, he secured $35.5 million in sales with a 25% gross profit margin. A key achievement was executing Hertz Furniture’s largest multi-year contract—a five-year agreement worth $1 million annually—boosting gross profit margins to 31%. Demonstrating a keen eye for operational efficiency, Gabriel developed and launched a premier account order maintenance program to streamline shipping and build client trust. Committed to training and leadership, he mentored over 40 sales associates and managers in sales strategy and product knowledge, leading to increased revenue. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in initiating a company-wide post-sale automation system, allowing sales teams to focus on new client acquisitions.
Gabriel brings a deep understanding of learning space innovation, office design, business development, and project management. His experience in FF&E school furniture procurement and strategic growth ensures that Hertz Furniture continues to expand its reach while maintaining a strong company culture. Even as the company has grown, Gabriel has successfully nurtured a family-oriented environment, fostering collaboration and excellence.
Baruch College awarded Coleman a Bachelor's Degree in Small Business Entrepreneurship and Management, equipping him with a strong foundation in business strategy, leadership, and operational growth. In addition, he holds a degree in Architectural and Civil Design, which enhances his ability to understand complex project requirements and deliver innovative solutions in the furniture industry. His extensive training in sales leadership, strategic planning, and process optimization has played a key role in driving Hertz Furniture’s success, allowing him to implement efficient business strategies that support market expansion and client satisfaction.
Gabriel is a thought leader in classroom design, multi-use spaces, and educational innovation. His insights have been featured in several industry publications, where he explores the impact of flexible seating, ergonomic design, and adaptable furniture solutions on modern learning environments. In Top 5 Trends in Classroom Redesign, he examines how flexible seating enhances student engagement. In Multiuse Spaces Earn High Marks in Schools, he highlights the importance of adaptable furniture for dynamic learning. Additionally, his feature in This Inland Empire Charter School is Teaching Students to Be the Boss showcases how innovative classroom furniture supports entrepreneurship-focused education by fostering collaboration, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
As a leader at Hertz Furniture, Gabriel works closely with the Project Solutions team to ensure clients receive expert guidance in selecting classroom furniture and designing dynamic learning environments.
When he’s not optimizing sales strategies or driving business growth, Gabriel enjoys spending time with his family and attending car shows, a passion he has pursued for years.
Gabriel Schwartz’s leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence make him a cornerstone of Hertz Furniture’s ongoing success.
Connect with Gabriel on LinkedIn.
Looking to optimize your school's learning environment? Contact Gabriel and the Hertz Furniture team today.
