About Us
Schauben & Co is a premier multi-line sales organization serving the southeastern United States, featuring an Atlanta Showroom that is second to none in providing visionary direction to brands and retailers alike. More than just on-trend, our team provides an energetic approach to the future of the brands we represent and the retailers we sell to.
Our showroom is central to our existence. Our dedication to displaying brands in ways that stimulate the imagination has earned us a position as the cornerstone of AmericasMart’s AtlantaNext project, and we are very proud of our showroom space.
OUR TEAM
Founded in 1994 by Louise Appelman and Peter Schauben, the Schauben & Co team combines decades of gift and home industry experience with a dedication to letting the brands we sell shine, and we are ready, willing, and able to service the needs of our customers. Our 25 member sales force serves North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Kentucky, and Florida. The Caribbean, Central and South America territories are handled by our bi-lingual export specialist, who over the last 30 years who has developed a loyal clientele. In addition, we are honored to service accounts spread throughout the United States.
In our showroom, our 4 full-time highly trained sales professionals are available to serve you daily, Monday through Friday, and upon request can provide phone, facetime and zoom appointments.
Peter Schauben, President and Managing Partner, entered the retail gift industry in California in 1971. In 1975,he branched out into the wholesale arena with management in sales specializing in artisan based unique fashion, accessories and giftware. Peter is the founder of Gift for Life, a unified voice for the Gift Industry in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Doug Cofiell, Executive Vice President and Partner, Doug began his career as a sales rep for Ivystone developing several territories in the Mid-Atlantic region and learning the ropes of the gift and home industry. In June of 2020, Doug entered into a partnership for co-ownership for us. We welcome his exceptional leadership skills, innovative vision, and strategic approach in reforming our company culture and dynamic. Doug is former President of the Gift and Home Trade Association and current member of Vistage International-the world’s leading chief executive organization.
Mary Crist is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Her experience includes 30 years in sales management in the gift and home industry. Mary is the sales director of Division II and works with 2 Key Accounts.
Diana Blackburn is Vice President of Sales for our Division I. She has 35 years of experience in sales and sales management. Based in Miami, Diana oversees and works with Export Key Accounts.
Kelly Patchett is the Vice President of Operations with 18 years of experience in the gift industry and is our main contact for IT, HR, Commissions and Operations.
ATLANTA SHOWROOM TEAM
Alicia Chimento is the Atlanta Showroom Manager with 20 years of experience in the gift & home and apparel industries. She oversees all showroom operations and serves as the company’s executive administrator.
Brittany Waters is the Director of Marketing with 8 years of experience in the gift & home industry. She oversees customer service as well as being an onsite visual coordinator.
Burke Price is the Assistant Showroom Manager with 5 years of experience in the gift & home industry. She oversees customer service as well as being an onsite visual coordinator.