Who We Are
We are a united group of caring and talented people dedicated to the success of our friends and customers.
We create a positive, supportive work environment and are committed to the betterment of those with whom we come in contact.
Tanya Friedman
Tanya Friedman is a customer service representative at Benchmark Contract Furniture. Prior to working at Benchmark, Tanya worked in the retail management industry. Tanya is passionate about her job role and is committed to providing the best possible customer care. Tanya grew up in Central Florida then attended college in Tallahassee, FL before settling in Jacksonville. Outside of work, Tanya enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.
Paul Haser
Vice President
Paul has been in the furniture industry since 1984 and joined Benchmark Contract Furniture at its inception in 1996. He knew from the very beginning that he wanted to be a part of a great company that was very forward thinking and that offered one of the best product lines in the industry. In the past 19 years Paul has had the privilege, along with so many of his talented co-workers, to help Benchmark grow to be the major manufacturer and supplier of quality furniture that it is today. Because we have always stayed true to our original beliefs, he knows that Benchmark will be offering all of our clients the same great service and great products tomorrow and into the future.
Karen Schindler
Project Manager / Designer
Prior to joining Benchmark in 2011, Karen has worked for companies such as Best Buy and Ashley Furniture Industries as a space planner and retail designer and enjoys all aspects of design, She enjoys working at Benchmark making the designs on paper become a reality. When Karen is not working, you will typically find her one of two places, at home playing with her dog and foster dog or on the water. She participates in a sport called Dragon Boating and is a member of a local Jacksonville team and as made the state team in Florida. Karen also races outrigger canoes around Florida, it is her goal to one day get invited to the Molokai outrigger race in Hawaii. Off the water, she volunteers for an organization called Labrador Retriever Rescue of North Florida, they foster rescued or surrendered labs until they find their forever home.
Kayla Wilde
Kayla Wilde is a long time Global Business and Product Development manager who arrived at Benchmark Contract Furniture in October of 2014. She worked in the promotional marketing industry for over 6 years managing and importing manufactured goods into the US. Her hobbies consist of beaching, hiking, gardening and has a passion for real estate, i.e. property management, renovating, redesigning and flipping houses.
Mark Carroll
I started Benchmark in 1996 with the mission statement… ”To build honest products and enduring relationships”.
Nearly 20 years later, I am very proud to say that we have remained true to that goal.
Our products can be found all over North America and we continue to work with many of the same national brands that helped us get started long ago.
We have added many wonderful and talented people over the years and our products and services are more diversified than ever.
We hope to add a positive touch to every client that we encounter.
Melissa Compton
Director of Accounting Services
Melissa Compton has a diverse management and accounting background. She grew up in Orange Park FL and graduated with honors from University of Phoenix with a Bachelors degree in Accounting Management. She has been recognized in Who’s Who for accounting among other awards from previous employers. Melissa spent 15 years of her career in retail related companies in both management and accounting and also spent 7 years in the sports and entertainment field before joining Benchmark Contract Furniture in 2007. She is a leader in the management accounting field and was instrumental in creating a local chapter of the National Association of Professional Women. Since partnering with Benchmark Contract Furniture, Melissa has streamlined the billing process in addition to re-organizing the accounting department to run more efficiently. In her spare time, she volunteers at Feeding Northeast Florida and various volunteer opportunities within her church including Stop Hunger Now.
