Title: President
Company: Certificate Provision Services Inc.
Location: Rumson, New Jersey, United States
Willard C. Somers, president at Certificate Provision Services Inc., has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Business Owners for dedication, achievements, and leadership in manufacturing technology.
With nearly a decade of experience to his credit, Mr. Somers has established a successful career in manufacturing technology, specializing in business management and computer technology. He currently excels as the president of Certificate Provisions Services Inc., a position he has held since 2015. In this role, he addresses business problems by identifying their underlying causes and prescribing both organizational and technical solutions. His previous experience includes serving as an IT architect at IBM Corporation from 1998 to 2014, president of Computer Power Supply from 1991 to 1998, and president of Somers Corporation from 1976 to 1990. He also founded and owned Narragansett Surf Shop from 1962 to 1964. He has also contributed to the field by authoring several books: “Starting Through Time,” “Surfing Through Time Book One,” “Surfing Through Time Book Two,” and “Make Yourself Comfortable: How to Create the Home You’ve Always Wanted.”
Mr. Somers also dedicated his time as board chairman of the Surfers Environmental Alliance from 1997 to 2023 and as a volunteer for nonprofit consulting with the Harvard Business School Club of New York Community Partners since 2018. He serves as a board member of the Atlantic Surfing Museum, a role he has held since 2008, and remains an active supporter of his church. Laying a solid educational foundation, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in mechanical engineering from Princeton University in 1961 and a Master of Business Administration in finance administration and marketing from Harvard Business School, with distinction, in 1966. Additionally, he holds an IBM Certified Professional designation from IBM Corporation, awarded in 2001.
Reflecting on his journey, during his two-decade tenure as owner of Somers Corporation, Mr. Somers’ company employed 1,250 individuals and operated multiple plants totaling approximately one million square feet. Under his leadership, he acquired Mersman Tables in 1977, a well-established name in the living room table market, and expanded further in 1980 by purchasing Waldron Furniture in Arkansas. In 1982, he introduced the innovative “Comfortables” licensed living room store program, which integrated factory operations with retail outlets through computerized systems, enabling rapid custom orders based on daily polling of store transactions. With a $15 million inventory and the capability to produce upholstery within a week, his business model demonstrated remarkable success. He also takes great pride in successfully settling a debt of $11 million with Congoleum Corporation for Mersman Furniture, which led to him holding a 62% ownership stake in the company.
Mr. Somers is also proud of his surfing legacy, which includes being featured in the film “Origins.” Filmed from 1915 to 1918, the documentary celebrates his achievements and explores the history of Narragansett Surf Shops. In the coming years, his goals center on his lifelong commitment to the church and actively supporting and contributing to church initiatives across the United States. Reflecting on his past and future endeavors, he recognizes and hopes to pursue opportunities for growth and innovation, particularly noting missed chances in the 1980s to integrate computers into his manufacturing operations.
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