MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. -- Randy Gum, vice president of sales for Midwest distributor Misco Shawnee Inc., will become the company’s president this month when Paul Murfin departs to assume the reins as new president of Bona Kemi USA.

"As part of our succession plan, we began grooming Randy for this promotion when he joined Misco in 1997", said Misco's Chairman Jim Gould. “He is ready.”

Gum's floor covering career started with Color Tile Inc. in 1983. He later worked as a field sales representative and sales manager for a Baltimore distributor before becoming vice president of sales and marketing for Superior Products in Baltimore.

Gum joined Misco in 1997 as vice president of sales. He has served six years on the board of directors of the Maryland State Floor Covering Association. Currently based in Misco's Chicago office, Gum is in the process of relocating to the corporate headquarters in St. Louis.

Misco is one of the country's largest floor covering distributors. It represents Domco, Nafco, Azrock, Pergo Laminate, Award, Columbia, Bruce Hardwood, Color Tile, and Laroc ceramics. The company services the Midwest from offices and warehouses located in St. Louis, Chicago, Cincinnati, Detroit and Cleveland.