The embroidery industry lost a well-loved professional recently when Steve Firman, territory sales representative for Barudan America, died following a short illness. An industry veteran with 24 years experience, Firman began his career selling Meistergram monogram machines for Macpherson Meistergram. Since 1995, he was Barudan’s Nashville-based South-Central sales representative.

Embroiderer Beverly Merkel echoed the sentiments of many when she expressed sadness at Firman’s passing and praise of his character in a post on Stitches’ Facebook page. “I purchased both of my Barudan machines through Steve,” Merkel wrote. “He was so helpful and remembered me from purchasing my first one 13 years ago. He will be sadly missed by all his customers. He was such a nice, helpful person.”

Firman is survived by his wife Stephanie and son Tyler.