Luis Barragan

Luis Barragan, 35, the president and chief operating officer of 1-800-Mattress, died in a tragic accident while on vacation with his family in Connecticut.
Barragan was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the $170-million leading national retailer of bedding products and its 350 employees, based in Long Island City. He is credited with the development and successful implementation of the company’s growing retail store division strategy, and with opening warehouse and distribution centers in California and Chicago, which provided faster and better service for customers in those regions. Several years ago he led the company’s expansion into e-commerce, making www.mattress.com the world’s most trafficked bedding site.
&#8220Luis was a visionary for how mattress retailing would evolve. He was able to see the growth of the internet as a credible retailing channel, and he encouraged us to expand our showroom division,” said Founder and Chief Executive Officer Napoleon Barragan. &#8220Through his energy, intelligence and commitment to our brand, he made a tremendous contribution to our company and our employees. He was a loving, caring father, brother and son who will be sorely missed.”
Barragan joined his father Napoleon, the founder of the company, in 1992, after studying business at St. John’s University. He began his career as a purchasing agent, and in two years was promoted to assistant general manager. In 1996 he was named director of operations, and two years later added the title of vice president. In 2002, he was promoted to president and chief operating officer of the company.
Most recently, he was elected vice chairman of the Better Business Bureau Serving Metropolitan New York.
Barragan also played an important role in the company’s charitable giving program. After Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast last year, he initiated the quick shipment of 3,000 air mattresses to the region.
&#8220When we learned of the devastation we were quickly in touch with our partners in the region to see how we could be of help. Though many of them had business interruptions themselves, they were all concerned about their local citizens and together, we devised a strategy to help,” he said at the time.
&#8220We know that in times of crisis such as these, exhaustion and sleep deprivation are a part of the health concerns facing victims and rescue workers,” he added. &#8220We are grateful to our local workers who helped us get temporary bedding to the local communities who needed assistance most. We hope that in a small way, we can bring a bit of comfort and rest to the victims of this terrible tragedy.”
Barragan is survived by his wife, Leslie, three children, two sisters and brother, and his parents.