The pace of 21st century life causes us to take things like expediency of communication and the relative ease of travel for granted….and yet here I am conducting business sitting inside a metal tube (that’s only 3/8 of an inch thick mind you) hurtling 36,000 feet above the earth’s surface at almost 500 miles per hour. Technology and human innovation are incredible!
Southwest is bringing me home from a two night trip to Best Home Furnishings headquarters in Indiana, where I met with other reps, ownership, and management to discuss matters relevant to our current business. I have had the privilege of serving on Best’s Sales and Marketing Committee this year…an opportunity that I have taken very seriously, and consider a privilege.
Our conversations covered many topics, including but not limited to current market conditions, industry and company specific challenges and how to overcome them, new product development, how to position ourselves to sell to a new generation of furniture buyers (yes those dang millennials), social media and its role for both the manufacturer and retailer, and strategies for kicking off 2020 with momentum. It was an incredibly productive three days, and we are as optimistic as ever about partnering with you, our valued retailers, to make this upcoming year a successful one.
Over the next several months as our action plan is engaged, you’ll be made aware of whats in the works for BHF….but this post isn’t about the details of our meeting. I’d rather draw your attention, as mine is every time I get to travel to the factory, to the 1000+ Americans who labor daily to produce fine upholstered furniture in the heart of our country.
There is a unique sense of pride that emanates from places like Ferdinand, Indiana, and physically being with the people of this company for three days has infused me with positive energy and a reminder that as challenging as the furniture business in 2019, this country provides unparalleled freedoms, nearly limitless opportunity, and the platform for people like Clem Lange to create the kind of great American success story that Best is.
Two dudes in a Southern Indiana barn building chairs has turned into one of the most respected upholstery manufacturers in the industry. From Day 1, the Lange family has remained committed to designing, building, and selling the highest quality furniture at affordable prices while maintaining a rapidly producing domestic manufacturing facility and keeping jobs right here in the US.
Sure, there are lots of admirable furniture manufacturers working hard to bring relevant product to the marketplace every day, creating jobs domestically and abroad but….call me a little biased…I think we’re the Best….
-Nate
