Krystin Franco - Employee Spotlight June 2022 Monday, May 30, 2022

Krystin’s Journey Here:

Krystin Franco has been with Home Furniture Plus Bedding in Lake Charles for two and half years working, full-time while maintaining a full-time college schedule in Accounting.

What do you like best about your job?

“I like the fact that everyone is very supportive and willing to help me with me working both inside the store at the counter as well as working next door in Accounting. I love how they all encourage me to succeed!”

Gene Bertrand, store manager, adds, “Having Krystin working in our store has been a key element to our success. There are many reasons for this, but the main thing being her determination to do the right thing.

As many of you are aware we have had a ‘whirlwind’ of business over the last year and a half, and Krystin has been in the middle of that whirlwind the entire time. It’s almost funny to say this, but it really doesn’t surprise me as to the excellent level of her work because that is just how good she really is. She is simply a great person to work with and she continues to learn and get better every day.

Even with all of that hard work and focus on display daily, one of the things about Krystin that really shines through is how much she cares for her niece Myla. Any time a conversation changes over to Myla, Krystin just lights up! It is usually a funny story or situation, but the way Krystin delivers that conversation fully conveys a message of who she really is.

She is also very focused on school and somehow manages a work/academic schedule that leaves neither side lacking excellence.

One more thing about her is her keen sense of humor. You ALWAYS have to be ready with Krystin around—because if you aren’t she’s going to cleverly slip in a ‘joke’ cleverly hidden as a ‘teaching moment’. Grammar, proper STORIS procedures, and ticket errors are her favorite targets and no one is safe!!

I’ve been at this job for a long time, and I’ve been fortunate to meet many really good, hard-working people that I’ve admired and been proud to work alongside. Krystin is definitely one of those people.

I look forward to seeing Krystin continue to grow both with our company as well as academically in her accounting field of study.”

 When Krystin is not at work:

“I really like to read, but these days, when I’m not at work, my free time is occupied with school and studying.”

 Advice for anyone wishing to join our Home Furniture Team:

“You must accept that the work can be demanding, but the work culture is unlike any other place. It’s a great team!”

Wil Weston, assistant store manager, adds, “What can I say about Krystin & her work journey since she has been here? It has been one amazing transformation from the beginning up to now. She truly cares what goes on with her co-workers as well as with the customer. She has been very enthusiastic about learning how Home Furniture operates from the front counter to the warehouse and even from a management standpoint. She is sweet and polite to everyone that encounters her. Her work ethic has been amazing. With her juggling a full-time school schedule and being a full-time employee, she has been able to perform at a high level without missing a beat. From the time I made her my lead, through ‘baptism by fire’ as we call it, she has grown from a young lady into a leader. I remember her saying, ‘Thanks for trusting me so much with the ladies at the front counter.’ Her passion for wanting to know more about the Home Furniture way has allowed her to adventure into our accounting department, which is her college major. Her future is bright in whatever path she chooses to go down. While she is here in the Lake Charles store, we like to call her our ‘Lil GG’ or ‘Wonder Woman.”

 Krystin currently resides in Sulphur, LA, where she was born and raised. She will be graduating in Accounting from McNeese State University in the Fall of 2023.

Amanda Doucet - Employee Spotlight May 2022 Monday, April 25, 2022

Amanda’s Journey Here:

Amanda Doucet has been with our Home Furniture marketing team since November 2020.

Says Amanda, “The stars aligned, allowing me to come ‘Home!’ Home Furniture, that is! Plus, I’m now living where I grew up! I’m really home!”

Prior to joining our team, Amanda worked in the hotel industry for 20 years as well as for Ashley Furniture in Durham, North Carolina as a “Retail Experience” manager, which consisted of customer relations, overseeing employees, and assisting the store manager as well as corporate headquarters.

In 2018, Amanda returned to Louisiana where she worked in marketing for Ivan Smith Furniture in Shreveport.

What do you like best about your job?

“Definitely the people I work with and for! The collaboration and teamwork here is phenomenal! The way people treat each other is heartfelt with true interest in your well-being.”

Karen Holston, with marketing, says, “There are days when you just need a bit of inspiration and a boost of positive energy. Since Amanda has joined our team, we don’t have to look far. She’s our sunshine on a rainy day!”

Doug Smith, with marketing, adds, “Amanda is a wonderful asset to our company. Not only does she contribute much knowledge and experience, she is eager to learn new things. She has a wonderful attitude and brings a lot of creativity along with being a great team member.”

When Amanda is not at work:

“First and foremost, is being ‘Granna’ to my one and only granddaughter (so far), Kamille! I also enjoy spending time with my family, going to estate sales, and thrifting, as well as spoiling my dog, Lalalu!”

The ONE thing most co-workers may not know:

“As a teenager, I met Jane Goodall and got to speak to her briefly one on one. I did not want to run off to the jungle to work with the chimps. I had a healthy fear of them and creepy crawly things that might live near them. I did respect and idolize Dr. Goodall’s passion and compassion for the animals and their well-being.”

Advice for anyone wishing to join our Home Furniture Team:

“Be ready to work as a team member. The success of this company relies on everyone, regardless of which department you work in. To get, for example, furniture into our customer’s homes, we all must do our part. Learn to learn from those around you. Everyone has some knowledge to offer that will help you grow not only as an employee but as a person as well!”

Amanda was raised in Acadiana and has lived in Louisiana most of her life. She now resides in Church Point, LA with her son, Chase, taking frequent excursions to Shreveport to visit her daughters, Kaylsea and Alaina, and their families.

Living Room Sets for Small Spaces Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Picking out sensible furniture for small spaces, like an apartment, can be tricky. Not only do you have to choose pieces that fit your space, but you also should consider pieces that are versatile! Home Furniture Plus Bedding has the perfect living room set for your smaller space, and here are a few that we recommend! 

Sofa Set - Off White

The delightfully comfortable small profile sofa set brings a stunning addition to your home, while not taking up a ton of space! Choose an off-white linen-look upholstery that gives a sense of natural fibers that blend well with the accent pillows with hints of blues, greens, and golds. Crisply tailored roll arms and block feet, offer classic styling with comfort. Accent pillows are often included. Most Living Room Sofa Sets include a sofa, loveseat, and chair!

Sofa Set - Brown Tweed

Enhance your family room or entertainment room with a tranisitional style sofa set by Lane Home Furnishings! Choices include a soft and breathable brown tweed microfiber-polyester upholstery that is both stain and water resistant. Most transitional groups have appealing design features such as plush button tufted back cushions, comfy seat cushions and large toss pillows along with track arms for endless hours of entertaining without taking up the entire room!

POWER Reclining Sofa Set - Diamond Beige

Up your relaxation game with a POWER Reclining Sofa Set. Elevate your feet with the easy-to-use POWER controls and allow your mind to levitate on a cloud of relaxation. Customized positioning at the touch of a button allows you to lean back at your favorite angle. The popular and convenient pad over chaise design between seat and feet provides a continuous surface both for comfort and convenience. These reclining sets will take up a bit more space, but will still fit perfectly in a smaller area! 

Visit Home Furniture Plus Bedding

The friendly staff at Home Furniture Plus Bedding can help you get the right pieces that fit your small space perfectly. We are passionate about what we do because we understand the importance of good furniture pieces. Visit one of our eight locations across East Texas and Louisiana, or contact us today!

David Texada - Employee Spotlight April 2022 Monday, March 21, 2022

David’s Journey Here:

While teaching an 8th grade catechism class in Lake Charles, LA, Home Furniture’s original founding father, Mr. George P. Fleming, mentioned to his students that if they ever needed anything, to let him know. Four years later, in 1970, 30 days after his high school graduation, David Texada did just that. He approached Mr. Fleming for a job as a warehouseman. Not only was David hired, but Mr. Fleming had David obtain a chauffeur's license that same day.

About a year later, Mr. Fleming’s son, George E. (Ged) Fleming, asked David to go into sales, and David never looked back. Then, in 1972, Ged asked David to do something else. Ged informed David that he was going to open up a Home Furniture store in Lafayette, LA, and asked David to transfer with him.  

“Let’s go! And as they say, the rest was history!” was David’s response. And he never looked back.

Adds David, “I then jumped on my motorcycle and rode to Lafayette to check it out. I had never been there in my life!”

Aside from a short stint of moving back to Lake Charles, LA for 5 years in management and sales, David has been at the Lafayette Home Furniture stores ever since, first at the original Lafayette location on Jefferson street, and then at the current location on Surrey street.

 What do you like best about your job?

“I like people! I like talking with everyone…coworkers and customers alike!”

Riggins Dore, Surrey Street store manager, adds, “David has been a staple at home furniture for 52 years. He shows up every day with a smile and is ready to go. He is great with his customers and is a team player through and through.”

Ross Dees, Home Furniture’s Chief Operating Officer and District Manager, adds, “Congratulations David on over 50 years with Home Furniture! You have set a very high bar that I am not sure will ever be broken in terms of years of service. Thanks for all the dedication to our customers and the company throughout your career.”

 

When David is not at work:

“I love fishing, working in my yard, visiting with friends and clients, and of course, spending time with my family.

My son, William, lives in Orlando, FL while my daughter, Dawn, lives in Houston, TX with my two grandchildren, Thad and Avery.”

The ONE thing most co-workers may not know:

“I am the unofficial and unopposed mayor of Swords, LA!”

 Advice for anyone wishing to join our Home Furniture Team:

“Be friendly. Ask a lot of questions, including our manufacturer’s reps along with your co-workers. You’re never too old to learn something new.”  Tony Kemp, Home Furniture’s Chief Executive Officer, adds, “Congratulations David. May we all be as fortunate as you to have such a long career.”

Born and raised in Lake Charles, LA, David currently resides in Swords, LA.  Great job, David, on your 52 years of continued dedication and loyalty along with being the very first sales hiree of Home Furniture in Lafayette 50 years ago!

Home Gives Hope to St. Jude Friday, March 18, 2022

Home Gives Hope to St. Jude

Employees of Home Furniture Plus Bedding have once again committed to supporting the incredible work performed at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

Over the last 5 years, a total of $132,563.12 has been donated to St. Jude Children’s Hospital from customers, employees and company matches as part of Home Furniture’s annual fundraising campaign.

Why St. Jude?

• St. Jude laboratories may not be in your communities, but their discoveries are. 
• Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80% since it opened in 1962. And they won’t stop until no child dies from cancer.
• St Jude shares the breakthroughs it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children.
• St Jude treats children from all 50 states and around the world.

Across the world there are great children’s hospitals, research institutions and charities.  St. Jude is all 3.

Each spring Home Furniture welcomes the support for St. Jude by encouraging customers to purchase a pin-up or donating as they complete their purchases.  The 2022 campaign will begin April 1^st and run through May.  Employees are allowed to make payroll deductions and the stores compete to get 100% participation and the most donated. 

The commitment of Home Furniture’s staff has been incredible and the 2022 campaign is expected to be record breaking.  If you are interested in joining Home Furniture Plus Bedding’s efforts, visit any one of the 8 locations located in Lafayette LA, Baton Rouge LA, New Iberia LA, Lake Charles LA, Nederland TX and Beaumont TX.

Please consider joining us in our Home Gives Hope 2022 Campaign:  https://homefurn.com/st-jude-childrens-research-hospital-drive

Queen vs. Full Size Mattress Thursday, March 17, 2022
According to mattress industry experts, the biggest difference between a queen and a full mattress is, of course, the size and dimensions. A full mattress is 75 inches long and 54 inches wide, making it a good option for teens and adults who sleep alone. A queen mattress is 5 inches longer and 6 inches wider than a full mattress, at a total of 80 inches long and 60 inches wide. The larger size makes it an ideal option for couples.

Here at Home Furniture Plus Bedding, we have a large variety of both queen and full-size mattresses. But, how do you know which size is right for you?

Perks Of A Queen Size Mattress
Couples sharing a full bed may feel pretty cramped, as the sleeping area per person is only 27 inches.

Most couples will opt for a queen bed, with its extra length and width. This allows for each adult to have room to turn in their own space without disrupting the other. The queen bed is a great match for a master bedroom that may be a bit too small to accommodate a king bed.

Because it’s slightly larger, a queen mattress will cost a bit more than a full mattress. It’s also important to consider the accessories you’ll need. Queen-size bed sheets will cost more than full size, for example, as will the foundation or frame that you choose. You may also want additional pillows to fill in the extra space.

Perks Of A Full-Size Mattress
A full mattress is a wonderful size and choice for a guest room or child’s room in the house. A full bed is the same length as a twin but slightly wider, allowing for a parent to comfortably lay alongside a child reading a bedtime story. As expected full size mattresses are lower in cost, since they are the smaller mattress.
Full-size beds will work nicely in a smaller room and have more possibilities to fit into a floor plan, as they look nice whether protruding from the center of a wall or with a side against a wall. Queen beds, on the other hand, look best with the head against a wall.

Find Your Queen or Full-Size Mattress At Home Furniture Plus Bedding
Here at Home Furniture Plus Bedding, we have your dream mattress in stock waiting for you to come and pick it up! Choose from our selection of tried and true mattresses, or any of our new arrivals. If you don’t find one you like right off the bat, surely one that fits your needs is on its way to us so you can sleep like royalty!

Visit any of our eight locations across East Texas and Louisiana today and take home your new favorite piece of furniture. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.

3 Reasons to Buy a Sierra Sleep Mattress Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Sierra Sleep mattresses are some of the most popular mattresses on the market, and for good reason. Home Furniture Plus Bedding is stacked with an inventory of Sierra Sleep mattresses for your choosing, but first, here are three reasons why we think you should choose Sierra Sleep!

Easy and Convenient Delivery

Sierra Sleep mattresses offer bed-in-a-box options for easy delivery and set up! According to The Sleep Judge, a bed-in-a-box is just that: a mattress made of memory foam, compressed and rolled up so it can be shipped and delivered in a box. Which makes it extremely easy to maneuver up or down stairs, through doorways, and around tight spaces. When it arrives on your doorstep, you simply need to unroll it and wait for it to reinflate. Then, voila! You have a Sierra Sleep mattress ready to go! 

Traditional Innerspring & New Hybrid Mattress Options

Looking for a no-frills, tried and true mattress? We have that for you with our traditional innerspring mattress options, like the Chime Mattress! Innerspring mattresses are the oldest, most commonly used mattress design out of the three most common mattress types. Innerspring mattresses use a metal wire system combined with springs to create a support frame covered in fabric with cushioning material used on top of the mattress for extra support.

Looking for something a bit more modern and tailored to your sleeping style? We have something for you too! Sierra Sleep offers a great selection of hybrid mattresses, like the Hybrid 1200. Hybrid mattresses balance conformability, support, and responsiveness. They're good mattresses for couples with sleepers who have different comfort preferences. If one likes firmer support and another likes deep contouring, a hybrid gives them the best of both worlds.

Available in All Sizes, In Stock Now! 

From Twin to King, we have every size available in every style! Stop by any of our locations across East Texas and Louisiana and take home your perfect and affordable Sierra Sleep mattress today! 

Shop Sierra Sleep at Home Furniture Plus Bedding

Ready to experience Sierra Sleep first hand? Stop in to any of our locations across East Texas and Louisiana! Our team is eager to help you take home your perfect mattress. Contact us today with any questions! 

Bill Gragg - Employee Spotlight March 2022 Sunday, February 27, 2022

Bill’s Journey Here:

Bill Gragg began his journey as an inventory manager at our Beaumont location in 2000. For the next 13 years, he fulfilled the position of assistant manager, and in 2014, Bill became manager of our Nederland store.

What do you like best about your job?

“It’s all about the people. I never wake up in the morning and not want to come to work. The people make all the difference.”

Ross Dees, CFO and District Manager of Home Furniture, adds, “Bill has contributed to the success of Home Furniture for over 21 years!  His personal values are definitely in alignment with our company values. We are extremely grateful for all he has done to help the Beaumont and Nederland stores be so successful during his years of service!”

When Bill is not at work:

“I enjoy spending time with my family, which includes seven grandchildren! And I enjoy watching sports. I love my Astros!”

 

The ONE thing most co-workers may not know:

“That I sold flooring and I was in the restaurant business before joining Home Furniture.”

 

Advice for anyone wishing to join our Home Furniture Team:

“Be open-minded. Stay positive, and have a plan. Home Furniture doesn’t work inside a box. Enthusiasm will carry you a long way!”

Born and raised in Mid-County, TX, Bill resides in Nederland with his wife, Kay.

After 21 years of service, Bill will be retiring on March 31^st, 2022.

Larry Domingue, Beaumont store manager, adds, “Bill and I have worked with each other for more than two decades.  Every position that Bill worked for me, he excelled.  Bill was, and is, well liked in Beaumont by everyone.  He is honest, hard-working, smart, and funny.  The first time that I experienced Bill’s creative sense of humor was at a Christmas party years ago.  Unbeknown to me, Bill went to several employees and video taped them as he asked them who was the best manager.  Each employee responded that Larry was.  The clip ended with him coming home to Kay and asking her who was the best manager at Home Furniture.  She, of course, told Bill that he was, and hugged him.  Then she whispered to the camera, it’s Larry.  It was hilarious.  Bill and I have discussed kids, grandkids, politics, faith, sports, vacationing, and everything that two good friends would discuss.  Bill is a man of faith with very strong convictions. I have loved the times that Bill and I have worked with each other.  Bill has made a great impact on my life and he has been a positive influence on me as a husband, father, grandfather, friend, and manager.  I wish him the best of times as he embarks on a new journey.

Tony Kemp, Home Furniture CEO, adds, “I’m really going to miss Bill. He is a great leader of his team, but he is an even better husband and father.”

Bill, You will always be remembered for your hard work throughout the years. Thank you for your dedication to the team. Enjoy your retirement!

Home Furniture Plus Bedding Celebrates Exceptional Sales Performances for 2021 Thursday, January 27, 2022

New Year, New TV Stand Sunday, January 2, 2022 Start the new year off right by adding a beautiful new TV stand to your space! Gathering your family to watch your favorite movie or the next binge-able television show after a long day can be one of life’s greatest pleasures. Whether you’re watching TV, listening to music, or just organizing your decorations and DVD's, nothing makes getting the most out of your living room appliances more than the right entertainment center.

At Home Furniture Plus Bedding, East Texas and Louisiana shoppers can find the perfect entertainment center to suit their personal tastes. Here at Home Furniture Plus Bedding serving East Texas and Louisiana, we have any and every style you’ll need to fit the aesthetic of your home!

Shop TV Stands at Home Furniture Plus Bedding
Home Furniture Plus Bedding offers many styles of TV stands. All of our TV Stands offer many different storage options and have their own appeal and advantages, so the choice is yours! Choose from our most popular styles like traditional TV Stand consoles, or Rustic TV Stands that offer lots of shelving and storage compartments.

Looking for a piece that offers maximum storage options? Our Magnolia Manor 74-inch TV Stand is a great option! Need a smaller piece to fit your space? Check out our Diego 50-inch TV Stand! We are sure to have a style to fit your space perfectly.
Visit Home Furniture Plus Bedding of East Texas and Louisiana
Stop in, to any of our showrooms and seek out the assistance of any of our furniture experts to aid you in your quest for the perfect piece for your home. Contact us with any questions you may have. We are eagerly awaiting your call!

Home Furniture Helps Future Business Grads Through Ged Fleming Endowment at UL Sunday, January 2, 2022

Home Furniture Plus Bedding Creates the George E. “Ged” Fleming Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Business

The George E. Fleming Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Business at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette grows to over $250,000 as of June 2021.

Home Furniture Plus Bedding's partnership with the University of Louisiana has allowed us to successfully memorialize Ged and carry on his legacy of success. Ged believed in the value of education and its ability to change lives forever. 

A recent recipient of UL's endowed scholarships shared the impact of the scholarships by stating: "I may never have the opporttunityto meet the donors who funded the schloarships I have received...And no matter where I go in life, I'll be walking - Together - alongside them, and I am proud to carry their legacy."

Updated 12/20/2021


“We thought it would be a wonderful way to remember him, as a local business man and supporter of education,” says Craig Holston, the HR & Safety Manager out of the Home Furniture Lafayette office.

Ged Fleming established the first Home Furniture store in Lafayette in 1972. His father had opened up the first store in Lake Charles back in 1945. Over the course of 40 years, he purchased his father’s original business and successfully expanded Home Furniture Company to eight retail stores located along the Louisiana and Texas Gulf Coast.

According to his employees and friends, Ged always held a deep and heartfelt gratitude to the 300+ employees of Home Furniture. He appreciated their hard work, sacrifices, and dedication that ultimately led to the success of his company.  As of 2019, Home Furniture Company was recognized as a “TOP 100” furniture retailer nationally by the respected trade publication Furniture for the 13th consecutive year. Ged died unexpectedly in 2012, but his wife, Karol, and his devoted employees became inspired to make his legacy live on through an endowment scholarship fund at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

“We opened the endowment up to the employees and friends to participate, and the response was overwhelming.” says Holston.

Together they created a permanent scholarship named the George E. “Ged” Fleming Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Business from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Although he was unable to achieve his college degree himself, Holston says, Ged greatly appreciated the value of education and its ability to change lives forever. 

“We funded the scholarship, and it continues to grow year after year. Actually, people can donate a percentage of their pay checks to the endowment to keep it growing, and they do.”

This endowment recently eclipsed the $150,000.00 mark and continues to grow thanks to contributions from the many employees, friends and business associates of Ged and Home Furniture Company. Junior and Senior students in UL’s B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA are eligible to apply.  Coupled with a non-endowed version of the scholarship, awards commenced with the spring 2014 semester and are granted yearly.

If you’d like to learn more about the George E. “Ged” Fleming Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Business at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, please call 337-291-7900.

How Do Tempur-Pedic® Mattresses Work? Monday, December 27, 2021

Tempur-Pedic® memory-foam mattresses offer unbeatable comfort and support. You may hear Tempur-Pedic mattress owners bragging about their good night’s sleep for weeks at a time, but what makes it so good? Home Furniture Plus Bedding serving East Texas and Louisiana is here to tell you exactly how Tempur-Pedic mattresses work – and what makes them so comfortable.

What’s Inside a Tempur-Pedic Memory Foam Mattress?
What makes a Tempur-Pedic mattress so comfortable? It’s a specialized type of foam that’s history will surprise you. Tempur-Pedic mattresses are made with TEMPUR foam, a memory foam originally developed for NASA to help keep astronauts comfortable and protected during missions to space. Slow-moving foam cells helped to absorb the shock of take-off!

Three Properties of Tempur-Pedic Memory Foam
TEMPUR material has adapted and evolved from its space shuttle days. You too can experience what it’s like to sleep on a bed that responds and adjusts to your exact temperature, shape, and weight.

Let’s take a look at the properties of Tempur-Pedic memory foam:

• Temperature-responsiveness: With breezy, open-cell designs and moisture-wicking technologies, Tempur-Pedic memory foam mattresses will draw heat and humidity away from you as you sleep.
• Shape-responsiveness: TEMPUR material slowly conforms to your exact shape for flawless support and comfort.
• Weight-responsiveness: TEMPUR responsive foam cells adjust to your highest pressure points to envelop you in an ever-adapting, always-supportive sleep environment.

East Texas and Louisiana Sleepers Get Comfortable With Tempur-Pedic

When your body comes in contact with TEMPUR memory foam, your joints won’t sink as they would on regular spring mattresses. The resistance of TEMPUR will help to relieve pressure as well as provide comfort.

If you’re interested in getting the good night’s sleep you’ve been searching for, visit one of our eight locations across East Texas and Louisiana and find your Tempur-Pedic mattress today.

Nick Scarsone - Employee Spotlight January 2022 Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Nick’s journey here:

Nick Scarsone has been with Home Furniture at our Julia Aubin location for over two years. Prior to joining our team, Nick worked at Union Pacific Railroad for 39 years. Nick says, “I stayed with them so long because it was a good job and I have always worked hard and continue to set high standards for myself.”

Charles George, store manager, adds, “Mr. Nick is always at least 30 minutes early for his shift. He is very crafty with tools and keeps our warehouse 100% functional. If there is something he feels will make the job easier, he always puts that in place to help the flow of merchandise coming in and going out of the warehouse doors. Mr. Nick also built racks for our supplies and a tool board to organize all the tools needed to build our floor samples as well as tighten things up when they get a little loose. He has been a leader since his arrival and he is a morning key holder at Store 80. When I was the only manager and my assistant was out for a couple of weeks, Mr. Nick stepped up and opened the store every morning. He’s always willing to help and has a great attitude. He is an asset to our team.”

 

What do you like best about your job?

“It’s a good environment and everyone is friendly, like family. It also keeps me busy and I love meeting customers when they come for load outs.”

 

When Nick is not at work:

“I love spending time with my family. I have 4 kids and 4 grandchildren. I also love listening to and playing music as well as fishing. My favorite sport is baseball, but my favorite sports team is LSU!”

 

The ONE thing most of us may not know:

“I always start my day off with reading a few pages of the Bible. I believe in family and I miss my mom and grandson, Logan, very much.

Born in White Castle, LA, and raised in Plaquemine, LA, Nick and his wife Patsy currently reside in Prairieville, LA.

Roy and Larry - Employee Spotlight December 2021 Saturday, November 27, 2021 When I (Gene Bertrand, Store Manager) was asked to recognize someone that I appreciate for our employee spotlight, these are the first two names that came to my mind: Roy Myrick and Larry Bellard.


Roy and Larry are still here. They are the last remaining warehouse team members at our Lake Charles store. Over the last few months, we’ve had others attempt to work in the warehouse, but none have lasted. Yet, over all of the years along with the addition of Covid, enduring a pair of hurricanes, an ice storm, and a flood, Roy and Larry are still here and working better than ever.


Roy joined Home Furniture in April of 1997. He came to us from a job working at the cemetery. That’s a great story if you ever get the chance to hear him tell it! He has seen a LOT of things change around this place! A LOT!


Larry originally started with Home Furniture in January of 2001 after working in the auto-detailing business. He was a Home Furniture delivery helper for over 10 years. He left us in May of 2011, but came back in January of 2018! We are so glad Larry came back Home!


ROY’S HOBBIES:

Fishing; Cleaning and detailing his car; and cheering on the New Orleans Saints! (During football season, I can always tell how the Saints played just by Roy’s demeanor on Mondays!)


LARRY’S HOBBIES:

Pets; fishing; and horseback riding (the only things that Larry is nicer to other than our customers are his animals!)

Larry shows great kindness to the Lake Charles Home Furniture kitties—buying them food and making sure they get fed.


It is not unusual to walk into the warehouse and hear the two of them going at it. It really is almost like a sketched and rehearsed comedy. Larry is a subtle instigator (clever and sneaky) and Roy is quite possibly the best at coming up with one-liners that are very hard to beat (I told Roy he missed his calling as a stand-up comic!). You literally can get stomach pains from laughing if you hang around them for a few minutes. And the whole time they are getting work done and taking care of customers.


They were both around with our founder, Ged Fleming, and continue to honor his legacy by exhibiting many of the values he set forth. Although many things have changed over the years, Roy and Larry have always maintained a steadfast work ethic. Tony, Ross, and Dwayne have mentioned on several occasions how good they are and how fortunate we are to have them here. They are absolutely right!


Thank you, Roy and Larry, for being dedicated, loyal, appreciative, courteous, easy-going, responsible, friendly, and reliable!


Written by Gene Bertrand, Store Manager, Lake Charles Home Furniture Plus Bedding

Paul Le - Employee Spotlight 2021 Saturday, November 27, 2021

Paul’s Journey Here:

Paul Le has been a salesperson at our New Iberia, LA location since January, 2017.

Paul first arrived to the United States in 1975 from Vietnam along with his parents, Ben and Ann, his younger sister, Lisa, and his younger brother, Tony.

Says Paul, “Living in the USA and working at Home Furniture is like living the Perfect Dream! Dreams do come true if you want it bad enough and work hard for it! This company has allowed me to fulfill this dream!”

 Joe Davis, store manager, adds, “What makes Paul Le so great is that he truly wants to help people . He opens up the customer’s mind as to what is possible . He does it every day, every week , every month and every year! He is truly a great asset to our company.”

 

What do you like best about your job?

“I love helping people and making their dreams come true as well!”

 

When Paul is not at work:

“While I enjoy travelling and sightseeing, these days occupy my spare time getting ready for the arrival of my daughter, Joli. And of course, I love spending time with my family!”

 

The ONE thing most co-workers may not know:

“That I can speak Vietnamese very fluently!”

 

Advice for anyone wishing to join our Home Furniture Team:

“Home Furniture is the best company and has the best customers. This is the best job, hands down! If you like helping people, and help them achieve their dream, this is the best job for you.”

Paul resides in New Iberia, LA with his wife, Thao N, and their three sons, Noel, Jake, Jack, and daughter, Joli.

Lori Berwick - Employee Spotlight December 2021 Thursday, November 25, 2021

Tony Kemp, Home Furniture CEO, says “We are very fortunate to have Lori on the team. She is a key asset to the ongoing success of our company.”

Lori Berwick works at the Home Furniture Accounting Office in Lake Charles, where she manages the accounting department team. She has been with the company for 27 years. Lori is very passionate about her work and she is also passionate about helping others.  We have recently highlighted 2 of Lori's Mission Trips to Haiti where she traveled with Louisiana's Baptist Children's Home and worked with Louisiana Reach Haiti to build an orphanage for children in and around Port Au Prince. You can read about them here: https://homefurn.com/haiti-part-1   and here:  https://homefurn.com/haiti-mission-trip-home-furniture-plus-bedding.

The Home Team Helps "Pack the Tent" Tuesday, November 16, 2021 KPLC’s annual “Pack the Tent” event is one of our recent community outreach initiatives that raised enough funds and food donations to feed the needy in our Lake Charles area for an entire year.

Jill Mills - Employee Spotlight November 2021 Thursday, November 11, 2021

Jill’s Journey at Home Furniture Plus Bedding:

“I began my journey with Home Furniture as an intern in 1996 upon recommendation by one of my professors. Shortly after graduating from McNeese State University, I became full-time at the Lake Charles accounting office, and I’ve been with the company for over 20 years now. I’ve met some amazing co-workers over the years that have become a second family to me!”

What do you like best about your job?

“The thing I appreciate the most is working for Home Furniture, and I appreciate the flexibility that the company offers with an emphasis on work and life balance. I love doing accounting, and coordinating and organizing goodwill events, such as the Give Thanks, Give Hope campaign for St. Jude each year. I’ve been doing this since 2017. The company makes a considerable effort to keep the outreach local and personal, making the experience meaningful for the connection between the community and our Home Furniture employees.

Lori Berwick, Home Furniture CFO, adds, “Jill is a tremendous asset to our accounting department and our company. I’m so glad she is a part of the Home Furniture team.”

When Jill is not at work:

“I enjoy spending time outdoors, reading and traveling. And my family really loves the Houston Astros!”

The ONE thing most co-workers may not know:

“I’ve been on mission trips to Colombia and Nicaragua, where I taught conversational English. Also, my kids and I were extras in a movie filmed in Lafayette, LA, but only my son Aaron’s part made the final cut! Oh, and I am a huge Investigative Discovery Channel and Jeopardy Junkie!”

Advice for anyone wishing to join our Home Furniture Team:

“Home Furniture certainly has a great family atmosphere. The company is very supportive of those who work hard and who are team players.”

Originally from Moss Bluff, LA, Jill and Jason, her husband of 15 years, currently reside in Katy, TX, with their two children, Aaron (13) and Alayna (11), and the family dog, Scout.

A Few New Furniture Pieces Will Create a Functional Kitchen for the Holidays Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Looking to make a splash this Thanksgiving and Christmas? Think about making your kitchen the star. Now is the time to start! There really is no place like home for the holidays, and for most of us, that time is going to be spent in the kitchen. You don’t have to undertake an entire renovation. Just adding a few touches here and there can make all of the difference.

Clear the Clutter

Simply clearing out clutter in the kitchen can make a big impact on the overall atmosphere. Here are a few helpful ideas for organizing your kitchen. Use a Lazy Susan for spices, condiments, or sticky items. Create a space to hang aprons, pot holders, and dish towels that is near where you need it. Adding a buffet hutch or console cabinet will add extra storage and help get appliances off the counter tops.

A New Kitchen Island

No, you do not have to call a construction crew. Putting in a new island is as simple as a trip to the furniture show room. Make use of a pub table with storage for a kitchen island that can be moved after the holidays. It’s the perfect place to lay out snacks, prepare meals, or even eat!

Add a Table

With all of the extra guests your kitchen will see this holiday season, it might be time to add some seating. Make your kitchen an eat-in kitchen by adding a small breakfast nook. You can seat the adults in the formal dining room and have a kids’ table in the kitchen.

Also consider keeping a few stools on hand in case you need more seating. Stand-alone stools can be added throughout the house to accommodate guests.

Think Outside the Box

Use your imagination. Think about items that may not typically “fit” in a kitchen. Add a bookcase or shelving to display colorful pots. Consider a hall tree to show off family aprons and keepsakes (these are also a great catchall for mail and paper). Unique furniture items like these will add character to your space. Look for invented ways to use mundane pieces and create interest in the kitchen.

Show Off Heirlooms

Have an old meat grinder that your grandmother used? What about your great-aunt’s tea set? Put these memories on full display in a China cabinet. Your family can share stories about the items and easily access them to use for the holidays.

Cozy Touches

Add a few touches to make your kitchen feel cozy and inviting. Fresh cut flowers, colorful vases, candles, even new lighting will enhance the mood.

You don’t have to go all out to make a statement this holiday season. Even just one of the improvements mentioned above will have a drastic impact on your kitchen. Embrace the holidays by updating and uplifting your space!

Kenn Rosenberg - Employee Spotlight November 2021 Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Kenn’s Journey at Home Furniture Plus Bedding:

“It all started when I replied to that small ‘Help Wanted’ newspaper ad. I was actually hired as ‘Employee #1’ for the store on September 1st, 2000. I was the assistant manager for over three years and have been in sales ever since,” says Kenn Rosenberg, salesperson at our Airline location in Baton Rouge, LA.



Before joining our team, Kenn's prior work experience included store manager at a local rent-to-own furniture store and supervisor for Copelands.



Harry Wiggins, store manager, adds, “Kenn has been with Home Furniture for 21 years. He is quick to help and offers his input into issues affecting the sales staff. He also helps to train new sales hires and provides assistance to even the long-term salespeople when needed. He is relied upon for his vast experience and rational thought on how to proceed at unsure times. I am very blessed to have Kenn as part of my sales team and truly appreciate all that he does for the store, customers, sales members, and myself. He is one of a kind and has a great sense of humor that is never in short supply.”



What do you like best about your job?

“I enjoy the challenge of what’s going to happen today, and the best thing is, I get to help people! I feel like I’m the best manager of my business. I’m always trying to make everyone around me a little bit better than they were before we met.”



When Kenn is not at work...

“In my spare time, I love listening to my classic rock collection, and I love the tropical lifestyle. I’m actually building a tiki hut in my backyard right now. It’s called ‘Kenn’s Tacky Tiki Hut,’ and I even have a Facebook page for it!”



The ONE thing most of us may not know.

“That I have a very perceptive gift. I often see things that others don’t see when it comes to details.”



Advice for anyone wanting to join our Home Furniture team?

“Focus. Focus. Focus on what we do. Our job is to take care of our Home Furniture customers. We are the best at creating great customer experiences; we just happen to sell furniture and mattresses! And by the way, every customer first is a Home Furniture customer before they become my customer. Every situation is pretty much 3-sided as a Win-Win-Win scenario. The customer must win. The company must win. And then I will win. But if the customer doesn’t win, nobody wins.”



Born in Ohio and raised in Pittsburg, PA, Kenn moved to Slidell, LA in 1978. He and Julie, his wife of 32 years, currently reside in Denham Springs, LA. And oh, by the way, all three of Kenn and Julie’s sons have worked in the Home Furniture warehouse during their college years, and their youngest still does!