Best Places to Work FT 2025

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Dear Readers,

Today, we celebrate the remarkable companies recognized as this year’s Best Places to Work in Furniture. Please join me in congratulating every winner—leaders who prove, day after day, that great furniture is built not only from fine materials and meticulous craftsmanship, but from trust, transparency, and a deep respect for people.

What distinguishes these workplaces isn’t one magic benefit or a trendy perk. It’s a shared belief that culture is a competitive advantage. These organizations invest in listening—really listening—to their teams. They make safety and wellbeing non-negotiable. They champion growth, mentoring, and continuous learning on the factory floor and in the front o ce. They create room for fresh ideas, invite constructive dissent, and celebrate wins big and small. And when challenges arise— supply chain shocks, evolving consumer tastes, new technologies—they respond with integrity and adaptability, bringing their people along rather than leaving them behind.

To the honorees: thank you for setting the bar higher and showing what’s possible. To everyone reading: I encourage you to celebrate the amazing employers in this issue. Culture is a living thing—built, measured, and refined over time—and our industry is stronger when we learn from each other.

If your company is on the rise or quietly doing extraordinary things for your people, we want to hear from you. The next class of Best Places to Work is already taking shape, and your story might be the spark another organization needs.

Congratulations again to all the winners. Your commitment to your teams elevates our entire field—and it shows in every product you bring to life.

Best Companies Group is the best partner for HR teams interested in understanding, improving, and showcasing their work environment and company culture.

Our scientifically developed survey methodology is based on expert insights from long-time HR practitioners optimized through thousands of hours of field use.

info@bestcompaniesgroup.com

Executive Vice President

Jaime Raul Zepeda Jzepeda@bridgetowermedia.com

Creative Project Manager

Jordan Mazuranic jmazuranic@studiobtm.com

Publisher

www.bestcompaniesgroup.com

Warm regards,

#1

BEST PLACES TO WORK IN FURNITURE - 2025

For 24 years, Mattress Direct has proudly served our community as a locally owned and operated business dedicated to helping people sleep better. Built on the belief that everyone deserves a great night’s rest, we’ve combined expert knowledge, personalized service, and the best selection of mattresses to create a shopping experience unlike any other.

What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to our customers. From the moment you walk through our doors, our team focuses on listening, educating, and guiding you toward the sleep solution that fits your lifestyle and budget. As a locally owned business, we value trust, relationships, and reinvesting in the community we call home.

Being named to this list is more than an honor—it’s a reflection of the thousands of families who’ve trusted Mattress Direct with their sleep for nearly a quarter of a century. And as we look forward, our mission remains the same: to help our neighbors wake up rested, refreshed, and ready to take on each day.

#2

Elements International Group is a leading furniture wholesaler known for trend-forward designs, exceptional value, and a people-first culture. Headquartered in Mesquite, Texas, with a global reach, we’re a powerhouse of dedicated leaders in design, operations, logistics, customer service, and marketing. We deliver high-quality, high-end furniture designs without the price tags, transforming spaces and elevating everyday living.

We’re honored to be recognized by Furniture Today as one of the Best Places to Work. This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to our team and the culture we’ve built together. Our success is driven by a passionate workforce, an innovative spirit, and a dedication to creating an outstanding experience for our employees. Elements is not just a great place to work—it’s a trusted partner in the industry.

BEST PLACES TO WORK IN FURNITURE - 2025

3Z Brands is redefining what it means to be a great place to work starting with a culture that values people just as much as performance.

Home to top sleep brands like Helix, Brooklyn Bedding, Leesa, and Birch, the company is known not only for delivering high-quality mattresses but also for creating an environment where employees are empowered to thrive. At every level, a shared set of values, Care, Curiosity, and Commitment, guides decision-making, collaboration, and customer experience.

Operating a vertically integrated manufacturing facility in Phoenix, 3Z Brands is a rare blend of innovation and craftsmanship. The company pours its own foam, rolls its own coils, assembles its own mattresses, and constantly iterates to deliver the best sleep possible thanks to cross-functional teams who are encouraged to ask questions, solve problems, and think big.

Employees enjoy opportunities for growth, meaningful work, and a sense of purpose that extends beyond the workplace. Community impact is built into the company’s DNA through product donations, volunteer efforts, and long-term nonprofit partnerships.

#4 #3

ServeCo is honored to be recognized as one of Furniture Today’s Best Places to Work in 2025. Since our formation in 2015, ServeCo has built its reputation on providing world-class protection plans, service programs, and customer care that retailers and manufacturers trust.

At the heart of ServeCo’s success is its people. We believe that when employees feel valued, supported, and inspired, they bring their best selves to work—and that translates into the outstanding service our partners and customers experience every day.

At ServeCo, we exceed service expectations through honesty, continuous innovation and relentless passion, one interaction at a time. Employees are encouraged to grow both personally and professionally, and leadership is committed to creating an environment where every voice is heard. From professional development opportunities to community engagement initiatives, ServeCo invests in its people as much as its business.

BEST PLACES TO WORK IN FURNITURE - 2025

Hometrends is proud to be recognized as a Best Place to Work in Furniture. Operating Ashley Furniture Stores in Beatrice, Kearney, Grand Island, and North Platte Nebraska along with BrandSource Appliances in Beatrice and The Sleep Store in Fort Collins, CO, this award reflects the commitment of our people, the customers and communities we serve, and the partnerships we value with our suppliers.

Our vision and mission emphasize relationships—valuing, supporting, and inspiring one another to bring out our best.

Hometrends was founded in 2012 when owners Carson Rowh and Cory Prellwitz purchased two Ashley stores in central Nebraska. The company’s history dates back to 1952, when it began as an ice cream and sandwich shop before expanding into TVs, appliances, flooring, and furniture, eventually becoming a licensee of Ashley Furniture. Carson and Cory continue this legacy with a servant-leadership mindset, encouraging participation, caring deeply for the team, and teaching and promoting the company’s core values every day.

In the heart of Pelham, Georgia, a legacy was born in 1915. What began as a modest hardware store has grown into one of the region’s most cherished family businesses—Turner’s Fine Furniture. With over a century of history, the Turner family has built more than a brand; they’ve cultivated a tradition of quality, community, and care.

“Reaching this milestone is a testament to our customers, employees, and communities that have supported us for generations. We are honored to continue our family’s legacy of providing quality furniture and exceptional service.” states Austin Turner of Leesburg, GA and 4th Generation Owner.

The Turner family’s journey took a transformative turn in the 1930s when they pivoted from hardware to furniture, recognizing a need for high-quality, affordable home furnishings. This vision propelled Turner’s Fine Furniture to new heights, expanding into multiple locations across South Georgia and North Florida while maintaining its core values of integrity and customer care.

BEST PLACES TO WORK IN FURNITURE - 2025

DutchCrafters sells master-crafted Amish furniture online nationwide and in showrooms in Sarasota, Florida and Alpharetta, Georgia. DutchCrafters is the destination for solid wood, American-made, Amish furniture that is aligned with both a customer’s style and values.

DutchCrafters sources its heirloom-quality furniture from the back roads of Amish country in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. The company has built solid relationships with woodshops and craftsmen and is able to connect customers to personalized, made-to-order furniture built by skilled woodworkers. DutchCrafters Amish furniture and other products are made to be passed down to the next generation.

The company’s core values include community, authenticity, giving, excellence and sustainability. These values guide decisions when handpicking products to sell and providing customer service. DutchCrafters’ employees believe a customer’s shopping experience should match the quality of the furniture they sell.

With nearly 50 employees in the United States, this business provides a work experience that is motivating and rewarding. Its award program includes quarterly and annual awards to recognize the embodiment of company values and significant positive impacts.

DutchCrafters fosters a family-oriented culture that is centered on the employee’s wellbeing with organized ways to support each other through life-changing events and have fun with get-togethers and celebrations.

CEO Jim Miller leads by example. He gives generously and encourages others to do the same. He motivates, informs, challenges, praises and lifts up employees’ work.

#8

BEST PLACES TO WORK IN FURNITURE - 2025

“FURNITURE DIRECT ENTERPRISES DBA ASHLEY’S LEADERSHIP TEAM”

Q1: Can you describe the core values that de ne your company’s culture and how these values are integrated into your everyday operations?

a. FDE’s culture is defined by being Humble at heart, Radical about our team members, Relentless about amazing our guests, and Passionate about the community. These values aren’t just ideals, we live them daily through servant leadership, putting others first, and ensuring our actions match our words. We hold ourselves accountable by weaving these values into everyday meetings, where we celebrate wins, address challenges transparently, and reinforce commitments. This rhythm of accountability and care ensures our culture is more than a statement, it’s a lived experience that guides how we lead, support one another, serve our guests, and impact our communities.

Q2: What role does social responsibility play in your organization, and how do you engage with the community?

a. Social responsibility is central to who we are at FDE and reflects our core value of being Passionate about the community. We believe our responsibility extends beyond business to making a meaningful difference in the places we serve. Through Hope to Dream, we provide children in need with the gift of a bed, ensuring they have a safe place to at night. Our Give a Day program empowers team members to volunteer their time and talents, strengthening local organizations and causes. Beyond these initiatives, we actively engage in community partnerships, reinforcing our commitment to giving back and creating positive impact.

Q3: As a leader, how do you personally contribute to creating an environment where employees feel engaged and committed to the organization’s goals?

a. FDE leaders create an environment of engagement and commitment by fostering a culture of alignment and ownership. Our first Strategic Anchor is placing a high priority on the needs of our team members, coaching and supporting them on their journey to becoming their best selves. Gratitude and stewardship are woven into how we lead, ensuring team members feel valued and connected to the organization’s purpose. By linking individual growth with company goals, we empower everyone to take ownership and contribute meaningfully. This shared commitment drives a culture where engagement is natural, and alignment fuels lasting success.

Q4: What communication strategies do you use to ensure transparency and build trust among your employees?

a. At FDE, we focus on transparency and building trust through intentional communication at every level of the organization. Retail performance tours bring leaders and teams together for full-day, cross-departmental conversations on improvement. Company-wide Town Halls and weekly newsletters provide open updates, while daily store huddles cascade key information in real time. Our Performance Evaluation and Development Plans ensure quarterly feedback and development planning for all employees, including leaders, complemented by 360 reviews that reinforce accountability. Talent management, cross-training, and succession planning provide clarity on growth opportunities. Together, these practices reflect our 2025 theme of Gratitude, Grit, and Growth, fostering alignment and shared commitment.

BEST PLACES TO WORK IN FURNITURE - 2025

At Gardner White, our people are the heart of everything we do. As a family-owned and operated company for over 100 years and four generations, we’ve built more than Michigan’s #1 furniture and mattress retailer—we’ve built a workplace where careers flourish, ideas are valued, and employees feel truly at home.

With 20 locations across Michigan and as the parent company of GW HOME, Gardner White is proud to be recognized as one of the Top 100 Retailers in the United States. But what truly sets us apart is our commitment to creating an exceptional employee experience. Our team’s dedication and passion have earned us prestigious honors, including being named a Best Place to Work by Furniture Today and Crain’s Detroit Business.

We believe that when our employees thrive, our company thrives. That’s why we invest in a workplace culture that promotes career development, personal growth, and a healthy work-life balance. From quarterly raffles that reward a week’s pay, to team-building lunches, themed spirit days, and Mental Health Week initiatives, our team enjoys a vibrant and supportive environment. Interactive engagement boards and open forums empower employees to share ideas, connect with leadership, and shape the future of Gardner White.

Recognition is a cornerstone of our culture. We proudly celebrate our team’s achievements through programs like the President’s Club for top-performing sales professionals and our weekly Gardner White Employee of the Week spotlight. Our commitment to community is just as strong. Gardner White supports a wide range of nonprofit organizations, including the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Red Cross, and SAY Detroit. As the presenting sponsor of America’s Thanksgiving Parade—broadcast nationally in over 185 markets—we’re honored to help bring joy to millions. We’re also proud partners of the Detroit Lions and the Detroit Grand Prix, reinforcing our deep roots in the community we serve.

At Gardner White, we don’t just offer jobs, we offer opportunities to grow, connect, and make a difference. Our team is our family, and together, we’re building something truly special.

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