Golden rule enables neighborhood fixtures store surpass 68 years in business

Lawrence Mudd ought to easily be remembered as a man who appreciates a good bargain. Originally a local of Bardstown, he started his retail profession as an auctioneer on the nook of the third and Bolivar Streets in downtown Owensboro. Purchasing educate motors of “scratch and dent” furniture and family items, Mudd lay the basis for a loved Daviess County commercial enterprise that has withstood the test of time.

Established with Callista and Lawrence Mudd’s aid in 1951, Mudd’s Furniture has lengthy considering endured to offer Owensboro with best fixtures at lower priced fees. Now second technology owned by way of their son David, the shop maintains to flourish.

Over the past six years, Mudd’s Furniture may additionally have changed in each look and length. Yet, the commitment to serve others continues to be very tons a large a part of the own family-owned business today. Adhering to the “golden rule,” the Mudd’s own family has remained dependable and committed to their client’s era after era.

Known for his zeal, his ambitious religion in Christ, and his difficult painting ethic, the influence of Lawrence Mudd has left a long-lasting impression at the commercial enterprise he and his wife so dearly cherished. Both are remembered as the “glue” that bonded this type of thriving pillar within the Owensboro network.

“Mr. Mudd had a real love for used fixtures and antiques in the early days,” store manager Pat Franey said. “He had a knack for getting objects with minor put on and tear and promoting them.”

Franey, who has been with Mudd’s Furniture for the beyond 39 years, fondly recalls the Mudd’s as a pair who made anyone they came into touch with an experience like their own family.

“They have been such heat human beings; they made it a factor to put money into their employees and customers,” Franey stated.

The showroom at Mudd’s Furniture nowadays is over 25,000 square ft. An extra warehouse measuring over 20,000 rectangular ft is just down the road. Brands like La-Z-Boy, Jamison, and Broyhill are staples as well as many others. Specializing in great furnishings from nice producers, Mudd’s prides itself on fee and unbeatable prices.

A group of 14 employees in shipping, warehouse, sales, and management all “help and assist” every other, which adds to the overwhelming achievement of the local enterprise.

“These aren’t just co-workers,” supervisor Pat Franey said. “This institution laughs together, prays collectively, celebrates collectively. I trust the fulfillment of our save is due to the camaraderie of our crew.”

As the furniture business has evolved over the years, the popularity of HGTV and architects like Joanna Gaines from the brand Magnolia Home have heavily contributed to a whole new demographic of customers. Mudd’s gives in-shop planning with a skilled sales crew and the option to order domestic objects online.

“I would estimate over half of our business now comes from special orders,” Franey stated. “Custom pieces are trendy within a whole new era of customers.”

Regardless of ways exceptional the commercial enterprise may additionally seem from its humble beginnings, there’s one thing that Franey is positive of.

“We’re still the very identical save. This business became based on Christian values and ideas,” Franey stated. “I simply agree that God has blessed us and could keep accomplishing that due to the fact we deal with parents with dignity and recognition. Customer service is usually first with us; if you’re going to do it, do it right.”

Franey describes his activity with Mudd’s Furniture as “satisfying.”

“The most pleasant part of this process is knowing you didn’t just sell something,” Franey stated. “There’s a pride in understanding we helped in a dire time of need.”

Reflecting on tragic events, consisting of when a client is available to buy furniture after a house hearth or different emergency, Franey said there is pride in knowing that they helped in a dire time of need and “didn’t simply sell something.”

“It’s humbling to have a purchaser return to thank us for our patience and kindness at some point of an attempting time,” Franey said. “That’s what means the maximum to us, understanding we helped to the nice of our potential. That’s what makes this job worthwhile.”

This July, Mudd’s Furniture will rejoice in its 68th year in enterprise. A celebration sale is ready to honor the shop’s anniversary, and clients are advocated to sign up for a risk to win a recliner so that you can accept away at some point of the festivities.