by WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. In a General Membership Meeting prior to the kick-off of its annual symposium, Furniture First recognized the contributions of three retailers retiring from their terms on the Board of Directors
+ Chris Cooley, owner of Michael Alan Furniture in Lake Havasu City, AZ, joined Furniture First in 2009 and started her term on the board of directors in 2013, which included a term as the chairman of the board of directors from 2019 to 2021.
+ Mike Moss, owner of Bear’s Furniture & Mattress in Franklin, PA joined Furniture First in 2007. His term on the board of directors began in 2019.
+ Beckey Waldrop, who owns Miller Waldrop Furniture in Hobbs, NM with her husband, Kent, joined Furniture First in 2012 and also started her term on the board of directors in 2019.
+ Pat Callan, owner of Callan Furniture in Waite Park, MN, was recognized in absentia for his service as the most recent chairman of the board, from 2023 to 2025. Callan Furniture has been a member of Furniture First since 2002 and Callan began his board service in 2017.
Board service at Furniture First is term limited but can be renewed when an individual serves on the executive committee.
“We keep our independent retailer’s best interests in mind with everything we do” said Kauffman, CEO of Furniture First. “Our board consist solely of our member-owners. We don’t have outside individuals, like banks, lawyers, or investment groups, making decisions for us. I report directly to the board, and they are accountable to the membership as a whole.”
Assuming the role of chairman of the board of directors is Kyle Deets, owner of Deets HomeStore in Norfolk, NE. Deets Homestore has been a member since 2001, and Kyle joined the board in 2022, shortly after assuming ownership of the store from his father, Ron Deets.
Joining Deets on the executive committee of the board are:
+ Jessica Smith of Talsma Furniture in Hudsonville, MI will serve as the Vice Chairman. Talsma has been a member since 1999.
+ Travis Turner of Turner Furniture Company in Avon Park, FL will assume the role of Secretary. Turner has been a member since 2015.
+ Jack Steger of Steger’s Furniture in Pekin, IL will remain in his role as Treasurer. Steger’s has been a member since 2013.
The three retailers filling the vacancies on the board of directors of the cooperative include.
+ George Carson of Marty Rae in Lexington, South Carolina (Member since March 2012)
+ Ricky Christian of Esprit Decor Home Furnishings in West Chesapeake, Virginia (Member since June 2015)
+ Erin Krueger of 5th & Main Furniture by Freed’s in Rapid City, South Dakota (Member since September 2015)
Furniture First, a national cooperative buying group serving full line independent retailers with sales over $2 million. Collectively, the group sells $3 billion at retail. Furniture First will have representatives at the Las Vegas Market in the showroom of bedding supplier partner, 3Z Brands at B1380. For more information on Furniture First Membership, please visit www.JoinFurnitureFirst.com or call 800-411-3477.
