1999 Western Retailer Of The Year Award Given To Jake Jabs And American Furniture Warehouse, Thorton, Co.

Furniture World Magazine

The Western Home Furnishings Association (WHFA) has named Jake Jabs of American Furniture Warehouse, a Thorton, Colorado-based home furnishings retailer / manufacturer, as recipient of the 1999 Western Retailer of the Year Award. This is the highest honor the WHFA can bestow on a member of the 2,200 store Association representing retailers from the 10 Western States including Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington. The award was presented recently during the WHFA Western Retailer of the Year Award Dinner held in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The WHFA Western Retailer of the Year Award is given each year to a retailer who is exemplary in merchandising and advertising; has a commitment to support the betterment of the home furnishings industry and industry related activities; as well as service to the community and/or civic organizations. Jake founded his company in 1975 and has grown to a chain of 9 furniture showrooms throughout Colorado and Montana, plus the Loren Michell Furniture Manufacturing facility in Bridger, MT, had sales in excess of $215 million dollars in 1998 and look to exceed that mark in 1999. Jake believes deeply in giving back to the communities where it does business. American Furniture Warehouse contributes to individuals in need and to hundreds of 'local and national charities. Jake personally contributes his time to various groups as auctioneer and speaker, lecturing at marketing classes and reading to children. Jake's innovative and pioneering spirit is best exemplified with the 3 mottos he instills into his employees, "Under Sell and Over Deliver", "Satisfy the Customer", and "Do It Right the First Time." He credits his success to the basic American philosophies of hard work, self-confidence, the courage to take risks and the desire to give value and service to every customer. Jake states, " You must love what you do an have fun doing it in order to be truly successful." Over the years, Jake has received numerous awards from various organizations and business groups: Easter Seals Co-Host 1984-90 and major contributor, Colorado Assn. of Commerce & Industry Company of the Year 1994, Denver Entrepreneur of the Year 1994, National Vice-President for MDA 1997-98, and supporter of Boys and Girls Clubs, Boyscouts of America, DECCA to name only a few. Jake and his company regularly participate in many industry programs, conferences and meetings. He believes that to serve the industry well, high standards must be set for his warehouse and sales training programs, store appearances, customer service, safety programs and present quality non-misleading advertising.   The following criteria were used to determine the 1998-Western Retailer of the Year: 1)Implements innovative merchandising techniques; 2)Shows creativeness and imagination in designing media and print promotional material and promotional events; 3)Perpetuates the growth of the home furnishings industry through support of industry related institutions and associations. 4)Active in service to community and/or civic organizations. 5)Maintains a clean and well- designed store exterior with effective exterior signage. 6)Presents a clean, organized and safe warehouse environment with outstanding delivery service. 7)Exhibits professional business ethics and adheres to truth in advertising laws. 8)And, believes quality employees are the foundation of a successful business, and motivates them to exhibit exceptional customer service. WHFA, the largest affiliate of the National Home Furnishings Association (NHFA) provides programs, services and networking opportunities that improve business opportunities and management practices of western home furnishings retailers.