Beck’s Home Furniture, Montague
This family-owned business is located on the Montague waterfront. Currently, it is managed by Jeff Beck.
Jeff is a third-generation retailer. His grandfather was Cecil Beck of Stewart and Beck. In 2002, the furniture division of Stewart and Beck was separated to give room for expansion and created a new company called Beck’s Furniture. Jeff has worked the furniture side of the business since he was 16.
“It’s an ever-changing business,” says Jeff. “For many years, we tried to be everything to everyone, but quickly found out that we couldn’t do that.
“In the mid 2000s, we realized that because we are a bit off the beaten path, we had to become a destination for potential customers. We made a decision to focus on a select number of well-known suppliers like La-Z-Boy, Sealy, Broyhill and Whirlpool, which was the best thing that we ever did. Our business has grown ever since.”
In the last few years, with changes in the marketplace, they have focused on expanding the appliance side of the business. “We saw a hole in the market and hired people so that we are able to fill customer needs.”
Beck’s has nine full time sales, delivery & warehouse, and accounting staff, and two part-time sales staff. Jeff hires a few more employees for the summer, which is the busiest time of the year.
When hiring, sales experience with furniture is an asset. “At Beck’s Home Furniture, every position is moderately difficult to fill. We rarely receive applications from someone with experience in the furniture business.
“Whether it’s for sales or the warehouse, we look for someone with a wide range of skillsets who can adapt quickly to any situation. The furniture sales business requires a diverse range of product knowledge and is always changing. When we hire an employee, they become one of the many faces of our business.”
In hopes of staying relevant in a shifting market, Jeff says they are continually adapting to recent changes in the furniture industry.
“We expect our business to continue to grow, and we are making the necessary changes to meet the needs of our customers.
“Because we are always looking for the right person to come through the door, we prefer people to come in person to drop off a resumé to management, so we get a chance to speak to the applicant and assess their fit for our company.”
For more information, search www.beckshomefurniture.com.
