| You can go home again. Just ask Richard Johnson of Appliance Furniture Warehouse.
A native of Chattanooga, Johnson left in the early 980s to pursue his career as a marketing consultant. The Internet was in its infancy and Johnson began doing some consultant work for a small northern Virginia company called America On Line. Soon he was hired by AOL and helped direct the marketing efforts of its Digital City project. He traveled 48 out of 52 weeks a year. While at AOL he met his wife Peg and promised to cut back on travel since they both wanted to start a family. That first year of marriage, Johnson was on the road 50 out of 52 weeks.
Just before the merger with Time Warner, Johnson left AOL to keep his promise to his wife. They moved to south Florida where Peg grew up. Johnson started an advertising agency and resumed his marketing consulting. It was during his consulting work for Cleveland, Tennessee- based Magic Chef that he saw the opportunity to pursue his life-long dream of owning and growing a business in his hometown of Chattanooga. Appliance Factory Warehouse, a successful, local appliance distributor, was in need of a principal to take over leadership of the company. Johnson made the decision to come home.
"I always wanted to work with my brothers,'' Johnson said. Buying into Appliance Factory Warehouse enabled him to do that. In addition, it brought him back to his hometown where he was able to contribute to the overall growth of the community. Johnson expanded the product line beyond appliances to include bedding, furniture and electronics. He updated the name to Appliance Furniture Warehouse.
Although he had lived in the Washington, D.C. area, south Florida and Atlanta, Johnson chose Chattanooga as the place to be an entrepreneur. "There is more of a sense of community here. I can have more impact here – impact people’s lives," Johnson said. "This community and its people are what distinguish it from other areas. There is nothing like the people here. They have a strong work ethic."
The lifestyle his family enjoys and his admiration for his associates at Appliance Furniture Warehouse are more reasons Johnson is happy to be in Chattanooga. Johnson is proud of his company and his hometown but tells all who will listen, "We're just getting started. We are by no means satisfied." |
