Art Van exemplifies success of a generation
Jerry Epperson -- Furniture Today, October 17, 2009
Don't you love it when the good guys win and get the recognition they deserve?
Art Van Elslander, surrounded by his loving family and thousands of friends and admirers, is celebrating the 50th anniversary of his industry-leading Art Van Furniture stores. As would be expected by anything related to Art Van, the celebration will result in contributions to more than 50 nonprofit organizations in Michigan, a state soon to be renamed Art-Vanland.
Certainly Art Van's presence is bigger than big in our industry. Aside from the quiet grace and friendly demeanor of the man, whenever you think of his 31-store chain you see his famous high-tech “dark” warehouse, his sophisticated mattress disposal and recycling system, his fully merchandised in-store clearance centers and many, many other innovations.
He has accomplished all this business success and has a wonderful family, with several of his highly successful children now in his company, and a reputation as being one of the state's largest benefactors.
But to me, Art Van represents much more than the ultra-successful Michigan furniture retailer. He represents an entire generation of highly successful entrepreneurs, many of whom returned from World War II and the Korean conflict to start many of our industry's leading furniture stores in the 1940s and 1950s.
In almost every city and state, you can point to the local furniture store owner who has sold home furnishings to three generations, offered financing, delivery and after-the-sale service, all while contributing to the community and its churches, synagogues, schools and charities.
Hard work, long retail hours, and reinvesting the cash flow back into these stores has allowed these individuals to live well, be community leaders and enjoy the benefits of a strong family life. Some are blessed to have their children follow them into the business, but these entrepreneurs' children have often become physicians, attorneys and other professionals, too.
By writing this column, I hope to honor not only my dear friend, Art Van Elslander, but an entire generation of furniture entrepreneurs who have created the foundation of an industry that now has an impact around the world. All of us who have careers in this industry owe thanks to Art and his fellow retailers.
Whenever Art and I part after a visit, he always shakes my hand and says “Be well, my friend.” You know he really means it.
Thank you, Art. Congratulations from the entire home furnishings industry.
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