Today we’d like to introduce you to John Smithwick
Hi John, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have been in the mattress business for more than 25 years. The company I worked for had filed bankruptcy. A few weeks later Covid hit. Everything was shut down. I found temporary work at various places. Nothing seemed to be a good fit. I was talking with my wife and we decided together that I would open my own store. Part of that decision led me to write out a business plan with the help of the SBDC Small Business Development Center. With my business plan in hand I was able to secure financing to get started. I resigned from my employer at the time and hit the road running.
The first stop was to book a flight to Las Vegas and attend the mattress market that is held there twice a year. I was able to make connections and filled out all kinds of paperwork to become a vendor of their products. I then shopped for a space. I came across the Meridian Mall, signed a lease & opened my store. I have now entered my second year of business. This has been quite the journey. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest struggle that I had was deciding which models of mattress to start with. There are so many varieties and brands to choose from. I decided to pick the brands that would send me customers from their websites. I am a very unique mattress store. I carry “Bed in a Box” I have what the customer sees on the internet that they are not able to try. Carring the right mix of these mattresses can be a struggle.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I was the kid that sold everything door to door. Candy, flowers, wallets, Christmas cards. It was only natural that I would start a career of selling things in a retail setting, 20 years in shoes and 20 plus years in furniture, clothing, vitamins just to name a few. I have always been in customer service and I truly enjoy helping people with their needs. I like to smile and show kindness. I also do my own store layouts to maximize the space for selling the products that I offer.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My mom was the cook at a summer camp for 2 weeks every year. My dad ran the concession stand. I loved working the stand with my dad. Selling the pop, candy & chips. This was the start of my customer service career.
Pricing:
- I match the online pricing of all of my vendors. This levels the playing field for the customers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.takengomattress.com
- Instagram: Take N Go Mattress
- Facebook: Take N Go Mattress
