Recorded during the April 2026 High Point Market, Dennis Hoy shared his perspective on the current state of the home furnishings industry along with his rich history in the business. Dennis now works at the Furniture Marketing Group (FMG) which describes itself as "the premier home furnishings networking and buying group made up of independent retail furniture dealers throughout North America." https://fmgbuyinggroup.com/

Dennis was described by coworkers as "quite silly... very smart too" and "one of the most genuine gentleman you will ever find in the workplace" perhaps influenced by a brief stint in a charm school.

To say Dennis has "done it all" in the furniture business would be an understatement.

After college, Dennis went to work for Hecht’s division of May Department stores in what is now referred to as the DMV (for D.C., Maryland, and Virginia). After five years there, three in the Case Goods Buying Office, Dennis went to work for Reliable Stores in Landover, MD as Regional Case Goods Buyer. Two years later he moved to Marlo Furniture in Alexandria, VA as Buyer of case goods, dinettes, mattresses and occasional furniture. After nine years at Marlo, Dennis left retail behind to join Bassett Furniture Industries where he served as VP Merchandising, VP Upholstery Manufacturing, and VP Corporate Retail. Then Dennis moved to Collezione Europa for four years with responsibility for purchasing and inventory management. Dennis then did some design work and attempted to get a case goods line off the ground before settling at FMG where he has been for over a dozen years now.

Recorded during the October 2025 High Point Furniture Market, Randy & Troy Kush, owners of Kush's 7 Day Furniture stores in Omaha and Lincoln, NE, graciously carve out time to give us a retailers perspective of the state of our industry. Troy & Randy have built a fabulous business through grit, determination, and just treating their team and their customers right.

In this episode we discuss:

Retail Success_ How We Thrive Through Market Changes

Positivity's Power_ How Energy Influences Others

Entrepreneurship's Ego_ Why Businesses Fail Under Pressure

Their Dad's & Grandpa's Wild Life_ Jockey, Mob, & Pizza!

Funny Commercials_ Behind the Scenes with Crazy Costumes!

Customer Delight_ Transform Your Brand with Positive Emotions

Customer Service_ How We Built a 4.8-Star Rating!

Wayfair's Problem_ Broken Goods & Unsustainable Business

Golf Cart Shenanigans_ Wild Night at the Showroom

Retail Price Increases_ Strategies for Inventory & Tariffs

Tariffs Explained_ How They REALLY Impact Retail Prices

Family Business_ Success Secrets and Avoiding Pitfalls

Store Fight! Wrestling Eight Years Ago! No Winner!

7 Day_ Staying Family-Owned & Avoiding Corporate Growth

They Bought a Racehorse! (Named Little Crush)

Tariffs & Manufacturing_ How We Survived