Steinhafels CEO Discusses Furniture Industry, Vernon Hills Store
CEO Gary Steinhafel spoke at the GLMV Chamber's Fall Business Stampede on Nov. 9.
When Gary Steinhafel looks back at what has happened in the furniture industry over the years, the picture looks pretty grim. Steinhafel, who serves as the CEO of the three-generation Steinhafels Furniture company, started working in the furniture industry for Wickes Furniture in 1977. He then managed a Wickes store in Itasca before leaving the company to become a wholesale rep from 1981-91. Steinhafel has watched as many established furniture companies closed their doors. Wickes. John M. Smith. Wieboldt's. Plunkett. "Up and down the Fox Valley, there were furniture stores in every town. They're all gone," said Steinhafel. How has Steinhafels kept its doors open since 1934? "The ones that are strategic have survived," said Steinhafel. …
