| Dodson Furniture's promotional phrase that the store in
"not in, but across the Eastwood Mall" has served it well
since first airing on the radio in 1983. People may not remember
the store's name, but they know where it is located, said owner Barry
Dodson with a laugh.
The tagline has become such a focal point of business that owner
Barry Dodson continually hears stories of how Delphi Packard Electric
Systems and General Motors employees listen to the ad on the radio and
complete the line in unison.
That's just fine with Dodson, whose soft-spoken demeanor is quite
different from his promotional appeals.
Dodson was introduced the furniture business when he worked on a
furniture delivery truck in Cleveland. As he moved into sales and,
management for the Furniture Land chain, he was asked to open the Niles
store in 1970. In 1983 he purchased the store and changed the name
to Dodson Furniture.
Nearly 30 years after the store opened, some of the 25 employees
include original workers from 1970. Dodson said his own work in
various capacities provides him a through appreciation for the jobs
done at all levels.
"I believe you are only as strong as the people around
you. Every job is important," he said.
Dodson's full-line furniture inventory in the 20,000-square-foot
showroom includes upholstery and dining, living and bedroom
furniture. It is marketed to the middle 80 percent of the area's
demographics. |
