Fish Furniture: Helping Northeast Ohio live beautifully for 100 years
After 100 years of helping Northeast Ohioans tap into their visions for a thoughtfully decorated home, Fish Furniture continues to offer timeless quality and service.
Fish Furniture opened in 1925. Today, after 100 years as a family-run business, the staff continues to uphold that dedication to the customer.
Fish Furniture has been offering Northeast Ohioans quality home furnishings, adapting to shifting industry trends and providing clients with unparalleled customer service for more than 100 years.
The staff has decades of experience, vast knowledge, and a passion for helping customers of every generation create the homes of their dreams.
The History
Fish Furniture opened in 1925, a time when Americans were experiencing the economic boom of the Roaring Twenties and looking for quality furnishings for their new homes. Today, after 100 years as a family-run business, the staff continues to uphold that dedication to the customer and is honored to be a part of your family’s history.
Problem-Solvers
“This is my 28th year at Fish Furniture,” says administrator Stephanie Stevens. “I do everything from scheduling deliveries, processing shipments and ordering furniture to troubleshooting IT problems and managing payroll. I love to problem-solve.”
Working with everyone at the company in some capacity or another, Stephanie has a good idea about what keeps Fish Furniture successful.
“It’s the people,” emphasizes Stephanie. “Together they account for our growth and success. Our buyer, for example, does endless research on trends and it’s her longstanding relationships with vendors that allow us to run great sales and offer the best overall pricing.”
Stephanie says the “supermen” of Fish Furniture, the delivery people, will not leave your home until everything is to your satisfaction.
It’s About Connection
North Olmsted location general manager Ray Gura has been with Fish Furniture for 28 years, and in the home furnishings business for 56 years.
“I was familiar with the Fish Furniture story—a family-owned business with a great reputation for treating employees and customers fairly and honestly,” says Ray. “We’ve upheld that reputation, along with offering quality goods at terrific pricing. And our customers are generational. We get the whole family.”
Diana Sheeks was recently named general manager of Fish Furniture’s Mayfield Heights location and her focus is squarely on the team.
“I came to Fish Furniture 39½ years ago,” says Diana. “I took a hiatus to raise my children and came back nine years ago. Many of the same people were still here. It’s an amazing group that wants the best for each other. If we feel that connection, we know the customer will too.”
“We have a unique niche in this business,” Diana adds. “Our wide variety of custom options allows us to find exactly what a person is looking for at the price that works for them.”
Buying With Intent
This is Kitty Bracey’s 33rd year as a buyer at Fish Furniture, and she’s still loving every minute of navigating this fast-paced industry. For first-time furniture buyers, Kitty offers one piece of advice to put their minds at ease.
“I just got back from my 60th furniture market,” says Kitty. “I’ve seen all the trends come, I’ve seen them go, and then I’ve seen them come back again. I tell customers struggling to find their style and afraid of making a mistake that if they love something and truly believe in it, it will never go out of style.’”
Kitty scours websites and haunts home furnishings stores at every price point to keep Fish Furniture up-to-the-minute on styles while also maintaining its reputation for classic pieces.
“The era of consumable furniture—low-cost, short life-span pieces—terrifies me,” says Kitty. “My job is to pay attention and stay in the present. Constant change keeps me engaged. If you’re overwhelmed by styles, colors and so many options, focus on what makes you happy and you’ll never go wrong.”
Service is a Team Effort
Bob Loomis, general manager of service and warehousing, a Fish Furniture team member for 34 years, describes the benefits of working for a small family business where everyone has a voice.
“We work through things together,” says Bob. “There’s no ‘us’ and ‘them.’ If it’s a good idea and benefits the customer, we do it.”
Bob’s job requires logistical management and the ability to adjust moment to moment.
“It’s about my relationships with fellow employees and customers,” says Bob. “I pride myself on my honesty and the level of service we provide. I have high expectations of everyone I work with. And they always deliver.”
Family Focus
David Kirshtein, COO at Fish Furniture, has been here a short time, but has been in the furniture business for 36 years.
“I came to Cleveland from South Carolina to be near my children and grandchildren,” says David. “The family business aspect of Fish Furniture is not new to me and is something I greatly appreciate. The quality and custom options within the lines we offer are what set us apart. Cleveland is a unique place. People are genuine and family oriented. It’s an honor to help them envision, then create, their home spaces.”
Stop in and discover why Fish Furniture has remained a testament to the beauty of true craftsmanship and the value of legacy.
Fish Furniture
1443 SOM Center Road, Mayfield Heights
23770 Lorain Road, North Olmsted
The Erin & Ben Collection
Inspired by HGTV’s “Home Town,” Fish Furniture’s dedicated Erin & Ben Co. showroom features furniture that blends comfort, character and everyday livability. Additional featured brands include Hooker Furniture, Flexsteel Home, Wesley Hall, Canadel, Decor-Rest and Temple Furniture.
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