August 2010 Real Life
It was in March 2010 that Kenneth Dennis, at the age of 83, decided he would sell off his furniture inventory and close his doors after 51 successful years of business in Northwest Arkansas. That was the plan. During these years his priorities had been in serving people, making friends, and taking care of his customers. He did that well and he watched as the profits of Dennis Home Furnishings increased every year.
Having been raised in a rural family with no money and no work most of the time, he had to learn the value of working hard and he believes in that still. He always believed he had to treat people right to be successful. With ambition, Mr. Dennis started his business in an old run-down 1,200 ft. building in Fayetteville in 1959. He had two employees and very little money, but he didn’t mind. With a determined spirit and a big dream, he continued being thankful and believed that it was a privilege to work.
His business grew to be the second largest furniture dealer in Arkansas in volume and floor space. The variety of inventory and his commitment to customer service helped weather the recessions in the early 1980s, 1990s, and recently. “The love for my business and the relationships with my employees were most important. I’ve always wanted the best for them,” he said. These concerns were on his mind during the final days of closing the doors.
In the last few years, Mr. Dennis has seen many large, as well as small, furniture stores close due to financial hardships. The furniture business has changed like so many others. “The labor market situation makes it very difficult,” he mentioned. In the past, most all upholstered furniture was made out of the country with cheap labor, making it difficult for businesses to survive here. Now he sees it coming back. More furniture is now being made in the states.
During the last days of his sale, he became very restless and discontent. God had something different in mind for the Dennis family. “I knew my employees needed work and the economy was bad,” he said. His assistant manager and decorator of 32 years, Velma Pershall, said she prayed that God would speak to his heart and show His will and He did. She always felt that the store wouldn’t close. At the last minute things changed. Mr. Dennis decided to keep his business open and to give his employees, who wanted to stay, continued employment. He commented “I live by the principle ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you’.”
The decision was made that the store would be reopened under a new name, “Connie’s Home Fashions,” as a tribute to the Dennis’ deceased daughter. Mr. Dennis is retiring but will continue being owner. Velma will be the new store manager. She doesn’t hesitate to say that it’s been wonderful working for a family who lives their Christian faith in their business and truly cares about people. “It has been rewarding to watch them treat people with honesty and fairness, she said. “I’ve been able to work in that atmosphere every day. This new venture would not have worked if God had not been involved.” Strong spiritual values have made the difference in this business, Velma believes.
When asked what businessmen could learn from his experience, Mr. Dennis said that he always paid his bills immediately, never put money first, and never lived beyond his means. “Management means everything in running a business,” he said. “I learned to manage ‘right’ what God gave me. I never made people wait to be paid and I never went over my budget in spending. I don’t have debt on my property or my inventory. We know our building is not the grandest, but we keep clean credit and can offer our customers better prices.” In the midst of hard times, he has always put God first and given his tithe. “My business has always been built on Christian principles,” he confirmed.
Gerry Dennis has supported her husband throughout the years and says that God has always been an important part of their business and they served Him first. She mentioned the importance of being friends with their competitors and showing them respect. She admits to being blessed personally from their success, and is grateful for it, but says the close relationships with the employees brought much joy and reward. It was impressive
to hear her comment on Mr. Dennis’ desire to continuously give. “He supports many children’s health organizations as well as our church,” she said.
Mr. Dennis has been very active in the community. He has been a past board member of the Fayetteville and the Farmington Chambers of Commerce and the Arkansas Furniture Association.
As we made our way to the office, Gerry noted that it was truly an honor that the furniture sales representatives had inducted Mr. Dennis into the Furniture Hall of Fame. There it was, one of the many plaques adorning his office walls, shelves, and desk. It was obvious that his accumulation of awards was numerous and reflected a life of service and contributions. Along those walls, covering many years, was a display of family pictures including his wife, his one child, Connie, and his two grandchildren and two great grandchildren. It was a storyboard of family values.
An important part of Gerry and Kenneth’s journey has been their love and commitment to First Baptist Church of Springdale for 33 years. “Ronnie and his staff there are doing what they are supposed to,” he remarked. “Watching small children being taught to love the Lord and trust Him has been so comforting.” They reflected back to the first Sunday that Ronnie Floyd came as pastor. Mr. Dennis quickly remarked,“We’ve always supported Pastor Floyd because he does a good job and has a heart for winning the lost to Christ. And, you know, that’s really what it’s all about.”
On Sunday mornings you will find Mr. Dennis at his door as a greeter. He doesn’t plan to give up this position anytime soon. It brought a wide smile to his face as he told about the pleasure it is in welcoming people to God’s house. “Many people are limited physically with health problems and others have conflict and pain in their lives. So, I appreciate their efforts to come worship,” he said.
It’s a tradition in their family to attend Shiloh Christian School. The Dennis’ sent their two grandchildren, Alisa Fogley and Dennis Young, there. Now they are sending their two great grandchildren. Among many compliments to the school, he wanted it noted that the coaching there is very good too. Mr. Dennis is a firm believer that when you train up a child in the way he should go, when he is old he will not turn from it, as the Scripture says. He remarked,“It’s the best decision we could have made and an investment that will keep giving back.”
Sitting close by, Alisa, their granddaughter and employee, made it known that her grandparents had been wonderful role models. She said they had taught her the right things to do. Remarkably, it was their teaching and demonstration of tithing, plus giving more, that made a great impact on her life. With boldness she said,“They always give God the praise and the profits. Their success has come as a result of those principles.” She mentioned that her goal is to be as dedicated as they are. As she watches them, she learns more about how to do just that.
The store has been closed for two months while painting and refurnishing. The twelve employees, together, have a total of 155 years experience with this business. The grand opening is coming soon. When you visit the reopened store, you will be served by the same employees.
And so, the tradition will carry on. “I look forward to those visits and friendships made with customers who drop by and don’t even buy anything,” Mr. Dennis said. It’s without question that humor and a positive attitude are an important part of his day. The Dennis’ leave a great legacy to their family, church, and community, and he says he would not do anything differently. Kenneth Dennis sums up his financial blessings in a few words: “You can’t out-give God—It’s just that way!”