Hey there, it's the Whitaker Family, Ike, and Rachel, and we're excited to take you on a little journey through our lives at Whitaker Family Furniture and how it came to be. In June 2022, we officially took the reins, and let us tell you, the past year and a half has been one heck of a ride.
The Beginning
Our story starts from the ground up. Our dear friend Nathan, the mastermind behind Furniture Outpost, amazingly opened our original store while navigating the challenges of homelessness. Through this store, he overcame his homelessness challenges and used it as an investment by selling the store. Fast forward to 2018, and he sold the business to another group, leaving Spokane for Texas. But, you know how it goes – COVID hit, things got tricky, and the second owners were unable to make Furniture Outpost a success.
Because Nathan was in Texas, he recruited us to help clean up the Furniture Outpost and sell off all inventory. We found ourselves determined to help our friend.
We Took the Leap
Yep, there were some bumps along the road, like a very dirty building that has been neglected throughout the pandemic, out-of-date furniture, and no clients or customers walking through the door. At this point, it wasn’t our business. We were just there to help, and through amazing friends and family, we were able to start bringing in customers. Because Rachel had lost her job during COVID, it felt like a great opportunity and distraction to rise to the challenge and clean up Nathan’s business. We enjoyed it so much that with a bit of divine guidance, and Ike's furniture-selling experience, we became the proud owners.
Our first vendor was actually Walker's Furniture. They came through with overstock from COVID, and we were able to bring in new, vibrant furniture to our North Monroe location. We're not just doing business here; we're actively involved in our community, giving back and providing grace and opportunity to all who enter through our doors.
This is All a Blessing
We're immensely thankful for our customers who've become part of our extended family. It's not just about selling furniture; it's about sharing stories, meals, and growing together. Family is everything, and having our kiddos around, working, and interacting with customers is what it's all about.
Giving back is our mission. Whether it's a discount for single moms or partnering with organizations like Speak Up Speak Out, Revival Rentry, and Goodwill – we're in it to make a positive impact. Our team includes incredible individuals like Jason Junior and Senior, who overcome challenges and bring their A-game to the warehouse and sales floor.
Spokane, We Love You
Spokane is our home, and the North Monroe business district encompasses all we love about Spokane - community, neighbors helping neighbors, growth, and positive change. It's where the heart is, simple as that.
We Look to the Future
We are not here trying to be the next, big thing in furniture. To us, it’s more about the people, our values, and our mission to do better than it is the sales. We want to keep growing, but not horizontally. We want to grow deeper. We're all about quality, both in furniture and in the relationships we build. We want to pay our team better, work with the best vendors, and keep our furniture both top-notch and affordable for all the families in Spokane.
Thank You
So, from our family to yours, we want to express a massive thank you. Thanks to our friends, family, customers, and neighbors for being part of this wild ride. As we gear up for the season of gratitude, we're reminded that in the world of business, it's the shared journey, faith, and genuine connections that matter most.
Cheers to more memories, more growth, and more family moments at Whitaker Family Furniture!
