LAVALE — Burkey’s Home furniture and Carpeting is celebrating 75 years of enterprise underneath the possession of founders Ed and Mary Burkey’s daughter-in-regulation, Kathy.
In 2019 when their eldest son John passed absent after a long fight with cancer, Kathy Burkey knew he wanted her to retain working issues as typical.
“It never transpired to me 50 many years in the past when John and I got married and I moved to Allegany County, that I would someday be the one particular remaining to have on the family members custom,” Kathy mentioned recently in her business at 900 Countrywide Freeway. “But, 75 years is a excellent legacy and anything to be proud of.”
Getting just retired from her CPA apply, Kathy Burkey mentioned she’s ready to oversee functions with longtime workers Shawn Winterberg, retail store manager, and Kathy White, business office manager. Jointly with Scott Munday and Gary Zembower, warehouse/supply, and the income force of Krista Eaton, Jim Mullan, Renee Buckbee and Susan Mallozzi, the entire staff is ready to carry on giving “excellent and friendly service.”
“In the beginning” Kathy Burkey explained, “the focus was on televisions and appliances. In fact, the Burkey’s bought some of the very first freezers in the spot. That is when the small business was located on Centre Street in Cumberland. In 1953, the enterprise moved to LaVale to give a larger sized showroom space and warehouse. For many years, the complete spouse and children was involved, such as John and his brothers, Danny and Brian. From sweeping the floors to driving on the service and delivery trucks, they all participated.”
In 1971, John Burkey joined the management and profits side of the organization following he graduated from Baltimore College of Commerce. When he and Kathy obtained married in 1972, she moved to city and taken care of the monetary and tax side of the small business.
Ultimately, his two young brothers moved absent to pursue their professions. John Burkey stayed to assistance introduce home furniture and ground coverings to the product lineup.
In 1975, televisions and appliances were being phased out and far more inventory room was provided to the broad range of furniture and flooring coverings offered that is nonetheless the key concentrate.
In 1990, the corporation purchased the former Sheetz retail store property up coming door to the major showroom. It is at this time employed as a warehouse and household furniture planning region wherever every little thing is “deluxed” just before sale and supply.
And, that area is now stuffed with stock that is ready for the showroom ground or customers’ residences.
When questioned how COVID has improved the organization, Kathy Burkey claimed, “Ever due to the fact the pandemic began, we have witnessed an boost in clients seeking to make their residences cozy and inviting. No matter whether it is a La-Z-Boy chair to stretch out in, a Kingsdown mattress for a wonderful night’s rest, or a sectional sofa for family members movie night — we have it all.”
In a 2017 job interview for the duration of the 70th anniversary, John Burkey mentioned, “Just like our financial system, there have been some ups and downs. It is in some cases difficult, but it is a good problem. It’s been a satisfying occupation, considerably extra particular in a neighborhood of our sizing and I’ve met some amazing people.”
“I couldn’t have explained it better,” Kathy Burkey reported.