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Do CIA Ships Furniture to its Agent Around the World?
Question: Someone told me that the CIA ships furniture to its agents around the world. That’s not really true, is it? June 28, 2020 Answer: I can’t answer for what is being done currently,…
Where Can I Buy a High Quality Twin-size Sleeper that Can Fit Through Narrow Doorway?
Question: Can you recommend a high quality twin-size sleeper that can fit through a narrow doorway? June 27, 2020 Answer: Here is a link to Prominence Furniture, a Thomasville, NC manufacturer that makes high…
Reclining Sectionals Compared: Flexsteel Arlo vs. Southern Motion SoCozi
Question: My husband and I are in the market to buy a reclining sectional. We have only been to one store and our top 2 choices are the Flexsteel Arlo line or the Southern Motion…
Is Rubberwood Actually A Good Wood For Furniture?
Question In one of your articles Is Rubberwood Considered a Good Wood to use for Furniture? you indicate that rubberwood is a good furniture wood. In my opinion nobody should buy rubberwood furniture. The surface…
What’s the Best Way to Protect My Linen Sofa From Stains?
Question What should I use to protect my linen sofas from stains. Would you call a professional? Patricia June 20, 2020 Answer Natural fibers like linen and cotton are the hardest to protect from stains….
What Density Bench Cushions Do the 1921 Sherrill Sofas Have?
Question What density bench cushion does the 1921 Sherrill sofa have? I want a very firm cushion that will stay very firm over the years. Thanks for any info. Joanne June 19, 2020 Answer That…
Are Southern Motion Reclining Sofas and Loveseats Better Than Flexsteel?
Question I was seriously considering purchasing a Flexsteel reclining sofa & loveseat until I read reviews. The reviews left a lot to be desired. In fact, every negative review I read was about the Latitudes…
How Do I Find A Reclining Loveseat With Lumbar Support?
Question Looking for a reclining loveseat with lumbar support. Came across two companies Flexsteel and Design Comfort. We want a long lasting piece of furniture. Our last recliners only lasted 5 years. I’m wanting that…
Do I Need A Professional Upholsterer to Replace Ashley Cushions?
Question I have an Ashley that is 8 years old. It’s still in perfect condition except for the cushions. Do you know anyone in the Chattanooga, TN area who will do a good job replacing…
How Much Is My Used Drexel Furniture Worth? Can I Sell It?
Question I have a Drexel cabinet. It’s got a couple of small scratches on one of the drawers and the top needs to be sanded and oiled. What do you think the piece is worth?…
What Is the Best Upper Mid-Grade Sofa on the Market Today?
Question What is the quality of an England brand sofa? What is the best upper mid-grade sofa on the market today? I have a Broyhill I bought in 2005. It has held up 15 years…
Is It Possible To Fix An Electric Recliner That’s Stuck?
Question Happy to find your site. We purchased a Flexsteel power recliner and loveseat in May, 2019. My husband recently had back surgery and normally sits in the recliner. Today he sat on the loveseat,…
Jeff Frank is a 45-year veteran of the furniture industry.
He has worked directly with hundreds of manufacturers, retailers, designers, and suppliers.
Jeff’s manufacturing company, Simplicity Sofas, founded in 2007, won the $20,000 Grand Prize in a 2012 nationwide competition for “Most Innovative U.S. Small Business.”
Simplicity Sofas was one of the first furniture manufacturers to sell Direct to Consumer. The brand was selling nearly 100% of sales through its online website several years before Amazon and Wayfair popularized the concept.
After 15 years, Jeff retired from Simplicity Sofas to devote full time to this Insider’s Guide to Furniture blog.
Over his career, Jeff has been directly involved in all aspects of furniture manufacturing, retailing (both stores and online), and product design.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Jeff was a Buyer for a major furniture retail chain, purchasing over $200 million of furniture & mattresses.
As a Buyer, Jeff negotiated with hundreds of large & small furniture manufacturers. He also set pricing for Special Sales Events and the everyday showroom prices.
Other responsibilities included merchandising, advertising, customer service, and more.
In between Jeff’s work as a Buyer and his ownership of a furniture manufacturing firm, he formed a product design team that created a new type of modular, ready to assemble furniture.
Jeff has received 7 patents. 5 of these were licensed to a major furniture manufacturer, accounting for over $40 million in sales.
Jeff has been writing about the furniture industry for over a decade.
He has published more than 2000 articles & reviews, with over 2 million views.
The Insiders Guide To Furniture includes over 500 articles and reviews. Several of these are constantly being re-written and updated.
Research is ongoing. Jeff visits the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, North Carolina to view new products. He also speaks frequently with factory executives.
He is happy to receive your Ask the Expert questions about product quality & value, brand comparisons, design & construction, costs & pricing, customer service & warranty issues, and many more furniture-related topics.