We are thrilled to announce two monumental achievements that underscore our company's enduring legacy and commitment to excellence: the induction of our founder and chairman, William "Bill" A. Hinks, into the prestigious American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame, and Furniture Mart USA's recognition as Furniture Retailer of the Year. These honors not only celebrate individual and organizational triumphs but also reflect the collaborative spirit that has propelled us forward for nearly five decades.
William A. Hinks, affectionately known as Bill to colleagues, customers, and community members alike, began his entrepreneurial journey in the 1970's with a modest venture selling second-hand furniture in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. What started as a hunch quickly evolved into a thriving enterprise. Under Bill's leadership, Furniture Mart USA expanded from a single storefront to a powerhouse network of over 50 retail locations across six Midwestern states, including North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Today, we proudly rank among the Top 40 furniture retailers in the nation, employing hundreds and serving thousands with an in-stock, rapid-delivery model that brings premium brands to rural communities often overlooked by larger metropolitan players.
Bill's induction into the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame, announced in May 2025 and formally celebrated during the High Point Market on October 26, recognizes his extraordinary contributions to the U.S. home furnishings industry. Selected by a distinguished seven-member committee, Bill joins an elite cadre of 139 visionaries who have shaped the sector through innovation, growth, and community impact. His story is one of serial entrepreneurship: from mobile home sales to pioneering accessible, high-quality furnishings for everyday families. As the committee noted, Bill has "provided consumers in rural markets with access to a wide range of brands typically only found in metropolitan stores," all while fostering a holistic solution encompassing furnishings, flooring, and design services.
This accolade is more than a personal milestone; it's a testament to Bill's core philosophy of hard work, dedication, and genuine care for others — a mantra that has permeated every aspect of Furniture Mart USA. From his early days as a star pitcher on a five-time, state championship softball team to his later pursuits in music and philanthropy, Bill has always balanced ambition with altruism. His and his wife Carolyn's contributions exemplify the giving-back ethos that defines our culture.
Complementing Bill's well-deserved recognition, Furniture Mart USA has been honored as Furniture Retailer of the Year — a prestigious award that highlights our unwavering dedication to customer-centric innovation and operational excellence. This accolade, bestowed by industry leaders in acknowledgment of our sustained growth and market leadership, positions us at the forefront of a competitive landscape where trust and reliability are paramount.
For decades, Furniture Mart USA has been a fixture in America's Top 100 Furniture Retailers, climbing to the Top 40 through strategic partnerships like our longstanding licensee agreement with Ashley Furniture HomeStore — the nation's leading furniture and mattress brand. Our portfolio of stores, including Ashley locations, Unclaimed Freight Furniture, and The Furniture Mart, spans more than 50 sites and a 300,000-square-foot distribution center in Sioux Falls. This infrastructure enables us to deliver low-cost, high-quality products with unmatched speed and service, ensuring that Upper Midwestern families receive the same premium experience as those in urban centers.
What sets us apart, and what this award affirms, is our family-owned DNA. Bill's vision has been carried forward by his wife Carolyn, their children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren, creating a legacy of multigenerational stewardship. As we continue to integrate recent acquisitions like Becker Furniture and Furniture Superstore, we remain focused on expanding access to beautiful, functional living spaces for all.
These dual honors arrive at a pivotal moment for Furniture Mart USA, as we mark nearly 50 years of transforming homes and enriching lives. Bill Hinks' Hall of Fame induction inspires our team to innovate boldly, while our Retailer of the Year status reinforces the trust we've built with customers and partners alike. Together, they signal a bright future—one where we continue to blend Midwestern values with industry-leading practices to serve our communities even better.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Bill Hinks for his trailblazing leadership, to our dedicated employees who bring our mission to life daily, and to you, our valued customers, whose loyalty fuels our growth. Here's to honoring the past while accessorizing the homes of tomorrow.
