Meet The Owner – Everett Office Furniture

Editor’s note: MyEverettNews.com is working to introduce our readers to more independent business owners here in Everett, Washington. We want to highlight their businesses, tell their stories and invite you to shop locally and help move Everett forward. If you know of a business we should feature, send us a suggestion via email: news@myeverettnews.com. Leland Dart – Publisher
 

For 40 years Brian Hollingshead has lived in Everett, Washington and for the past 21 years he’s owned Everett Office Furniture. Originally from Chicago, Brian attended the University of Wisconsin and after two years wasn’t completely sure of what his major should be so he took one of those aptitude tests.

“It told me I was creative, a problem solver and artistic,” Brian told us. “I ended up getting a Bachelor of Science Degree in Interior Design.”

Brian went on to design hotels for Westin until they decided to outsource that work. Later he became a pharmaceutical rep working a territory in eastern Washington. When he was transferred to the west side of the state he came to Everett.

Fast forward a couple of years and Brian was working as a manufacturer’s rep for an office furniture company handling government contracts. He started his own rep firm with multiple lines and as his family started growing he decided to take advantage of an opportunity to start a used furniture business here in Everett and spend less time on the road.

At first the store was just another one of his lines until it began to grow and he added new furniture to the used. In 2001 he became an official owner at Everett Office Furniture. Over the years the business has grown into a leading quality, mid-market office furnishings company serving the area stretching from Bothell to Bellingham. Clients include Coastal Community Bank, Tulalip Tribes, Mountain Pacific Bank, Volunteers of America and more.

Hollingshead’s company suffered a major disruption in September of 2017 when a three-alarm fire burned his business to the ground. At that time the business was located in a building built in 1905 in the 2900 block of Broadway. The cause of the fire was ruled undetermined but the business was insured and with the help of several local business owners they were able to bounce back.

“Andy Hall at Botesch, Nash & Hall offered us office space, Greg Tisdale provided us room in their warehouse, Fleet Services offered us a truck to use,” said Brian. “Everett was very helpful.”

He also credits the success of Everett Office Furniture to his staff of 8 employees, many who have worked for him or known him a long time. “This is my second family”, said Brian.

One thing about being a local business in Everett is that people can come in and sit in the chair, feel the difference and get hands-on service including personalized help with layout and design, assembly and installation. Things the internet doesn’t easily offer.

As we enter the post-pandemic period Brian says people want to be face to face. He invites business owners and those thinking about starting a business to come in and walk the showroom and see what they have to offer, talk with an interior specialist and let them keep an eye out for things you might need.

The store at 9121 Evergreen Way in south Everett is open Monday – Friday from 9 AM – 5 PM, you can give them a call at (425) 257-3242 and you can visit them online here.