In today’s socially aware and growing responsible business environment, it is comforting to know that one local company has been leading the charge for almost four decades. Island Furniture, a pillar in the St. John’s retail home and office furniture and appliance sector, is much more than somewhere to purchase your quality furnishings and decor needs. Island Furniture is committed to helping further the lives of the people within the community, and that starts with employing some of the most devoted and enthusiastic individuals, says Adam Fox, supported employment coordinator for the business that first opened as a manufacturing plant in 1979.
“Island Furniture is definitely a rare breed when it comes to social responsibility,” he says.
From the start, when the company was first opened 39 years ago, it was always the intention of founder Paul. E. Walsh to not only offer Newfoundlanders the very best quality furniture at competitive prices, Fox adds, but also as a vehicle to give people in need of a real opportunity for stable employment at a reliable, caring business.
“We currently employ seven individuals throughout the company that are developmentally delayed,” Fox says. “They are some of the hardest working and kindest, most caring people I know, and they are dedicated to helping others and seeing everyone succeed.”
One of those exemplary employees is Michael Power, a long-time custodian for the company.
“l have been working at Island Furniture for 38 years. This coming January will mark my 39th year,” says Power.
When Walsh first opened Island Furniture, it began as a small furniture manufacturing plant. Power was one of the first employees and he has been a big part in the evolution of the company, which now has two retail locations and one office furniture location in St. John’s.
Power heard about the company through his sister, who he says mentioned that a new company was opening and might be looking for employees.
“That Monday, I went to Island Furniture with my resume and I have never looked back,” says Power.
Few people can say they have worked for the same company for going on four decades, but Power says he has stayed with Island Furniture because it cares about its employees and the people it serves.
“This company is different in how it helps people with developmental disabilities. I like how Island Furniture supports people all over the province that would find it difficult to find work elsewhere,” he adds.
In fact, Island Furniture has provided funding for 1,500 job placements for developmentally delayed individuals since its inception, a large percentage of those being outside of St. John’s, according to Fox.
Like with any job, however, Power says he has encountered a few challenges over the years. “Changing from a workshop where we built furniture to just a retail store was a big change for me. Once we stopped building chests and night tables, I needed to learn new skills for new jobs. My co-workers helped me and I learned from them,” Power explains.
It is this cohesiveness within the company that not only makes Island Furniture so successful as an employer, but also as a thriving retailer, adds Fox, emphasizing that every employee is treated like family.
Power adds that he is planning to retire soon as he will be 65 in four years. “I imagine [though] the business will continue to be strong and will still be around after I leave,” he adds.
The fact that many of the employees at Island Furniture have been with the company for many years, is testament to its core values and beliefs, and it also continues to support the community that has embraced it.
“Since 2000, Island Furniture has dispersed more than $5 million to various supported employment agencies, businesses and charities across Newfoundland and Labrador,” says Fox, something they intend to continue doing, he adds.
For Power (and all of Island Furniture’s employees), the company has provided him with the much-needed stability and a caring atmosphere he needs to succeed. “This is a great place to shop and good people to work with. It really has a family atmosphere.”
For more information, visit one of Island Furniture’s two locations — 428 Empire Ave. or 50 Aberdeen Avenue — or check out their website: www.islandfurniture.ca.
