DIETERICH, Ill. — Tom Wright, chairman of Wright’s Furniture & Flooring here, is retiring from the family business after 47 years.
The fourth-generation member of the ownership family began working at the Dieterich store full-time in 1976. He has also served as president of the 134-year-old company from 1985 to 2018. He will remain as chairman but is stepping away from the day-to-day aspects of the business.
“His leadership has taken us from the store we were then in 1976 to what we are now, with an exceptional staff,” said John Wright, president of Wright’s Furniture & Flooring. “His vision really has brought us to where we are today. He’s always been very involved in Dieterich and has been a role model for myself and the community.”
Tom Wright currently serves on numerous boards, including the Dieterich Bank board of directors, Cross at the Crossroads Board and Lake Land College Board of Trustees. In 2018, Wright was named as one of Lake Land College’s “Top 50 Most Influential People.”
“John and Tom are both great leaders, but more importantly the team they’ve built is amazing,” said Alex Wright, vice president. “They have a way of inspiring and building a wonderful team that put us to where we are today.”
During his retirement, Tom Wright plans to play golf, pickleball and stay involved with the community and the Wright Family Center. He is looking forward to traveling with his wife Linda, and spending time with his two sons and his new granddaughter, Della Ruth.