At Furniture Today’s 2024 Leadership Conference, American Furniture Warehouse was one of our retail honorees for the Furniture Industry Leadership Award. The 17-store Englewood, Colo., retailer continues to expand and shine in its markets.
Jake Jabs, founder of the family-owned retail operation, has built a legacy, not only of business success ,but also of integrity and personal fulfillment. During our awards gala at the conference in Naples, Fla., Jake took to the stage and shared seven key principles that have guided his journey through his career and life, principles as relevant to life as they are to leadership.
At 94 years old, Jake has a few things to say about success and leadership. Here’s a look:
- Have a purpose
Success begins with a clear purpose. Jake emphasizes the importance of setting goals and staying focused on what truly matters, both personally and professionally. - Stay physically active
Physical health is foundational to success. Jake makes it a point to walk two or three miles daily, maintaining his energy and vitality. No gym necessary, he says, just walk. “That’s pretty easy in a furniture store,” he quipped. Pair that movement with good food and taking care of yourself. - Enjoy what you do
Passion fuels excellence. Jake’s love for his work has kept him motivated throughout his career. Find joy in what you do, he says. It makes all the difference both in mindset and physical well-being. - Exercise your brain
Jake is a firm believer in mental fitness. Keeping your mind sharp is just as important as staying physically active. “Challenge your brain every day,” he says. “It helps prevent decline and keeps you sharp as you age.” - Don’t retire; redefine your role
Retirement isn’t in Jake’s vocabulary. Reflecting on his family’s experiences, he’s seen how early retirement can lead to stagnation in prior generations in his family. Instead, he advocates staying engaged and contributing meaningfully, no matter your age. - Leave a legacy
Family and community are central to Jake’s philosophy. Whether through mentoring his children and grandchildren or supporting education initiatives such as the Jake Jabs College of Business & Entrepreneurship at Montana State University, Jake focuses on making a lasting impact. Today, Jake’s daughter Jackie Brookshire is president of AFW, and three of his grandchildren are part of the company. - Lead with integrity
For Jake, integrity is non-negotiable. Early in his career, he set out to prioritize customer service and transparency, even when it meant challenging industry norms. “We fix problems, no blame, no chargebacks,” he says. “It’s about doing what’s right and fair for the customer.” Because of that ethos, Jake says, AFW’s reputation with his customers and within the industry are powerful.
Jake’s principles are a testament to the values of hard work, passion and doing right by others. They serve as a reminder that success isn’t just about profit; it’s about purpose, perseverance and the positive impact you impart throughout your community and industry.
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