Mattress World Inc.

Mattress World Inc. sold its first mattress on January 18, 1996.  I would have loved to have saved our first dollar and framed it on the wall but, I could not afford to do it.  To make a long story short, I was crazy enough to open 5 stores at once with only enough money to get us through the first week.  We lost so much money month after month that words cannot even describe the determination it took to make it work.  My mission has never changed.

The Mattress World family is a part of the community.  It is a place where people want to work and people want to buy.  We will provide our customers with an experience that will exceed their expectations.  Our Employees will take ownership of every customer, meeting all their mattress needs, because we are considered the experts on the bedding industry and because our Customers “sleep like a baby”.

The things that made us realize what is truly important in life were the foreclosures, car repossessions and asking my brother for food.  Another realization was convincing my children that we did not want heat because it was more fun to camp out in front of the fire place and for us all to sleep together.  However, it was the last foreclosure I felt was the turning point in our lives.  I did not want Jon to know because I was afraid it would give him a heart attack, so I told everyone I was tired of having all the same stuff and that we needed to sell it all. 

The one thing that I realized through the last 13 years is that success is not a destination; it’s a journey that never ends.  Our success is not measured by the corporate growth of Mattress World Inc., but the excitement and joy of each person as they reach their personal goals; whether it’s a new home, a car, or getting out of debt, reaching anniversary’s of being drug free, or spending time with their family.  One of the most successful stories of Mattress World was a high school drop-out being able to graduate with her senior class.

When thinking what it took for us to get here, I am humbled by the support of everyone.  This includes vendors, banks, media, friends, co-workers past and present, and the encouragement we have received by customers. 

So I guess the most important thing that I would want you to convey about whom or what Mattress World Inc. is; it is everyone that believed in us and our mission.  You all know who you are… 

Thank you.

Dreams

By Sherri

A dream would be a little girl, with a monster for a doll, having hopes of one day being the best wife and mother, and having her children believe in and trust her. That same girl could dream of taking a penny and turning it into millions. Always just a bunch of silly dreams...

This is how the story goes...

I came really late in my family’s life; my grandparents were elderly when I arrived. If you were to ask me what I remember of them, I would declare they were in love.

They appreciated talking to each other, they cherished being together, and they treasured touching their one true love. They had nothing in common but love. My Grandfather loved to hunt, fish, and farm. My Grandmother loved to dress, dance, and be elegant and sophisticated. Their love for each other lead to their happiness. As a matter of fact, they were never apart. She went camping three months a year. Grandpa went to make-up seminars and waited for her while she shopped. They constantly supported each other in their dreams, and were in bliss just being together. As with all great things in life, their love grew more impassioned and enhanced with each passing moment.

When they passed away on the same day (not as poetic as it sounds), it was just the way they wanted it. I cried for my usual 30 seconds, and then I remembered how happy I was to have visited them the week before. My Grandmother was so happy that I came to spend time with her. She asked me if she could do anything for me. I paused and said, "How about painting my fingernails?" She was going blind, so I had polish all over my fingers when she was done. She was so proud. My Grandfather came in and said with tears in his eyes, "That is beautiful Bernie". Shirley (they never could remember my name was Sherri) looks beautiful.

My Grandparents were always very nice to me. However, since I had come so late in their years, their involvement in my life was limited. Upon their death, my brothers received all kinds of things, and I was happy for them. Then at the bottom of all the things there was a single 1901 ten dollar gold coin. It was for Shirley (me).

For years that coin represented 55 years of marriage, happiness, laughter, and joy that I have yet to see again. Then 11 years ago that symbol of such great thoughts vanished, and the coin represented food. I have hocked jewelry, antiques and many other things, but the only thing I have ever regretted was selling the coin.

As I sit here and realize what it has taken to get here the coin now has more than one meaning….

1. The selfless love of two people distant in years, yet eternally united with their hearts.
2. “Success is a journey not a destination”. You will have to make many sacrifices along the expedition towards success such as hocking the coin. However the surrender of materialistic possessions is nothing compared to the riches you will gain along your journey. Please make sure you follow your dreams and remember I believe that dreams come true.
3. It also represents the many types of treasures to come. Love, happiness, doing what you will be devoted to, and a little money would be excellent too.

Please keep this thought with you so during important times you remember success is a journey and if you believe in yourself you will have it all…

Thank you for making my dreams come true.

Love,

Sherri

Featured Team Members

 Martha Bannick 

Congratulations to Martha Bannick representing our sales team.  Awarded for her outstanding customer service skills and endless dedication to our valued customers in the Salem market.  Martha has been a member of the Mattress World family for less than two years and has already formed a reputation amounts her peers as a person who takes pride in all she does.  She comes from an extensive background in customer service relations and uses that experience to serve our customers here at Mattress World. 

Martha and her husband Travis have been married for nine years and have two children, Michelle age 6 and Dennis age 3.  She spends her spare time with her family enjoying a variety of activities including her favorite, spending time in the great outdoors.

We are proud to have Martha on our team.

Congratulations Martha!

Jacob Carillo

Congratulations to Jacob, Mattress World’s featured team member representing our support staff. Jacob has demonstrated leadership skills beyond his years and proven to be an effective warehouse manager exceeding all expectations. He is well respected amongst his peers. Jacob leads by example not expecting his team to do anything he’s not willing to do himself. He has truly developed into a great leader.

Jacobs also dedicated to his family. Spending time and playing with his six year old son brings him the greatest joy. He is focused on creating many happy memories for both himself and his son. Some of his personal interests are playing soccer. He’s currently playing on two different teams. He also loves to work out at the local gym. He places a high priority on staying fix which gives him the needed energy to succeed in other areas of his life. He states that "cars clothes and other material items will always come and go, but friends and family are something that I never want to lose".

Jacob has the ability to make friends easily because he's always focused on the needs of others. We are proud to have Jacob on our team here at Mattress World. He embodies what we are all about!

Once again, congratulations Jacob and thanks for your dedication to Mattress World!