By TIFFANY WRIGHT
Calvin Cook is interested in two things.


One is being a member of a church, the other is owning a furniture store.

Cook has been in the furniture business for 10 years. He and his wife, Gail, own Cook’s Furniture and Bedding in the Georgian Place in Somerset.

Cook, 42, is a native of Fayette County, but spent most of his childhood in Somerset County.

He said he first took an interest in used furniture after going to numerous auctions.

“I first sold used furniture and would buy it all at auctions,” he said. “I used to fill my storage shed with furniture and would bring it out and have a yard sale.”

Cook said he would attend local auctions about three times a week looking for furniture.

Now he only sells new furniture at Cook’s Furniture and Bedding.

The store was located in the BiLo plaza but moved to the Georgian Place in March to generate more business with a larger facility, he said.

“The space is larger and there is more traffic here, so there are more sales,” he said.

“It’s off North Center Avenue and all the action is here,” Cook added. “It’s got good potential for any business.”

The store has more than 10,000 square feet of retail space, which is within two locations, he said. Cook’s Furniture and Bedding offers mattresses, dressers, couches, recliners, coffee tables and dining room tables.

“We have a full line of furniture,” he said. “Along with home decorated items … right now we’re even working on bringing new items in.”

All the furniture items are shipped directly from manufacturers, Cook said, even furniture as far away as China and Vietnam. He said he is in the business to try to find reasonably priced furniture.

“This is not a traditional furniture store where we work on mark-up,” he said. “We work with a lower profit margin.”

He said he does it for his customers.

“I want to be friendly with everybody and offer a good service,” Cook said. “I just want to treat people how I want to be treated.”

Like any businessman, Cook has goals for the foreseeable future, which include continuing to expand his business.

“I have a lot of plans,” he said. “I hope to expand to other locations. Maybe start a second or third store. Since I have family ties in Fayette (County), I’d like to start one there. Right now I can weigh my opportunities and choices. But I’m committed to staying here and offering reasonable furniture.”

Furniture business sales stay consistent throughout the year, he said, and the furniture that sells is determined by various customers.

He also takes pride in being a member of the United Methodist Church in Jennerstown.

“I have a deep faith, and I’m very active with the church,” Cook said. “Faith is even more important than business.”

(Tiffany Wright may be contacted at tiffanyw@dailyamerican.com.)