Better than yesterday
Established on March 7th, 1938, Midwest Furniture Sales, Inc. was conceived by visionaries Morris Parrish, Lance Graham, and Ben Novikoff, who embarked on a journey that would shape the landscape of distribution in the state of Utah. From humble beginnings in a modest space at 180 West 200 South in Salt Lake City, which later gained prominence as The Salt Palace, the company initially focused on distributing a select few rolls of carpet.
Evolution marked their path, as on April 17th, 1952, Midwest Furniture Sales, Inc. transformed into Midwest Floor Coverings, Inc., pivoting its distribution model to embrace premier brands like Gulistan Carpet, Mohawk, and General Felt Products, catering to the burgeoning demand in the Wasatch Area.
In 1957, Morris Parrish assumed sole ownership of Midwest, setting the stage for a legacy defined by astute business acumen and unwavering commitment to his team. A pivotal moment arose in 1965 when Morris and Beth Parrish invested in land at Wagner Park, strategically positioning their enterprise at the crossroads of Interstate 15 and 80. This bold move, accompanied by the establishment of a sprawling 35,000 square foot warehouse and office complex, underscored Morris's foresight and dedication to fostering enduring partnerships and fostering a culture of excellence.
The generational torch passed to John Parrish in 1969, who, following in his father's footsteps, embarked on a trajectory marked by innovation and expansion. Assuming the mantle of President in 1980, John revolutionized the company's ethos with his mantra, "Diversify or Die," heralding an era of strategic alliances and product diversification. The inclusion of industry giants like Wilsonart International in 1981 and the landmark partnership with Mannington Mills in 1997 bore testimony to John's visionary leadership and transformative vision.
In 2003, Eric Parrish, following a distinguished tenure spanning 15 years and traversing various roles, ascended to the presidency, guided by the timeless wisdom imparted by his father. Under Eric's stewardship, Midwest embarked on a paradigm shift, venturing into cabinet manufacturing in 2014 and introducing the revolutionary Euro Style Cabinet line, Americana, in 2016. Today, Midwest stands as a beacon of innovation, offering a comprehensive portfolio encompassing a myriad of flooring solutions, countertops, and sundries, alongside an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and technological advancement.
In 2023, the company welcomed Mark Krueger as Chief Growth Officer, signaling a renewed focus on technological integration and operational excellence. Mark's expertise in computer science positions Midwest on the precipice of a digital renaissance, poised to redefine the paradigms of service and efficiency.
Amidst the winds of change, Midwest remains firmly rooted in its origins, with its headquarters steadfastly anchored in Salt Lake City, Utah. With over 86 years of industry expertise, a workforce exceeding 130 employees, and a sprawling footprint spanning 300,000 square feet across five locations, Midwest continues to uphold its legacy of excellence, serving discerning clientele across Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, and Nevada
