Joey Hoeschmann

I asked Joey Hoeschmann, owner of the Bedroom Furniture Galleries, if he’s a competitive person.

“Competitive? Sometimes,” Hoeschmann said, “but I’m more collaborative. I would rather lose than lose my integrity. But do I try to be the best? Yes.”

Create an experience

Hoeschmann believes in providing great service for his customers and his community.

“If you try to compete on price, it’s a race to the bottom and nobody wins,” he said. “If you’re able to offer something a little different, or deliver your product in a different way—creating an experience that the customer likes—then you can be competitive on price and still do well.”

Hoeschmann describes his staff as his internal customers.

“The people I hire have to be a good fit,” he said. “If the staff isn’t happy, that will communicate to the customers. There’s generally a lot of laughter in our stores.”

The tides of business

The family business has expanded from its original store—the Bedroom—to include Ashley Furniture HomeStore and Bedz 4 Less.

“Until four years ago, our sales grew every month,” Hoeschmann said. “Then in 2008 that stopped, and it felt like the year I stopped ski racing—it was difficult, but it led to self-examination and positive changes.”

His heart’s in the community

Hoeschmann said that the community group closest to his heart is Junior Chamber International (JCI) Kootenay. He was one of the founders of the local chapter of JCI in 2004, and he has been involved in all of its major projects. He believes the most important aspect of JCI is the development of community leaders.

In 2011, Hoeschmann and fellow JCI member Mike Adams each received a senatorship, JCI’s highest honour. Hoeschmann was also named Cranbrook’s 2011 Business Person of the Year by the Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce.

“I like to stay busy, and I feed off other people’s energy,” Hoeschmann said. “When I do have some quiet time, it's not long before I start thinking I should be calling someone or doing something more.

“I am passionate about the community and the potential that’s out there. The positive feedback for my efforts is pretty nice, I must admit.”