The Mattress Max story began in 1970 when Peggy and Mike Jolly, Sr. moved to Spartanburg to open a sewing machine shop named the Sew-E-Z Shop. It was first located downtown and shortly after moved to North Church Street, where the outpatient center of SRHS now sits. Later they moved to Westview Plaza on Hwy. 29 on Spartanburg’s west side.
In 1976, the downturn of at-home sewing led to their expansion into furniture. The first furniture store named E-Z Livin’ Furniture was located in the old Sky City shopping center at Reidville Rd. and I26. The impending road construction to remove the Reidville Rd. traffic circle led to their move to the current location in 1984. In 1987 a change in business philosophy from a house account store to a low price store led to a name change to Furniture Liquidators, which is still our legal name.
In the mid 1990s, Mike, Sr. started doing more television commercials. He began to don a mattress suit as the character Mattress Max. The popularity of Mattress Max soon outgrew the Furniture Liquidators brand he was advertising. This, along with a name conflict with a new competitor, brought them to putting Mattress Max on the store front and doing business as Mattress Max Furniture.
From the time each of the Jolly’s children were able to contribute, they would help in some way in the business. Mike Jolly, Jr. and Jeff Jolly chose to make the family business their careers. Upon the passing of Mike, Sr. in 2006 and Peggy in 2011, Mike, Jr. and Jeff assumed ownership of the business.
Mattress Max Furniture is still family owned and operated. Mike, Jr. and Jeff are still present and active on a full time basis. The addition of Jeff’s wife, Lori, and now his three sons – Travis, Nolan and Jack – ensure that the business will be family operated for years to come.
If you visit with us often, you’re sure to see some familiar faces. Mattress Max is fortunate to have several long term employees that have contributed greatly to our success. Our warehouse manager/service manager, Clarence Cross, has been with us the longest – for over 20 years. He is now managing the third generation of Jolly boys that he literally knew as babies.
Kelly West, our office manager has been with us for many years and wears many hats. When Jack, the youngest, was a baby she even helped take care of him while doing her many other jobs. Her versatility and attention to detail have been a great asset to the business.
Perhaps the greatest part of being a family business is the friendships created. Many of our close friends began as customers and employees within the walls of our business. Being a local family-oriented business has made this both easy and meaningful.
Just as we look forward to the next generation stepping forward to continue this business, we look forward to serving the next generation of customers! We’re excited to make new connections and to see what comes next!
