Timeline

Jake Jabs buys American Furniture Company for $80,000 and changes its name to American Furniture Warehouse.

Jake purchases hundreds of peices of furniture at High Point Market to fill the AFW warehouses for the first time.

Jake puts his kids' Christmas present (a puppy!) into a commercial. It was a hit!

After the success of the puppy commercial, Jake uses a baby tiger in the next commercial, launching years of using wild animals in AFW advertisements. Jake's on screen chemistry with the animals helps establish both Jake and the tigers as part of the AFW identity. 

Jake ramps up his philanthropic endeavors by participating in his first EasterSeals Telethon. Jake continues to be an active supporter of EasterSeals to this day!

An economic recession causes Jake and AFW to change business models, ditching the industry standard of a 200% markup. AFW has one of the lowest markups in the industry. A large volume of sales combined with low markups are just one reason AFW can sell for less!

AFW opens the Thornton, Colorado store (including corporate headquarters). The prominent location along I-25 helps establish AFW’s reputation in Denver/Colorado. 

AFW opens 4 more Colorado stores (Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Denver, and Grand Junction).

AFW opens the Englewood, CO store, which houses the current corporate headquarters.

AFW Purchases well known furniture company, Weberg's Furniture.

Jake cements his place among Colorado icons when he is included in an episode of SouthPark.

Montana State opens the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship.

University of Colorado Denver opens the Jake Jabs Center for Entrepreneurship.

AFW expands to a second state, opening the first Arizona store in Gilbert, AZ. 

AFW expands to a third state, opening the first Texas store in Webster, TX.

Jackie Brookshire (Jake's Daughter) is named AFW President, officially making AFW a family-run business. 

AFW wins National Home Furnishings Association Retailer of the Year.

AFW opens the newest store in Surprise, AZ.

Celebrating 50 years of having the best selection, at the lowest prices!