About our family business
Gary O’Reilly first got into business by helping his dad run the family’s dry cleaning stores. Gary’s many years in the family business groomed him as a salesperson and taught him the value of building relationships.
In 1972, Gary started in the furniture business in northern Illinois; and, over the years, Gary’s wife, daughter, son, and even his nephews and friends’ kids worked alongside him. Gary’s focus on family and community made his small business one that generations of families turned to for home furnishings. In the early 2000s, Gary’s family business grew to be the second largest independent furniture retailer in Illinois.
After watching the American furniture industry move production to China and return with inferior products, Gary began working with a handful of Amish craftsman in Ohio. Their craftsmanship and attention to detail made Amish furniture the right choice for Gary and his customers. Beautiful pieces made of solid wood, hand-crafted in America far exceeded the quality of the imports flooding the furniture market. The biggest benefit for customers, however, was the ability to have furniture made to their specifications. Custom options abound with Amish furniture, and Gary was delighted to tell customers “yes” to all of their furniture needs.
Gary and Tomi O’Reilly with three of their grandchildren. Photo by Stefanie O’Reilly Stricker
In 2018, Gary and his wife, Tomi, decided to move to Nashville to be near three of their grandchildren. Gary sold his successful business in Illinois and said goodbye to his lifelong home. Although leaving Illinois was bittersweet, Gary is proud to bring a new chapter of his family business to Nashville. He also brings with him a love of working with people and being part of a close-knit community.
“Being part of our community in Illinois and working with multiple generations of families kept me excited about going to work each day,” he says. “I am thrilled to be in Nashville and to bring our family’s legacy of outstanding customer service and exceptional furniture to our new community. I love meeting new people and helping them make their house feel like a home.”