Treasured Memories with Penny Mustard Customers

At Penny Mustard, we take immense pride not just in the heirloom-quality furniture we craft but also in the incredible relationships we've built with our customers over the years. Each customer we serve brings their own story, and through our interactions, we’ve been fortunate to form bonds that go far beyond a typical sales transaction. Whether it’s helping someone select the perfect piece or delivering it to their home, we cherish the moments when our furniture becomes part of our customers' lives and memories.

Over the years, we’ve met individuals who have made a lasting impact on our team, reminding us why we do what we do. From delivering furniture to homes to hosting special events with our customers, these relationships have enriched our journey, and their stories continue to be woven into the fabric of Penny Mustard’s history. These treasured memories reflect our commitment not just to quality craftsmanship but to building lifelong connections with the people who welcome us into their homes.

Ben's Bond with Customers

In the early days of Penny Mustard, Ben Huth, Owner, wore many hats, including delivery driver. He vividly recalls the joy of selling furniture to customers in the store and then personally delivering it to their homes. The look on their faces when he, the salesperson, appeared at their door with their cherished furniture was priceless.

“I spent the first year doing 100% of our deliveries and, over the next half a decade, was able to build a powerful delivery team that allowed me more time in the stores and warehouse to work on other things. It is really cool to sell furniture to someone at the store level and then be the person delivering it to their home. It was always fun to see the look on their face when the salesperson (me at the time) would knock on their door the day of delivery and carry heavy furniture into their home.

During the first year, Ben and Arvid sometimes asked customers to help with their own deliveries due to their limited staff. Surprisingly, many customers were more than willing to lend a hand. This not only created memorable moments but also forged lasting friendships. In fact, many of these customers turned friends have shared countless adventures with Ben and Arvid, turning their initial customer relationship into lifelong bonds.

Many of our customers went on to be long-time friends. Arvid and I were fish out of water, moving four hours away from everything and everyone we knew. We have since fished, golfed, traveled, and gone to many family events with our customers (now friends). Customers are people just like you and me – they want to be treated as a friend. We have always taken that approach, and, in the end, it made us many lifelong friends.”

Arvid's Fond Memories:

Arvid Huth, Owner of Penny Mustard, reflects on the customers who radiated happiness and kindness. One standout couple, Dennis and Diane Hubbard, became regulars at Penny Mustard's stores. Dennis, a Harley enthusiast, and Diane were always wearing smiles. Their presence brightened the entire team's day, and they exemplified the joy that can be found in even the simplest interactions.

“I don’t know why it is; maybe it's human nature, but I always remember the happy and kind customers the best. The stand-out ones in this department were Dennis and Diane Hubbard. He was a big guy that rode a Harley, and I don’t think I ever saw him or Diane without a smile on their faces. In the early years of PM Bedroom Gallery, they were in our stores a lot and were always the most fun and positive people to talk to. Just seeing them brightened our day.”

Another cherished memory involves Ralph Neusel and his wife, who helped Penny Mustard host their first employee Christmas party in 1994. Despite having only a handful of employees at the time, the warmth and hospitality provided by Ralph and his wife left a lasting impression. These memories serve as a reminder of the power of kindness and positivity.

“They had just opened a small restaurant in Oak Creek called “The Red Key”. They helped us host our very first employee Christmas party. I think it was 1994, and we only had, like, three employees, but I remember how good the food and service was at that little round corner table at their restaurant. It is a reminder that we should always be kind to others and show happiness, even when we don’t feel like it, because those emotions are remembered more than anything.”

Nicole's Heartfelt Connection

Nicole Titschler, Director of Sales for Penny Mustard, recounts the story of a single mother who purchased a bedroom set on layaway in 1996. This remarkable woman juggled work, school, and raising her children, paying for the furniture with each hard-earned paycheck. Over the years, Nicole watched her determination and dreams unfold. It was more than furniture; it was an investment in her future.

“I remember one of my first clients who purchased a bedroom set for herself and her children and put it on layaway back in 1996. She was a single mom raising her kids, working, and going to school full-time. She would stop in every week on payday and pay on her furniture. I learned so much about her and her family, and I couldn't help but notice she wasn't just making payments on a bedroom set, but she was investing in her hopes and dreams of the future.

Years later, in 2008, this devoted mother paid off her layaway, fulfilling her dreams of providing her family with beautiful, high-quality furniture. Nicole's joy in being part of this journey illustrates the profound connections that can be forged by providing exceptional service and quality.

This went on for years and years, and she finally paid it off in 2008. She was over-the-moon excited. She paid off her kids' furniture first, and then worked towards hers. Hers were the last pieces that were ordered and taken home. I loved being a part of that, I loved watching her life unfold and seeing her strive to mold into a life and home she always dreamed of.”

At Penny Mustard, we don't just craft furniture; we craft memories and build relationships. Our customers are not just patrons; they're an extension of our family. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of you who have been part of our journey. You're not just the greatest customers in the world; you're the heart and soul of Penny Mustard. Thank you for the treasured memories, and here's to many more in the years to come.

To learn more about how we make “better versions of what people want,” check out The Penny Mustard Value, We Are Makers, and Heirloom Furniture: A Lifetime(s) of Quality.

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