Fowler Brothers Company Appoints W. Carter Fowler to President and COO
On February 25, 2016, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
CHATTANOOGA, TN – One of the oldest businesses in Tennessee, The Fowler Brothers Co, d/b/a The Furniture Shoppe and The Patio Shop, has named Walton Carter Fowler as its new president and chief operating officer (COO). A 5th generation manager of the 130-year- old family-owned business, Carter (pictured) will take the reigns from his father, Richard Calvin Fowler, Jr., who will assume the role of chairman of the Board and CEO.
A leader in fine indoor and outdoor furniture in east Tennessee, the Fowler Brothers legacy began in 1885 with James G. Sterchi selling goods as a traveling salesman out of a horse drawn buggy. In 1886, James and his brother John Calvin Sterchi, opened a furniture store in Knoxville, TN. John Calvin and his son-in-law, John O. Fowler, opened Sterchi Brothers and Fowler, located in downtown Chattanooga, in 1911. In 1930, Fowler Brothers Co was incorporated in Chattanooga and Knoxville, and after the death of John O. Fowler in 1943, his son Richard Calvin Fowler, Sr. became president of the Chattanooga company until his death in 1958. Current president Richard Calvin Fowler Jr. became president in 1981.
“I am thrilled to announce the appointment of my son Carter to President and COO of Fowler Brothers Co,” said Richard Fowler. “I’m confident he will continue the Fowler family vision of providing the finest furniture available at affordable prices to homes across the South.”
Carter Fowler began working in the family business during summers as a young teenager. He has spent time in almost every position in the company, from working on the delivery truck and the loading dock to indoor and outdoor sales and management. He began working full-time for the company after graduating from Appalachian State University with a degree in Business Management in 1999.
“I am very blessed have such an amazing staff, many of which have been with our company since I was very young. I am extremely passionate about fine furniture and excellent customer service,” said Carter. “I love the showing our customers the quality and construction, the range of styles from traditional to modern, and I love helping people make their dreams and visions for their homes come alive.”
Carter and his wife Kami have two children and live on Signal Mountain. He enjoys rock climbing, hiking, camping, fly-fishing, and spending time with his family. Carter is a member of the Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church and the 2016 superintendent of the Little Brown Church.
The Furniture Shoppe carries bedroom, dining room and living room furniture as well as beautiful accents and accessories from the finest names in the industry, offers complimentary design services, and recently opened a Mattress Shoppe to provide customers with top-of-the-line mattresses, bedding and linens. The Patio Shop provides customers with everything they need to create their dream outdoor oasis.
