By Allyssa Baird, YSN
One of this year’s newest BrandSource members comes to us from Leitchfield, Ky.
Billy McCubbin, a third-generation shop owner, is a principal of McCubbin’s Furniture & Appliance. His grandfather, Bill McCubbin, started out in retail in 1954 with a Western Auto franchise, where Billy and his dad Claude worked until it closed in 1986.
Billy began by delivering and installing goods. After attending college, he returned to Western Auto to assume accounting duties for the store. “It’s in my blood to work for the family business; it’s the only thing I know,” he told YSN.
But as the saying goes, when one door closes another opens, and the same year that his grandfather’s business shuttered, Billy struck out on his own to launch McCubbin’s Furniture & Appliance.
Today, McCubbin’s is a family business in every sense of the word. Billy’s wife, formerly a banker, and his daughter, a nursing student, each work two days a week in the store, while his son, daughter-in-law, son-in-law and even the grandkids work there full time. In addition, another son, a teacher, serves as a McCubbin’s service tech. Underscoring the point, one of the first things you see upon entering the showroom is a sign that reads “It’s a Family Thing!”
“It truly is a family business,” Billy said with pride.
So what made him join BrandSource? Previously a member of another buying group, Billy recalls feeling like he was little more than a number there. He didn’t know anyone and didn’t feel represented.
“BrandSource is more one to one,” he said, “It really seems like they care more about me.”
Aside from being a family affair, the McCubbin’s crew believe they are better at retail than their local competitors, offering superior value and service. That, Billy said, is very important in small communities like this one. “Everyone knows everyone around here,” he explained. “Our family atmosphere is important, and I truly believe our customers will be more satisfied with our service here than at big-box stores.”
Despite the tight-knit community, McCubbin emphasized the importance of also maintaining an online presence. He is currently working with AVB Marketing on launching a new website and plans on enlisting several more exclusive BrandSource member services.
From our family to yours, welcome to the group, McCubbin’s Furniture & Appliance!
BrandSource, a unit of YSN publisher AVB Inc., is a nationwide buying group for independent appliance, furniture, mattress and CE dealers.
