Jordan Van Maanen is Swinging for the Fences

By Dori Easterson, YSN

Entrepreneur and recent BrandSource addition Jordan Van Maanen started out with the goal of bringing people together while taking a little time for himself and his family.

Growing up playing tycoon business simulation games, he followed the urge to make money by starting several business ventures. Eventually he took an interest in outdoor patio furniture, a slightly different path than what he was accustomed to, and launched an online-only store for outdoor furniture and accessories.

Van Maanen appropriately named his new venture The Porch Swing Store and offered everything from made-in-America gliders, benches and Adirondack chairs to throw pillows, bridges and pergolas. Oh yes, and of course porch swings, ranging from 2 to 7 feet in size and available in wood and plastic and a variety of colors.

Van Maanen’s goal was to bring people together while finding time for himself and his young family.

The Las Vegas Furniture Market proved to be a great resource for Van Maanen when searching for vendors that could support his business model with drop shipping. He similarly joined BrandSource in pursuit of additional resources, and soon learned that the group had much more to offer with its wide range of programs and benefits.

Like a sponge, Van Maanen is absorbing all that BrandSource brings to the party and has made good use of Great Plains/North Central Region Manager Brian Lawrence and Member Relations Manager Rodney Matias. Based in Sioux Falls, S.D., he is looking to broaden his assortment to increase revenue and profits while keeping the shopping experience easy and affordable by offering free shipping nationwide on all orders over $200.

The plan seems to be working: Gross sales grew 227 percent last year and BrandSource is glad to be a part of The Porch Swing Store’s success. Welcome aboard, Jordan!

BrandSource, a unit of YSN publisher AVB Inc., is a nationwide buying group for independent appliance, furniture, mattress and CE dealers.

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