How to Succeed at Succession, Part 2

The late Tony Bozzuto with daughters Shelby (left) and Dani, who weren’t prepared to inherit dad’s business.

Bozzuto’s battles back from tragedy 

By Janet Weyandt, YSN 

Second of three parts. 

Dani Bozzuto and her sister Shelby never thought they’d be shouldering the responsibility of disposing of their late father’s business, but when he died unexpectedly, they had no choice.  

Tony Bozzuto was a beloved figure in the Idaho community where his father started the family business in 1961. Bozzuto’s Furniture and Appliance was more than just a store, according to Dani. It was a place where people would gather and socialize, and Tony helped support many community organizations.  

One thing he didn’t do was plan for the business’s long-term future, she said. When her father got sick in December 2023, he told his daughters it was time to sell. Unfortunately, the business wasn’t ready and they ran out of time.  

Now, the siblings, who both live hours away from the store, are trying to coordinate a sale. They listed it with a business broker and were hopeful they’d find a good buyer, Dani said, but in the meantime getting things in order has been difficult.  

Sorting Things Out 

“At one point my dad bought a POS system, then he quit using it,” she said. “His way was easier for him. But because there were no passwords or access to accounts, money was frozen until we could obtain letters of testamentary. We started our own business bank account so we could pay employees.” 

Since she hadn’t been actively involved in the business, Dani was starting from scratch — including trying to figure out how her dad would want things handled.  

“I’m honestly kind of guessing what my dad would want me to do, but I don’t really know for sure,” she said. “I can’t tell you the number of times people have asked me about insurance and taxes, or what’s in the inventory. I don’t have a way to answer that.” 

When BrandSource learned of her dad’s death, Bozzuto received offers of help from many, including AVB’s CEO Jim Ristow, who tried to find a local buyer.  

The Right Fit 

“We’re trying not to sell it to just anybody, because it’s such a big part of the community and my dad was such a big part of the community,” Dani said. “[Jim] looked into a couple of local people he thought would be a good fit, but it just wasn’t a good time.” 

At press time, the business was being run by Tony’s best friend Mike Aoi and members of the staff, while his daughters tried, from a distance, to get the inventory, finances, legalities and sale details in order.  

With three storefronts and a warehouse serving Idaho’s Magic and Wood River Valleys, the business has been profitable and would be a good investment for the right buyer, Dani said.  

“It’s like a social gathering place as well as a big part of the local economy,” she said. “It could be a very lucrative business for somebody.”  

Dani said business owners who don’t want to leave their loved ones in the situation the Bozzuto sisters are in should make sure they get their affairs in order and share their wishes for the business.  

“I will say I haven’t properly grieved, and I won’t be able to until this has been put to rest,” she said.  

Next up: Changing gears to a new career. 

YSN publisher AVB BrandSource is the nation’s largest merchandising and marketing co-op for independent appliance, mattress, furniture and CE dealers. 

Upcoming Events

AVB Summit