The furniture business has been part of Todd Grand’s life for as long as he can remember.
A fourth-generation furniture salesman, Grand’s family has been in the business since 1934. As the president and owner of Ethan Allen in Baton Rouge, Grand tells Business Report he feels fortunate to be part of a brand that is so well known and well respected around the globe.
“There are so many benefits that we receive from being part of such a recognizable and aspirational brand,” Allen says in the Executive Spotlight feature on him from the current issue. “However, one thing I think people often don’t realize is that we are locally owned. We hire locally, spend locally and are very vested in the success of our community. Getting the message out to the public that we are locally owned and operated is very important to us.”
Grand says he’s also bullish on his native Baton Rouge, convinced that the city is poised for good growth, and he is looking forward to capitalizing on that growth to one day expand Ethan Allen’s footprint across south Louisiana.
Read the complete Executive Spotlight Q&A with Grand. Here’s a sample of what you’ll find:
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
“Seeing an employee grow and become successful and reach their goals is certainly a rewarding part of my job. It is also extremely rewarding to watch a design project come together. Our team takes great pride in the trust our customers place in us by letting us work with them on something as personal as decorating their home. Seeing the expressions on their faces after a successful install is very rewarding. We have had customers cry tears of joy, hug us and send letters expressing their gratitude for helping them turn their house into a home.”
