Company Profile
In 1889, after starting his own sawmill John Bernhardt organized a company to manufacture furniture out of the native white oak. Bernhardt's vision ultimately led him to connect with distributors and merchants in large cities such as Chicago and New York City in order to supply sturdy oak bedroom furniture. He began making an impression on the urban businessmen who would ultimately come to know his reliability and integrity.
As Bernhardt’s fledgling enterprise built facilities and honed the skills of its craftsmen, the company earned a reputation for making high-quality furniture that was both durable and beautiful.
After the turn of the century, the company expanded its product line from the dining room into the bedroom, and managed to deliver furniture in spite of severe labor and materials shortages during both World Wars.
When World War I ended, J.M. Bernhardt's son, George, returned from service to operate the company. His management skills would be tested in 1926 by a catastrophic fire that destroyed everything except the factory’s dry kiln and boiler room.
George and his loyal employees met the challenge and built a new plant by 1927. More trials followed during the Great Depression when banks closed. The company overcame this obstacle by using "script" or promises to pay employees after banks re-opened—and these promises were honored. As generations of Bernhardts strove to grow the family business, generations of Bernhardt employees continued to work alongside them. John Christian Bernhardt assumed leadership of the company after his brother George’s death in 1947. Expansion followed with the development of a professional sales force, new factories, and diversification of Bernhardt's product line.
In 1958 a major new product category, upholstered furniture, was introduced. This new high-fashion look quickly made a name for itself with some of the most sophisticated buyers in America. During the 60's and 70's, Bernhardt continued to expand its manufacturing plants, showrooms, and offices to keep up with the increasing demand for its broad line of furniture.
In 1981 the company formed a contract division, offering furniture for offices, conference rooms, and public spaces.
Today Bernhardt is led by its Chairman and CEO Alex Bernhardt, son of John Christian Bernhardt.
Bernhardt family members continue to be involved in the direction and management of the family business. The company’s extended family includes more than 2,000 employees who work in Bernhardt factories and offices, as well as the dedicated salespeople who represent Bernhardt in the USA and more than 35 countries. Also included as members of Bernhardt’s furniture family are retailers, designers, and decorators who are loyal partners in this enterprise.
Today, with ever more appreciation for environmental stewardship and the changing needs of its employees, Bernhardt is accomplishing its mission and preparing for even greater success in the decades to come.
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