Brothers Harry and Charlie Roberts have rejoined Mattress Firm after a decade–long absence.
Harry Roberts was one of the original founders of the Houston–based retail chain. Charlie Roberts joined the company a short time later. In their new roles, the Roberts help manage Mattress Firm’s new turnkey franchise program and will operate a new Mattress Firm franchise themselves.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Harry and Charlie back into the Mattress Firm fold,” said Gary Fazio, Mattress Firm chief executive officer. “The Roberts brothers are well known in the industry and have a tremendous amount of experience in driving growth through franchising. I am confident that their experience, combined with a unique understanding of the Mattress Firm brand, will make them extremely valuable assets to our franchise development team.”
Harry Roberts added: “When Charlie and I sat down to discuss what we wanted to do next, we had plenty of opportunities to consider. But Mattress Firm offered us something unique, the opportunity to help others become entrepreneurs through the franchise program—which is something that is a great passion for both of us—while also helping grow a company that is near and dear to our hearts.”
The company’s franchise development team includes another early Mattress Firm partner, Philip Busker. Busker was one of Mattress Firm’s first franchisees. He later formed Mattress Pro, a 36–store chain that Mattress Firm acquired in 2007. Busker rejoined Mattress Firm after the acquisition as national director of franchise development. Jason Goodman rounds out the franchise development team, serving as manager of franchising.
Since Mattress Firm renewed its focus on franchising and introduced its new model, it has added three franchisees. The first, based in Hilton Head, S.C., recently has announced plans to expand into the Savannah, Ga., market. The second started in Chattanooga, Tenn., and has since moved into Knoxville, Tenn. The newest franchisee, former Sealy executive Chuck Dawson, is developing stores in the Wisconsin markets of Madison and Milwaukee. Mattress Firm has more than 500 stores in 38 markets.
