Episode 016 Interview With The Giver Doug Stewart

I interview my co-host Doug Stewart about the ups and downs in his life and more importantly what he learned from them. If you own a furniture or mattress store don’t miss this. The inspiration for this interview was an interview with Mark Kinsley and Doug that I listened to recently. I wanted to follow up with a more in depth interview.

Doug remembers working in his Grandfather’s furniture store as a child and what he learned from his Grandfather.

A High School Basketball Star Goes to College!

He describes the shock when he arrived at college and realized he was competing against grown men for his basketball scholarship.

He talks about overcoming labels that plagued him throughout school and how his academic adviser Sarah Baker helped him overcome them. In one quarter he went from a 1.9 GPA to a 3.9 GPA.

Doug remembers his biggest failure ever in the furniture business and what he learned from it.

Rags To Riches!

His Grandfather went from growing up as a tenant farmer to moving to the city and learning how to sell. He attended yard sales. He bought and sold almost anything. He eventually opened his own furniture store.

Doug shares how different mentors have helped him become more successful.

He takes us inside his interview with Tempur-Pedic and the lessons he learned while working for them.

Ever Feel Overwhelmed?

Doug did. In one month he closed his furniture store, his wife quit her job, his daughter was born, and he was working full time at Tempur-Pedic.

Doug is the Director of Training for Mega Group and is a contributor for both Sleep Geek and Furniture Today. This episode is inspirational! It will make you laugh and cry. This interview reveals the thoughts of one of the industry’s rising young stars. Enjoy!

Read These Books!

Pete’s recommended Book: Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi

Doug’s recommended Books: David And Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell and QBQ The Question Behind The Question by John Miller