Blog: Jen Carpenter

If Phoenix sales jobs are in your future career plans, kick back and relax, because La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries has some great opportunities.

Since La-Z-Boy was founded in 1928 by cousins Edwin Shoemaker and Edward Knabusch, the company has evolved into one of the most well-known and profitable furniture companies out there. Today the company prides itself on its values of caring, knowledge and service.

The company's Arizona stores have been particularly successful, with four of the state's La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries nabbing the title of top 10 stores, including the number one honor. A large part of La-Z-Boy's success in Arizona is the dedication of the company's many employees, particularly those in sales positions.

The consensus among employees is that La-Z-Boy treats its workers with compassion and respect, offering many benefits and an encouraging environment in which to thrive.

Sales Consultant Jeff Minter, who has been with La-Z-Boy for 12 years and currently works at the company's Glendale location, likes his job so much that he can't pinpoint a favorite aspect – he enjoys every bit of it.

A typical day with the company depends on the position you're in, but generally involves making house calls to help people pick out their new furniture, and following up with new and existing clients.

The majority of La-Z-Boy's sales employees work on commission, which may sound frightening, but is worth the risk. Although it's an ongoing challenge, the setup allows employees to determine how hard they're willing to work and how much money they want to earn.

Sales Associate Hanna McDougall, who currently works at La-Z-Boy's Chandler location, said mustering up the faith to work a 100-percent commission-based job was the hardest part for her.

"Take that step of faith," she said. "Just do it and you'll be impressed with how fun it is and how rewarding it can be."

Now, three-years into her career with La-Z-Boy, McDougall is glad she took the job. Her favorite part of working in sales is that she gets to meet new people and hear new stories every day, meaning no two days are the same.

McDougall said La-Z-Boy is most interested in hiring those who like to work with people, are bold and courageous, are self-motivating, and are consistent in their daily attitude and view toward life.

"You kind of have to be in a cheerful mood on a daily basis," she said.

With that in mind, McDougall continued, it isn't extremely hard to sell La-Z-Boy products, because the company's brand generally sells itself. In addition, the company's local presence makes it easy to find help when you need it.

McDougall said the statistics of people who have had La-Z-Boy furniture throughout the years are huge, and the stories she hears of people who grew up with the company's furniture are always those of dependable service and products.

Another plus – sales employees aren't required to have previous retail experience. All La-Z-Boy employees undergo a comprehensive training program, including a New Hire Orientation Program and two, three-day leadership workshops.

Employees also receive great benefits, including: health and life insurance, disability, a retirement plan, paid vacation, employee discounts, and flexible hours.

If sales isn't your thing, La-Z-Boy also has positions for those interested in interior design and management. In addition, there are positions available in store warehouse, delivery, clerical, showroom display, and customer service.