Gilliam Thompson Furniture FOR MORE THAN SIX DECADES, Gilliam Thompson Furniture has been helping families furnish their homes. But ask the people behind the business what has mattered most over the years, and the answer has never simply been furniture. It has always been people. That philosophy has guided the family-owned business since it first opened its doors in 1959, when the late Gilliam Thompson founded a small grocery and furniture store in Fancy Farm, Kentucky. As the furniture side of the business continued to grow, the grocery operation was gradually phased out, allowing the company to focus on what would become its legacy. In 1976, Gilliam Thompson Furniture moved into its current showroom, where it has continued serving generations of families throughout Western Kentucky. Over the years, leadership has remained in the family while continuing to grow alongside the community it serves. Gilliam’s son, Phil Thompson, later became co-owner with longtime employee, Dennis Burgess, and together they guided the business through years of expansion during the 1990s. Today, Phil’s sons, the third generation, are carrying that legacy forward. Jordan Thompson serves as General Manager, his brother Jarrod Thompson is Customer Service Manager, SMALL BUSINESSFeature { b y M a d e l i n e C o m e r } Jeff Toon, Warehouse Manager; Jarrod Thompson, Customer Service Manager; Phil Thompson, Co-owner; Jordan Thompson, General Manager; Dennis Burgess, Co-owner; and Sandra Thomas, Floor Manager and Buyer. Gilliam with his wife Mary Hilda in the 1970’s and Gilliam’s granddaughter, Sandra Thomas, serves as Floor Manager and Buyer. Jordan’s wife, Denise Thompson, oversees the company’s marketing and advertising, while Phil Thompson and Dennis Burgess remain co-owners of the business. Together, they continue building on the foundation established by Gilliam Thompson more than 66 years ago. “Our guiding principle is simple, treat everyone like family,” the family shared. “Many customers have trusted us over the years and feel like they are part of our family. If you treat people the way you would want to be treated, are honest
