President of American Furniture Warehouse to Share Secrets of Success at Colorado State University March 20

Colorado’s furniture retail icon, Jake Jabs, will share his insights on becoming a successful entrepreneur at Colorado State University March 20.

Jabs, who is president of American Furniture Warehouse, will speak about how to survive a recession and his 40-year experience as a businessman from 4-5:30 p.m. in Room 170 Rockwell Hall. Jabs is one of three featured speakers to participate in the Great Entrepreneur Speaker Series at Colorado State’s College of Business.

Jabs said he chose to speak at Colorado State because he believes that the best instructors are those who work outside academia.

"I think many of the students appreciate real-world experiences from those who are working in the real world," Jabs said.

Since purchasing the struggling furniture warehouse in 1975, Jabs managed the business to make it the 21st largest furniture retailers in the country and the seventh largest privately owned company in Colorado with annual sales exceeding $250 million.

Jabs attributes his entrepreneurial success to the basic American philosophy of hard work, long hours and self-confidence, the courage to take risks and the desire to give value and service to every customer.

He is recipient of honors including 2000 National Furniture Retailer of the Year and 1999 Western Home Furnishing Association Retailer of the Year.

Jabs believes in giving back to the community. He serves as national vice president of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and supports organizations such as Easter Seals and the Arthritis Foundation.

The presentation is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Jabs will be available to meet with participants and answer questions at the conclusion of the presentation.

For more information, contact Anne McCarthy, director for the Center for Entrepreneurial and Family Enterprises, at (970) 491-6876.