Page 137 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2017

“She keeps me young, challenges me to think in new ways, and is so amazingly energetic. I sometimes forget
forget I’m her Mom. We work well as peers too.” There are three family members working together
at Luckies Furniture — daughter, Amber Guess, sales manager/buyer; mother, Vickie Elmore, director or marketing; and Guess’ aunt, Susan Shireman, vice president.
“I have worked in the family business for 36 years, and most definitely think working with family members is positive. The family bond has always been the heart and strength of this business,” Elmore says. “I enjoy coming to work because I know I will be working with those who share the same goals and work hard to achieve those goals every day.”
She admits there are challenges, “but because we are family we know what to expect and we are able to communicate freely to minimize those challenges.”
Guess worked at Luckies through high school, left home and came back to work there in 2009. “I collaborate with people I trust and care about, and I believe it gives us all self – confidence,” she says. “Our roles are defined to ensure productivity and success.”
She feels the family bond is a positive thing. “We understand that we are in this together and are working toward common goals,” she said. “Our environment is more relaxed than your typical corporate environment because of that bond.”
To which Shireman added, “We get to see each other every day. You know everything that’s going on in each other’s lives, not just at work, but at home also. Family vacations are difficult because it’s hard for us to all go away together.”
Guess says challenges are normal in any type of business, family or not. “More importantly, it’s how we quickly overcome those challenges to provide an enjoyable work environment for our employees, and a great shopping experience for our customers.”
For Guess, it’s been a fun experience growing up in the furniture business and then coming back as an employee.
“I have a lot of great child hood memories coming to
work with with my parents, playing with my cousins in
the warehouse, and seeing my grandparents and other family members everyday,” she says. “I get to hear a lot of interesting stories about my grandparents told by customers, friends, and current and past co-workers.”
I’m her Mom.”
Lee Tracy Boutique
Lee McLaughlin and Katie Hinkel
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September 2017 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 137
Luckies Furniture and Bedding Warehouse Top - Susan Shireman (Aunt)
Sitting Left - Vicki Elmore (Mother) Sitting Right - Amber Guess