There are many benefits to buying a wallbed, including freeing up extra floor space, having a multi-purpose piece of furniture (some wallbeds include built-in shelves, tables, and/or desks), and comfort. Futons, air mattresses, and pull-out sofas often do not offer the comfortable, high-quality mattresses that wallbeds do. When speaking with Eric Partridge, the CEO and Owner of Wallbeds ‘N’ More, we are obviously preaching to the chorus, as he has been a strong advocate for wallbeds for years, with his company offering the largest selection of Murphy wallbeds in the entire country, with stores in the Bay Area located in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Burlingame.
GGBA: What is the ‘More’ in Wallbeds N’More?
Eric Partridge: We help consumers make the best use of their valuable space at home or work by providing beautiful, multifunctional wallbeds, cabinetbeds, and accessories.
GGBA: Why did you decide to create your business?
Eric Partridge: I opened Wallbeds ‘N’ More after my partner and I were searching for our first home in San Francisco. When I saw just how much each square foot of property was worth here, I realized that these products can help people be more productive and use their spaces for multiple purposes. This gained renewed purpose during the pandemic, when more people are spending more time at home and now need not only living space, but also office space, meeting space, and exercise space at the same time.
GGBA: Who are some of your role models, and especially those who helped to influence your business?
Eric Partridge: My friend Ed, who helped me start my first business some 17 years ago now. He took me on as a client, even though for the first couple of years he most likely lost money on me because we were so small. He showed me that there is more to business than just making money.
GGBA: Why did you decide to join the GGBA, and how long have you been a member?
Eric Partridge: We have been members of the GGBA now for, I believe, 3–4 years. We want to support our community and community resources.
GGBA: How has being a member of GGBA helped your business so far?
Eric Partridge: I think the best thing that has come from our GGBA membership is not only the networking opportunities and exposure to the other businesses in the association, but also exposure to community events and nonprofit organizations that give us a mission, which is more than business.
GGBA: Do you go to the GGBA monthly Make Contact networking events? Have they benefited you and your business, and would you recommend them to others?
Eric Partridge: I will be very honest. I don’t attend nearly as many Make Contact events as I believe I could benefit from. During the pandemic, we went through a bit of a growth phase that, when combined with the difficulties of staffing, have taken up more of my time that previously. That being said, we are rapidly moving toward being fully staffed and I will be clearing my schedule more for the future. The events I have been able to attend have helped me to find resources for my own business within the GGBA so that I keep more and more of our spending local.
GGBA: What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of starting their own business?
Eric Partridge: When you make the move to start your own business, give yourself room to recognize the things that you don’t know or don’t do well and find the people who do have the expertise in those areas. It doesn’t seem like it’s worth the investment when money is tight and everything is just starting, but it is ultimately what will give you the best chance of a long running and successful business in the end.
Thursday, November 3
Marketing in a Digital World
10:30 am–12 pm
Virtual via Zoom
https://tinyurl.com/yckuahme
Monday, November 7
Accor Diverse Procurement Connections
9 am–12 pm
Fairmont Hotel, 950 Mason Street, SF
https://tinyurl.com/mu7zu9ut
Tuesday, November 8
November 2022 Make Contact: Bring a Friend and Boast Your Vote
6 pm–8 pm
Wallbeds ‘N’ More, 2675 Mission Street, SF
https://tinyurl.com/2kbjdcu4
Wednesday, November 9
12th Annual California Cable Supplier Diversity Symposium
9 am–2 pm
Virtual
https://tinyurl.com/3jf88jj2
Thursday, November 10
Asset Protection for Business Owners
12 pm–1 pm
Wells Fargo Connection Center, 333 Market Street, SF
and Virtual
https://tinyurl.com/yc88ubst
GGBA Member Spotlight
Published on November 3, 2022
Recent Comments