Badcock Recognizes Ms. Willmonte Smith As Customer Of The Century

Furniture World Magazine

W.S. Badcock Corporation, one of the largest home furnishings retailers in the United States, recently named Dixie County resident, Ms. Willmonte Smith, “Customer of the Century” at their semi-annual dealer meeting in Orlando.  Smith, who recently retired after 30 years of teaching, was awarded an all-expenses-paid weekend of entertainment in Orlando, complete with two dozen roses, a trip to Disneyworld  for five and $500 spending money from Badcock. “Ms. Willmoteen” as Badcock employees fondly call her, was recognized for her outstanding community service and long-term patronage of the furniture retailer. A dedicated volunteer, Smith filled leadership roles with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, the Little Ebony Club, the   4-H Club, and a term as president of the Dixie County Branch of the American Cancer Society. Badcock CEO, Don Marks initiated the “Customer of the Century” competition this year because he wanted to honor outstanding customers in addition to standout dealers at the centennial meeting. Marks hand picked Smith from a total of 22 award entries submitted by different Badcock stores. Hayward and Mattie Anderson of the Cross City, Florida Badcock store nominated her for the honor. “What really impressed me is that Badcock is a family,” Smith said, elated with the honor. “I can’t express how they made me feel –I was more than just a customer – I was a part of their family!” Willmonte Smith is a dedicated mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  She cares for a total of seven grandchildren, after assuming responsibility for her daughter’s two children when she was killed in an auto accident. “We feel that Ms. Willmonte Smith is the perfect recipient of this award for all of her unselfish dedication and devotion to her family, and community. She gives her heart to all,” noted Badcock CEO Don Marks in a speech at the dealer meeting.   About W.S. Badcock Corporation: Badcock has more than 330 locations throughout the southeast and is headquartered in Mulberry, Florida, where the company was established in 1904.  More than 270 of Badcock’s stores are dealer owned and operated.  Dealerships are similar to franchises in that they are individually owned and operated, but require less capital (dealers do not pay franchise fees or monthly royalties) and allow for quicker start?up than a traditional franchise.  Badcock provides all stores with total inventory at no cost to the dealer and all account financing through the parent company.  For inquiries about the company or for dealer opportunities, please go to www.badcock.com or call 1-800-BADCOCK.