Explore every episode of the podcast The BedBuzz

This week’s special guest is Dan Longoria, the franchise owner of Mattress Firm El Paso and one of the most successful and inspiring leaders in the industry.

In this episode, Dan shares his incredible journey from nearly getting fired to becoming one of Mattress Firm's longest-standing and most decorated franchisees. He talks about the early days in Houston, the competitive nature that fueled his success, and the invaluable lessons he learned from working alongside industry greats like Paul Stork and Harry Roberts.

Some highlights from the episode include:

• How Dan and his business partner Albert navigated the challenging early days of owning their Mattress Firm franchise.
• The importance of giving back to the community, and how Mattress Firm became a household name in their markets.
• Dan’s personal battle with cancer and how it has shaped his outlook on life and business today.
• Tips and strategies for staying positive in tough economic times and driving sales success.

It’s an episode full of inspiration, great stories, and practical advice for anyone in the industry!

Don’t miss out—listen now to hear how passion, grit, and determination can lead to lifelong success. 

This episode is from The FAM podcast back in October of 2020. Wes Roberts grew up in a hotel, was a bellhop by age 12, owned a bar that hosted some up and coming country singers, opened the first ever Edward Jones in Alaska and sold bedding after a car accident--and that was all before age 50! Join us today as we chat with the cousin of the legendary Harry Roberts and learn just how the circumstances you're given in life do not define you.

In this episode of The Bed Buzz, James Perez, one of Mattress Firm's first franchisees and a true industry leader, shares incredible stories about his family's three-generation legacy in the mattress business, as well as some of the most valuable lessons he learned from his father, Art, including:

• "Nothing happens until a sale is made": Art always emphasized that sales are the lifeblood of any business. Without them, nothing else matters.
• Lead by example: Art believed that true leaders always step up, take control, and guide others when needed. His motto: "Either lead, follow, or get out of the way."
• Go the extra mile for your customers: Just like Art, James believes every customer should leave with an experience worth talking about at the dinner table.
• No obstacles, only challenges: Art taught James that obstacles are not roadblocks; they are opportunities to find creative solutions.

You won’t want to miss this inspiring episode! 

In this episode we had an incredible conversation with Tommy Henderson—Mattress Firm’s very first employee, the mastermind behind our iconic dress code, a key shaper of our original culture, the pioneer of our first franchise, and now the successful owner of six Papa Murphy’s pizza stores!

Tommy packed this episode with amazing insights on sales, leadership, and the journey from employee to entrepreneur. Plus, he shares some jaw-dropping stories!  You don't want to miss this one!

In this episode, we sit down with Derek Miller, Senior VP of Sales at Serta Simmons Bedding (SSB), to discuss his incredible 26-year journey in the industry.

Derek shares insights from his early days at Simmons, major industry shifts, and some fun surprises—there’s a special story in this episode you won’t want to miss! 

Tune in for a conversation packed with leadership tips, industry trends, and plenty of laughs!

We’re excited to bring you the latest episode of The BedBuzz podcast, featuring a very special guest—Stephen Ferguson, one of the brightest sales minds in the mattress industry.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into Stephen’s remarkable journey from his early days at Mattress Firm to becoming a top sales leader and successful business owner. He shares game-changing insights on how to maximize your Labor Day sales, the power of building trust in closing deals, and some unforgettable highlights from his career. This is one episode you definitely don’t want to miss!

Get ready to be inspired and energized for Labor Day weekend—our Super Bowl of sales! Let’s gear up, have fun, and make this Labor Day our best one yet!

Buckle up for a special trip down memory lane in our latest episode! Join us as we sit down with Steve Fendrich, one of the original founders of Mattress Firm. Steve’s stories about the early days, including some wild adventures and near disasters, are as eye-opening as they are inspiring. Ever wonder what it takes to turn a mattress business into an empire? You’re about to find out.

Tune in to hear Steve’s take on who really was the best salesperson among the three founders, the challenges of cooking frozen dinners without a microwave, and how a three-year-old almost shattered more than just a storefront window.

Don’t miss this episode filled with wisdom, laughter, and a few surprises. Trust us, you’ll be glad you listened!

We’re bringing you a special treat straight from the grand opening of our latest Mattress Firm store in Grand Forks, ND! Join us as we dive into the excitement of our 5-4-5 event, celebrating our 10th North Dakota store and 10 years of amazing service  from the Wolfpack.

In this episode, we chat about the stunning new location (seriously, it looks like something out of a Mattress Firm brochure!), the fantastic community of Grand Forks, and our epic 5 for $5 mattress deal. Spoiler alert: There’s even a surprise giveaway of a sixth free mattress!

Tune in to catch the lively atmosphere, meet some of our enthusiastic guests, and hear all about our special promotions. It’s a celebration you won’t want to miss!

Get ready to be inspired by our latest episode of The BedBuzz podcast! This week, we have a very special guest, Kelly Suzuki, Director of Business Development at Podium, joining us.

Kelly is incredibly passionate about helping companies like ours grow, especially focusing on boosting sales and income for YOU.

Tune in to hear about:

• The exciting partnership between Mattress Firm and Podium 
• Tips on leveraging Podium to maximize sales 
• Fun stories and memorable sales experiences 
• Golden nuggets like "You might lose the sale, but you never lose the lesson". 

Learn how Podium’s tools can help us achieve even greater success. Don’t miss out on this informative and fun-filled episode! 

We’re celebrating Mattress Firm’s 38th anniversary with two of our legendary co-founders, Paul Stork and Harry Roberts. 

You'll hear stories about overcoming challenges, creative problem-solving, and the camaraderie that made Mattress Firm what it is today. Paul shares his unforgettable sales experiences, and Harry’s legendary customer service stories will have you in stitches.

This episode is packed with nostalgia, laughter, and invaluable insights all while having fun and selling beds! 

Sheldon King, the Territory Manager for Mattress Firm North Dakota, shares his incredible journey from the sunny Bahamas to the snowy plains of North Dakota.  Sheldon's path is nothing short of amazing. 

Tune in to hear his fascinating story, including some wild sales tales, some inspirational golden nuggets, and how he’s rocking the Mattress Firm world.

Mastering Farewells: Learn why the farewell is a crucial part of the sales process and how top performers excel at it. From handwritten thank you notes to setting expectations, we've got tips to help you leave a lasting impression.

FirmFive Review: We wrap up our FirmFive series with a quick recap of all the key points. Whether it's making a great first impression or nailing the farewell, we've got you covered.

This episode is packed with fun, laughter, and valuable lessons. Tune in now to catch all the action and boost your sales game.

 This episode focuses on one of the most talked-about sections of the FirmFive: Sell the Sale.

 Episode Highlights:

• Insightful Strategies: Discover tips and techniques to enhance your selling skills.
• Boost Your Sales: Learn how to effectively promote one of our biggest sales of the year.
• Get Fired Up: Equip yourself with the enthusiasm and knowledge to make the most of this Memorial Day weekend.

 This episode is designed to fire you up and equip you with the skills to sell with confidence and enthusiasm. 

 Join us as we chat with Elliott Wilson, a seasoned pro at Mattress Firm and our most frequent guest. We'll dive into Elliott's entrepreneurial journey from starting is own business as a child to selling cars, to eventually finding his way to Mattress Firm then becoming a partner of the Mattress Firm Tulsa franchise. We’ll learn Elliott’s expert tips on making big sales, especially in clearance items.

In this episode, Harry and Jimmy discuss the many reasons why Mattress Firm is the preferred sleep retailer of  choice for so many people.  

Join us as we dive deep into the world of mattress sales with none other than industry veteran Brent Batterman. With a career spanning over two decades, Brent brings a wealth of knowledge, strategies, and personal stories that are sure to inspire and enlighten.

I. Guest Introduction: Brent Batterman
Discover Brent's journey from an enthusiastic intern to a key figure in the mattress industry, driving sales and championing customer service.

II. Career Journey and Evolution
Brent shares the milestones of working for a company growing from 250 to 3,500 stores, navigating over 30 acquisitions, and the lessons learned along the way.

III. Sales Strategy and Customer Service
Learn about the importance of building genuine connections with customers and strategies to elevate your sales presentations.

IV. Adapting and Learning
Brent emphasizes the significance of embracing challenges and the constant pursuit of knowledge for professional development.

V. Personal Challenges and Resilience
Hear Brent’s compelling story of overcoming health challenges, highlighting the power of resilience, faith, and determination.

VI. Sales Techniques and Financing
Gain insights into using financing as a tool for making high-quality mattresses accessible and tips for integrating it into your sales approach.

VII. Power Bases and Complete Sleep System Sales
Discover the advantages of selling complete sleep systems and the impact on customer satisfaction and sales.

VIII. Closing Remarks
A summary of key takeaways emphasizing hard work, continuous learning, and the essence of exceptional customer service.

This episode is packed with actionable advice and heartening stories from one of the mattress industry’s most respected figures. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the field, Brent’s insights are bound to provide valuable perspectives on sales success.

Tune in now to explore the full depth of Brent’s experience and wisdom. Let’s continue to learn, grow, and succeed together in the dynamic world of mattress sales. 

We welcome our special guest and good friend, Steve Rigby, the mastermind behind Circle Selling and author of the bestselling books "Circle Selling" and "S.M.I.L.E.", to this episode of The BedBuzz.

Exclusive Insights: We dive into Steve's journey from his first “sales” job to becoming a renowned author and mentor. His unique perspective and invaluable lessons in sales and personal growth are not to be missed.

Inspiration for All: Regardless of your profession, Steve's story of transformation from a reluctant salesperson to a leading sales expert offers motivation and practical advice for achieving success in any field.

 Nobody tells a story as well as Steve Rigby! Gear up for an episode brimming with wisdom, incredible insights, and paved with golden nuggets. Harry, Jimmy, and Steve are set to deliver an unforgettable experience. 

 This week we're tackling a key component of the Firm5: CONNECT, or as we like to call it, "The Salesperson's Superpower."

 Dive in with us as we explore how to make every customer feel incredibly valued right from the start. We'll discuss the importance of asking the right questions, making strong first impressions, and using empathy to build trust.

 You’ll hear some of our top connecting questions, learn about the art of being a NOTICER, and we'll share some funny sales bloopers. Plus, we're giving a new meaning to F.O.R.M. by showing how being N.I.C.E. can forge genuine connections.

 This episode is all about personalizing interactions, understanding every guest's unique needs, and ensuring they get exactly what they want. By applying these insights, salespeople can boost their success and give our guests a memorable experience.  

Buckle up! This week, we're mixing it up with a special guest who knows his way around both mattresses and melodies. Yes, you guessed it - Jon Stork, the singer/songwriter son of Mattress Firm co-founder Paul Stork, and nephew of Charlie and Harry Roberts is dropping by.

What's Inside:

• Dive deep as Jon takes us from growing up a “Mattress Firm kid”  in Texas to selling beds while living in his grandmother’s Mitchell, SD basement to “running down a dream” of pursuing a career in music full time. 
• Get the scoop on his hit "Missing You Lately" and how he's juggling gigs, fatherhood, and the elusive quest for a good night's sleep.
• It wouldn’t be a BedBuzz episode without hearing about Jon’s most memorable sale ever!

Special Treat: Jon’s got a guitar and he’s not afraid to use it. Stick around for a live snippet of a not yet released single that’s sure to add some rhythm to your day.

Listen Now: Tune in to catch all the fun, insights, and perhaps learn Jon's secret to selling mattresses and making music that moves us.  

This episode focuses on the power of first impressions in retail, starting with the crucial First Impression Zone (FIZ). Discover actionable steps to enhance how our guests perceive your store from the moment they step in.

 Key Highlights:

• The Science Behind FIZ: Learn from our deep dive into customer feedback on the importance of aligning in-store messages with advertising efforts.
• FIZ Touchpoints: From the parking lot to the sales floor, we cover how to make every second count within the first 8 seconds of our guest’s visit.
• Personal FIZ Tips: Understand how your personal presentation (how you look) impacts your guests judgment and what you can do to improve today.

 Actionable Takeaways:

• View your store through the guest's lens to identify improvement areas.
• Learn simple actions that make a big difference, such as adjusting store signage or looking busy as customers arrive.
• Don’t miss this episode if you’re ready to transform your store’s first impression and drive sales. Remember, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Be sure to check out the fun stories from World Furniture Market in Las Vegas and an exciting announcement at the beginning of our show!   

This episode of The BedBuzz podcast is packed with insights on answering the phone the Mattress Firm way. 

 Why does it matter? Because the phone is our differentiator. How we answer sets us apart from the competition, creating an inviting atmosphere that makes guests choose to shop with YOU and your store over our competitors.

 Highlights of the Episode:

• Listen to real recordings of Mattress Firm employees and local competitors answering the phone.
• Discover how we set the tone on the phone, shaping the perception of who we are, starting when and through the way we answer the phone.
• This isn't just another podcast episode; it's a journey into the secrets behind "The Answer" and its impact on our brand identity.

In this episode, we had the pleasure of hosting the one and only, Charlie Roberts, a remarkable individual with an extraordinary journey.   You’ll learn about Charlie’s entrepreneurial spirit and incredible work ethic and how he juggled owning several businesses simultaneously, while concurrently being involved in city politics and selling real estate “on the side”.  Find out about Charlie’s unique jobs (besides the hotel and mattress business) like selling Christmas trees, training and racing horses, and working and living in a funeral parlor!  With a rich tapestry of experiences and anecdotes, Charlie shares invaluable insights that are sure to resonate.

We're thrilled to launch  season two of  The BedBuzz podcast featuring three members of the Million Dollar Writers Club: Brandy Wilson and Matt Parks from Tulsa, and Scott McNeil from North Dakota.

From understanding the challenges of writing a million dollars to the best sales techniques, this episode is packed with actionable advice such as: 

• The importance of the PHONE
• Knowing and Selling what’s in stock
• Focus on every guest
• Every ticket matters…regardless of the size
• Relationships matter
• Don’t put pressure on yourself to hit the $1M goal…take care of the guests…and they’ll take care of you.

In the spirit of inspiration and learning, we invite everyone to tune in and discover the strategies, challenges, and how ANYONE can be a Million Dollar Writer.   Because remember, YOU are the difference!

After the roaring success of our 10-year SoDak franchise anniversary special, by popular demand we're thrilled to bring you the incredible story of Paul Hollister, a California surfer who has now found himself navigating the waves of life in South Dakota.

 Join us for tales of Paul's craziest sales adventures, his transition from the sub-prime mortgage industry and teaching English in Japan, to living with Uncle Harry in Houston to moving to Tulsa and eventually founding the South Dakota Mattress Firm franchise with his wife, Gina, and partner, Kelly Christal.

 Listen for the BedBuzz not-so-Blitzy "lightning" round – the longest and most electrifying one yet!  And of course, we had to ask the burning question – did Paul ever spot a shark while riding those California waves? 

In this episode, we’ll hear how Jason Sellers, the Managing Partner of the North Dakota franchise, left his hometown of Mason City, IA to attend the University of South Dakota  on a track and field scholarship.  We'll  learn how he was recruited to join MattressFirm and drove his hoopty with all his worldly possessions to Phoenix to sell beds.

 Discover Jason's transition into leading the Multi-Channel Sales Division at MattressFirm Corporate and the invaluable lessons he gained through embracing failure and how in an alternate universe, there might be "FitnessFirm" stores across the United States! 

Hear how Jason approached Harry and Charlie Roberts to discuss opening the North Dakota MattressFirm franchise. Learn about the challenges and triumphs as Jason and his wife, Krista, opened multiple stores across the state, along with a couple of dental practice while simultaneously building a family with two amazing children.  

 We’ll explore the challenges of managing multiple locations across hundreds of miles and the strategies employed by Jason and his team to build and maintain the WolfPack culture within his thriving business.

 Don't miss out on the inside scoop of Jason's most fascinating sale, featuring one of the biggest single bed tickets we’ve ever heard of!

In this insightful episode, Tyler Zeller from North Dakota shares his experiences and offers practical tips on how to finish the year strong and with enthusiasm.

 From personal reflections to strategies for staying motivated during the year-end crunch, Tyler provides valuable insights that are sure to resonate.

We are beyond excited to bring you a special episode of The BedBuzz podcast, and this time, it's all about celebrating the 10th anniversary of the MattressFirm South Dakota franchise! 🎉

 Join us as we dive into Paul and Gina Hollister's extraordinary journey. From their very first awkward night out to making the move to Tulsa and later embarking on the thrilling adventure of launching the SoDak MattressFirm franchise with Kelly Christal and the Dream Team, we'll cover it all. 

 Paul, Gina, and Kelly Christal  reveal their most cherished moments, from the "grand homecoming" of the franchise to the unforgettable highlights of the past decade. 

 We'll also get the inside scoop on some of the challenges they faced, the triumphant moments, and what it's like to be in those awesome TV commercials along with Paul and Gina’s adorable son, Paxton. 

We applaud the remarkable milestone that the MattressFirm South Dakota has achieved. Forbes  magazine says that most businesses don't make it to their 10-year anniversary, but this one has, and they deserve a standing ovation! 

We are thrilled to present this episode with our very special guest, Mettow Scott, the store manager of our Mitchell, SD location.

 In this episode, we'll: 

• Uncover Mettow’s memorable sales experiences and the anecdotes that have shaped her remarkable journey in sales.
• Learn about Mettow's background, upbringing, and the path that led her first to Des Moines, IA and now Mitchell, SD.
• Reflect on Mettow's resilience and success during a challenging time, showcasing her unwavering strength and positivity.
• Explore her transition to South Dakota and her experiences as a vital member of the SoDak Dream Team.
• Highlight her approach to managing the store with a sense of ownership and unmatched dedication.

We conclude the episode with a heartfelt rendition of the song “Don’t save it all for Christmas” beautifully sung by Mettow’s remarkable daughter, Melonie.

Check out this episode hosted by Jimmy Hill live from the Tulsa State Fair on October 7th, 2023.  Learn how  the team stays fired up, having fun, and selling beds in the MegaBooth while fueling up on corn dogs, energy drinks, and beef Wellington!  You won’t want to miss all the fun at the fair and find out how you can take that energy, enthusiasm, and tenacity back to the stores to help YOU have more fun and sell more beds!

Get ready to dive into our next episode featuring none other than the VP of Sales in North Dakota, the incredible Dean Sather. He's a true rock star both on and off the sales floor—whether it's commanding stages, jumping out of helicopters, or selling mattresses, Dean excels!

 Dean's journey, starting as MattressFirm North Dakota's first employee and rising to the VP of Sales, is a saga that will leave you in awe. Tune in to hear his amazing story, taking you from his roots to the heart of his passion for mattress sales.

 You won't want to miss the captivating narrative of Dean Sather's remarkable journey. And, stay tuned until the very end for a surprise announcement!

We're absolutely thrilled to introduce this episode featuring the incredible Kelly Christal. Kelly, the delightful voice behind our podcast introduction, embodies the essence of our values. Her infectious smile and genuine passion for helping others make her an inspirational figure worth looking up to.

 In this episode, we delve into Kelly's extraordinary journey - from her early life to her successful venture into the mattress sales realm. Kelly's story is a testament to dedication and resilience, showcasing her rise from a sales associate to a managing partner in a Mattress Firm Franchise.

 Join us to gain insights into Kelly's experiences as a remarkable woman thriving in a male-dominated industry. Her narrative is one of determination and empowerment, and we're eagerly looking forward to you being inspired by her remarkable story.

In this week's episode, you'll hear the incredible story of our partner, Michael Yelich, as he takes us on a journey through his remarkable career in the mattress industry. From his days as a Sealy Rep to selling mattresses for MattressPro and finally becoming an owner in one of the most successful Mattress Firm franchises, Michael's journey is nothing short of inspiring.

 But that's not all! Michael brings more than just his incredible story to the table. His nutty sense of humor adds a unique and entertaining twist to The BedBuzz podcast, making this episode an absolute must-listen.

 So, get ready to be entertained, inspired, and maybe even have a few good laughs along the way. 

In this episode, Elliott Wilson, the guru of both sales strategy and enjoying life to the fullest, will be sharing his insights and expertise to ensure our Labor Day weekend is a smashing success. Elliott's unique blend of practical advice and contagious enthusiasm will leave you motivated, inspired, and ready to rock the sales floor.

 Episode Highlights:

🛌Proven techniques for maximizing sales and having fun during the busy holiday weekend.

🛌Creative ideas to create a lively and enjoyable shopping atmosphere and guest experience.

🛌Expert tips on keeping your head in the game and beating the competition.

 We all know that the Labor Day sale is a significant event (it’s the frickin’ Superbowl of Mattress Sales!!), and with Elliott's guidance, we're aiming for record-breaking results while ensuring everyone has a blast in the process.

In this inaugural episode, we dive into the extraordinary life of our co-host, Jimmy Hill. Prepare to be inspired as he takes you through his remarkable journey – from saying no to Uncle Sam, his interview with Paul Stork, to his formative days as a store manager at Mattress Firm. But that's not all – you'll also uncover Jimmy's experiences in the wholesale side of the mattress business and learn what led him back to the welcoming arms of the Mattress Firm family.

 Whether you're a mattress industry enthusiast, a fan of inspiring stories, or just someone seeking an enjoyable podcast experience, "The BedBuzz" promises to deliver a blend of fun, education, and a genuine passion for selling beds.

In 1986, Harry Roberts, Paul Stork and Steve Fendrich founded Mattress Firm. Today, it’s the only coast-to-coast sleep shop in the USA. 

During the first episode, Harry Roberts told the story of how Mattress Firm was founded.

In this juicy follow up episode, Harry gives his perspective on the changing nature of the mattress business.

What does the industry need to do to better serve consumers? How has confusion reigned over our industry and what can we do about it?

Harry has an opinion and some glistening insights. 

Harry Roberts is one the original founders of Mattress Firm, the largest sleep shop chain in the United States. 

In this episode, Harry tells the story of how Mattress Firm got started.

You’ll find out how three guys from South Dakota launched a retail concept that would become the first coast-to-coast mattress store chain. 

You’ll hear stories of what it was like in the early days. 

Where did they get the name “Mattress Firm” and why did it attract customers?

What were the big inflection points for the business?

This episode is packed with answers, insights, and wisdom from one of the industry’s most motivational thinkers.