La-Z-Boy has grown from two men into a giant furniture corporation. Most people wonder how this could possibly happen. Many successful enterprises start out small and grow into large dynasties. La-Z-Boy has distinguished itself as the leading and very respected name in reclining furniture. The many innovations and the limitless selection of styles, fabrics, and colors offered today have earned La-Z-Boy a reputation of having the most comfortable chairs around.
On March 24, 1927, two cousins created a partnership that soon became known as La-Z-Boy. Edward M. Kabusch, a woodworker who became a marketer, and Edward J. Shoemaker, a farmer who became and engineer started a furniture company they called Floral City Furniture (Genuine). With their company flourishing out of a garage the two needed assistance with their newfound expenses. Their relatives and family began pitching in to help out the expenses and cost to build a new furniture factory. Edwin's father played a major role in getting the furniture company started by mortgaging his farm in order to provide cash for his sons share of the business. This decision soon paid off for everyone in his family. Interestingly, a year later Highway Michigan-US-24 became the most traveled route in the state and just so happened to run in front of the factory (Making). Talent, good luck, and support from loved ones the two contributed to what would someday be a major corporation and way of life in the United States of America. Two unknowns from Michigan with a plan, wits, and a dream laid the foundation for comfort chairs in America. This corporation would allow them to support their families for many generations to come. "La-Z-Boy's designed its first model, a wood slat porch chair in 1928 and would then grow into a successful furniture company," showing that La-Z-Boy has come a long way through the years succeeding every step of the way (Genuine).
