David’s Journey Here:
While teaching an 8th grade catechism class in Lake Charles, LA, Home Furniture’s original founding father, Mr. George P. Fleming, mentioned to his students that if they ever needed anything, to let him know. Four years later, in 1970, 30 days after his high school graduation, David Texada did just that. He approached Mr. Fleming for a job as a warehouseman. Not only was David hired, but Mr. Fleming had David obtain a chauffeur's license that same day.
About a year later, Mr. Fleming’s son, George E. (Ged) Fleming, asked David to go into sales, and David never looked back. Then, in 1972, Ged asked David to do something else. Ged informed David that he was going to open up a Home Furniture store in Lafayette, LA, and asked David to transfer with him.
“Let’s go! And as they say, the rest was history!” was David’s response. And he never looked back.
Adds David, “I then jumped on my motorcycle and rode to Lafayette to check it out. I had never been there in my life!”
Aside from a short stint of moving back to Lake Charles, LA for 5 years in management and sales, David has been at the Lafayette Home Furniture stores ever since, first at the original Lafayette location on Jefferson street, and then at the current location on Surrey street.
What do you like best about your job?
“I like people! I like talking with everyone…coworkers and customers alike!”
Riggins Dore, Surrey Street store manager, adds, “David has been a staple at home furniture for 52 years. He shows up every day with a smile and is ready to go. He is great with his customers and is a team player through and through.”
Ross Dees, Home Furniture’s Chief Operating Officer and District Manager, adds, “Congratulations David on over 50 years with Home Furniture! You have set a very high bar that I am not sure will ever be broken in terms of years of service. Thanks for all the dedication to our customers and the company throughout your career.”
When David is not at work:
“I love fishing, working in my yard, visiting with friends and clients, and of course, spending time with my family.
My son, William, lives in Orlando, FL while my daughter, Dawn, lives in Houston, TX with my two grandchildren, Thad and Avery.”
The ONE thing most co-workers may not know:
“I am the unofficial and unopposed mayor of Swords, LA!”
Advice for anyone wishing to join our Home Furniture Team:
“Be friendly. Ask a lot of questions, including our manufacturer’s reps along with your co-workers. You’re never too old to learn something new.” Tony Kemp, Home Furniture’s Chief Executive Officer, adds, “Congratulations David. May we all be as fortunate as you to have such a long career.”
Born and raised in Lake Charles, LA, David currently resides in Swords, LA. Great job, David, on your 52 years of continued dedication and loyalty along with being the very first sales hiree of Home Furniture in Lafayette 50 years ago!
