Celebrating 170 Years of Excellence: The Legacy of B. F. Myers
This year, B. F. Myers celebrates a monumental milestone—our 170th anniversary! It’s not just a celebration of time passed, but a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to our customers that has allowed us to thrive through generations. Recently, we were also recognized by the Tennessee Department of Economic Development as one of the very few businesses still operating in the state after over 100 years of service, a rare and remarkable achievement.
But as we reflect on this incredible legacy, we are reminded of an important truth: We are not great because we are old; we are old because we are great.
A Legacy Began in 1854
It all began back in 1854 when Benjamin Franklin Myers (yes, the B. F. in B. F. Myers!) opened a general store in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. From the very start, the goal was simple: to provide the local community with the essentials they needed. Given that the company was founded just before the Civil War, it has weathered its fair share of changes—from shifting economic conditions to evolving customer needs. Throughout it all, we’ve stayed rooted in the same community that helped us grow, adapting to meet the ever-changing demands of our neighbors.
B.F. Myers was not only a business, but a pillar in the community. Many locals recall the Bank of Goodlettsville, which originally began as a branch of B.F. Myers. The bank itself thrived for over a century before being bought out, further cementing our company’s long-standing connection to the area.
The Shift to Furniture and Appliances
While B. F. Myers started as a general mercantile store, the company’s evolution took a significant turn during the leadership of Bill “Sonny” Myers in the mid-20th century. Under Sonny’s guidance, the focus shifted to selling furniture and appliances—a move that would shape the company’s future for decades to come. It wasn’t long before B. F. Myers became the go-to destination for residents of Goodlettsville, as well as customers from surrounding communities in Middle Tennessee and South Kentucky. We became known for offering great deals like the famous “houseful of furniture and appliances for $999,” a memory that still brings a smile to many of our longtime customers.
New Generations, New Leadership
In the early 1960s, a young man named Billy Joe Erwin (BJ) started his career at B. F. Myers. As a key member of the team, BJ quickly became entrenched in the company’s culture of exceptional customer service and community involvement. He soon recognized an opportunity to carry the company’s legacy forward by purchasing the business, and thus began the next chapter of B. F. Myers’ history.
BJ’s decision to take the reins of B. F. Myers ensured that the company would continue to thrive under new ownership, yet still maintain the same high standards of service that had been the cornerstone of the business for over a century. His leadership brought continued growth, but it was his deep connection with the community that truly set B. F. Myers apart.
Today at B. F. Myers
Bob Erwin, BJ’s son, became actively involved in B. F. Myers in the mid-1980s, during a time of significant transition for the company. We moved into our third location on French Street in Goodlettsville, which remains our home to this day. That move, combined with our relentless focus on providing the best possible experience for our customers, helped lay the foundation for the growth we’ve seen over the years.
In 2001, we made a bold decision to double the size of our showroom, transforming B. F. Myers into a premier destination for furniture and mattresses. We expanded our offerings, increased our inventory, and most importantly, ensured that every customer who walked through our doors had a seamless, high-quality experience. Today, our team consists of more than 70 dedicated team members who all share a passion for delivering the kind of service that our customers have come to expect from us over the years.
A Legacy for the Future
As we look back on 170 years of growth and change, we are incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved. But as much as we honor our history, we’re equally focused on building for the future. Today, Bob works alongside his daughter, Julianne, and her husband, Spencer Goodwin, who are both actively involved in the business. Together, they continue to push B. F. Myers forward, with the same core commitment to providing the ultimate customer experience that has been our hallmark for over a century.
While we’ve changed and adapted over the years, one thing has remained constant: our dedication to our customers. Whether you’re purchasing a new mattress, upgrading your living room furniture, or simply browsing for inspiration, you can trust that B. F. Myers is here for you—today, tomorrow, and for many more years to come.
We are proud of our history, but even more excited about what lies ahead. Thank you for being a part of the B. F. Myers family. We look forward to serving you for many more years to come!
Here’s to 170 years—and counting!
