Business
February
04
Bob Watts and Sons Furniture and Appliances
by Mary Downer
Service and family are two words that easily describe Bob Watts and Sons Furniture and Appliances. Now celebrating 46 years in business, Bob Watts is proud of what he started many years ago in a small space behind his Broadmoor home in Houma. “I enjoy what I do. I like working and meeting people and staying active here,” he says.
Watts decided years ago that he would rather work for himself and own his own business. After outgrowing the space behind his home, he opened a store in Gray in 1981. Ten years later, he found himself growing again and purchased the building on the corner of Barrow and Bond streets. “The larger location allowed us to get more into furniture,” says Watts. “With more space, we are able to have a great showcase floor. It got to be so busy here, we had to close the Gray store in 2001.”
Customers are welcomed into the large comfortable store with a smile. Patrons benefit from the personal attention they receive while shopping and the store’s commitment to service the products they sell. According to Watts, they are one of the only stores in the area to service the appliances they sell. “It just makes sense,” says Watts. “If we sell you an appliance and you place it in your home, we are happy to service it and keep it running.”
Watts’ business also grew with the help of his two sons, Tony and Kim Watts, who their father says have been working in the family business since they were knee high. Tony Watts helps out mostly in the showroom and Kim Watts runs the roads doing repairs and answering service calls. “It’s fun working for the family. They are there to help you out and to support you,” says Tony Watts. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“They were always into something, but always helping out.” Bob Watts remains very proud of his sons and their work ethic. “Never have to tell them to do something. If it needs getting done, they are on it. They are hard workers.”
As far as retirement goes, Bob Watts isn’t ready to go anywhere just yet. His sons are poised and ready if the day comes, but simply smile when asked about it.
“I wake up every morning at 4 a.m. It’s just a habit. I like coming in and seeing the customers. I will do this as long as I can,” says Bob Watts. “What would I do if I wasn’t here?”
