Jayne Place-Rutledge, Co-owner: Before joining Bridgman's nine years ago, I worked as a nurse. I enjoy greeting customers as they come in, especially introducing our store to newcomers. I wear a few hats which include answering phones, computer, customer service issues, sales, and recycling. Dan and I enjoy being with our children and grandchildren. I love to go camping with friends and spending time with both friends and family. Gardening is a relaxer and I love doing things outside. What is unique to our small family business, I think, is that Steve and Arleen's children, and Dan and my children have all worked at Bridgman's at different times throughout their high school and college years, and now our grandchildren feel like this is home whenever they come in.
Christine McKim: Sales / Design, Head of Window Fashion Department: Growing up the eldest daughter of Steve and Arleen, I have had the opportunity to experience design and furniture sales since I was toddler. Retail was in my blood without me ever realizing it until I decided to give sales a try when I was twenty-three. I have always had a love for art and photography; something my family is talented in. With natural strengths in composition and color combination I found, very quickly, that I enjoyed helping clients pull together room plans, and guild them with texture and color selections for their upholstery. I believe the key to being a good decorator is keeping in tune with the latest trends, yet having knowledge for the classics. I enjoy getting to know people and finding out who they are, what their personality is and how I might be able to encourage their confidence in finding their style, many times ending up creating long lasting relationships, even friendships. I am the 6th generation of my family to work at Bridgman's. I graduated as Senior Class President from Lebanon High School in 1989. My three boys keep me busy with all their sports and activities taking after their father in soccer and ski racing, who happens to be my best friend and high school sweetheart, Corey McKim. Maybe someday one of my boys will be writing an autobiography for Bridgman's.
Lois Wiggin: Sales / Design: I have been with Bridgman's nearly 35 years now. I have worked primarily in interior design on residential and commercial applications in the New England area. Bridgman's, a family owned business, has become an extension of my family. I value the participation I have in this fine establishment. I am fortunate to have such a diversified clientèle. It is my desire to create a sound relationship with the client through commitment to professional service. This is the building block for customer trust and appreciation that I aspire to.
Kate Lane: Sales / Design: Starting my ninth year at Bridgman's Furniture, I've enjoyed working with a variety of customers. Before joining Bridgman's, I worked in Real Estate. Along with corporate relocation, decorating model homes and “Staging” homes to look their best were my specialties. Prior to that, I was part of the Sales/Design Team with my father-in-law at a wayside furniture store in Keene, NH. A New Hampshire native, I'd lived out of state for many years before returning in 2000. With my experience in sales and love of decorating, Bridgman's is the perfect fit for me!
Bridgman's Furniture is family owned and operated. From the design staff to the warehouse and delivery staff, our employees are both immediate family and friends who we consider our extended family. Longevity in employment is something we are very proud of.
Here are some of the key members of the Bridgman's team:
Steve Rutledge, Co-owner/General Manager: I started my career at Bridgman's working for my dad, Jack Rutledge, and grandfather, Nate Bridgman, after school and during school vacations. After college and military service I began working at the store full time in 1971. My brother, Dan, and I took over control of Bridgman's in 1980. While I am involved in all aspects of the business, including administration, purchasing, sales, customer service and policy making, the upholstery, leather and wood furniture departments are my specialties. One of the things that I strive for is to maintain a large number of North American brands in our store. We display and purchase from many New Hampshire, Vermont and regional manufacturers.
Dan Rutledge, Co-owner/General Manager: I began working for my father, Jack Rutledge, and grandfather, Nate Bridgman, after school and during college vacations. I joined my brother, Steve, full time in 1974. In 1980 Steve and I took the reins from our father. While I am also involved in every aspect of the business, I specialize in floor covering and mattresses and oversee customer service, delivery and warehouse operations. I also work with suppliers and manufacturers to ensure that environmentally responsible practices are used not only in the manufacture of the products we sell, but also in the day-to-day operations of our business.
Arleen Rutledge, Co-owner: For over thirty years I have helped my clients reach their decorating dreams. Colors and fashion have always been of interest to me. I have enjoyed working with my husband, Steve, to help bring in the latest in furniture fashion, yet keeping a tradition of quality and fine product. Although running a business can take up a large portion of my week, I always find time to spend with our children and their families. With eight grandchildren we keep very busy, between their sports and school activities. When we are not spending time with our family, Steve and I, enjoy ballroom dancing.
Susan Mantz: Sales / Design: I have enjoyed working at Bridgman's for over 8 years. Prior to joining Bridgman's I worked for a number of years in the window fashion design field. Having this background enables me to provide a high level of design service to Bridgman's clientèle. Helping customers decorate their homes gives me great satisfaction. When not at work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Roger, and our family.
