The Brown Sales Beanbag Story
Brown Sales started in 1970 when Stewart Brown — a Wisconsin farm kid with a high school education, strong work ethic, and entrepreneurial spirit — decided he wanted to build something of his own. He started Brown Sales as an upholstery supply business and traveled throughout the Upper Midwest calling on small upholstery shops.
Then beanbag chairs entered the picture.
A friend of Stewart’s had started experimenting with making beanbag chairs and asked if Stewart wanted to help manufacture, sell, and distribute them. Since Stewart was already traveling throughout the region, it was a natural fit. Before long, beanbag chairs were riding along with the upholstery supplies.
Stewart eventually took full ownership of the beanbag chair business, and what began as an opportunity became an integral part of Brown Sales’ identity.
Over the years, Brown Sales beanbag chairs began finding a home beyond traditional furniture stores. Schools, libraries, daycare centers, and other organizations recognized the quality and durability of our chairs, and demand began to grow. We expanded our reach to serve those customers across the country, while continuing to make every chair right here in Wisconsin.
In 2007, Stewart’s son, Ross Brown, joined the family business after graduating from college. Today, Ross runs Brown Sales, and Stewart enjoys an active semi-retirement.
A lot has changed since 1970, but the basic idea hasn’t: Make a high-quality beanbag chair. Sell it at a fair price. Make it in Wisconsin. And treat people well along the way. That’s how Stewart built Brown Sales, and it’s still how we do business today.