American Freight Furniture and Mattress was established in Lima, Ohio in 1994 with one simple mission in mind: to help customers save money on quality furniture and mattresses. For the past few decades, we’ve stayed true to our early promise and served the nation as a resource for home furnishings—because everyone needs a place to sit, sleep and eat!
Since we began franchising in 2020, our per-store average income figures have attracted entrepreneurs and people looking for semi-absentee opportunities. Over the years, we’ve grown to over 360 locations across 38 states, including the combination and acquisition of nearly 130 Sears Outlet stores and over 30 FFO Home locations. Through our growth, we expanded our product assortment to encompass furniture, mattresses and appliances. Now, we continue to sell the best for less every day through flexible payment options, “take home today” offerings and 100% approved free layaway.
American Freight sits prominently in the $120 billion home furnishings industry composed of value, mid-point and premium price-point retailers. The demand for home furnishings remains on an upward trajectory with no signs of slowing down, especially with more people spending time working from home. As the trend continues, consumers will persist in their search for home furnishing products, making the industry a wise investment for those looking for continuous growth. Through our unique position to gain traction in the value furniture space, we differentiate ourselves from the competition.
When you invest in an American Freight franchise, you’re also leveraging the power of a team with more than 200 years of combined industry experience.
In November 2022, Mr. Corsa was named Chief Executive Officer of the newly created Home Furnishing Division at Franchise Group which includes American Freight, Badcock Furniture, and Buddy’s Home Furnishings. Prior to Franchise Group, Mr. Corsa was President and COO for At Home Group, growing the company from $330 Million to over $2 Billion in sales resulting in a successful IPO in 2016. Previously, Mr. Corsa served as Vice President of KSL Resorts from 2011 to 2013, which operates luxury resorts throughout the United States. Before this, he served as Executive Vice President of Retail for Stuart Weitzman from 2006 – 2011. In addition, he served as Senior Director of Store Operations of GAP from 2004 to 2006, Senior Director of Loss Prevention for Old Navy from 2002 to 2003 and Director of Store Operations for Old Navy from 1999 to 2002.
Mr. Corsa received his MBA from St. Mary’s College of California and Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Michael has over 25 years of experience in the retail industry and has been the Chief Stores Officer of American Freight since October 2020. His prior experience includes senior leadership and executive-level roles at Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, OfficeMax, PetSmart and Things Remembered. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Akron.
Michael has over 25 years of experience in the retail industry and has been the Chief Stores Officer of American Freight since October 2020. His prior experience includes senior leadership and executive-level roles at Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, OfficeMax, PetSmart and Things Remembered. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Akron.
Norman joined American Freight in December 2022 and is responsible for new store development, lease administration, and franchise sales and openings. Previously Norman held the same position with home furnishings retailer AtHome where he was a member of the executive management team that successfully took the company public in 2016. Prior roles include Vice President of Development and Real Estate for FedEx Office, and a variety of real estate related roles with increasing responsibility at YUM Brands. Norman received his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Texas Tech University
Lauri Joffe Turjeman has been the Chief Marketing Officer since April 2023. Prior to that she was the Chief Digital Officer between March 2020 and April 2023. Lauri came to American Freight with experience as the Senior Vice President of Marketing, eCommerce & IT from May 2018 through March 2020 with Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, Inc. and held various roles within that company from August of 2012 through May 2018 which included digital marketing. Lauri has a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Lauri Joffe Turjeman has been the Chief Marketing Officer since April 2023. Prior to that she was the Chief Digital Officer between March 2020 and April 2023. Lauri came to American Freight with experience as the Senior Vice President of Marketing, eCommerce & IT from May 2018 through March 2020 with Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, Inc. and held various roles within that company from August of 2012 through May 2018 which included digital marketing. Lauri has a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Sue has more than 30 years of retail experience in merchandising, inventory, marketing, operations, supply chain and operating services. Prior to joining the American Freight team, she served as the VP of stores for nearly 1,000 Sears Hometown Stores, head of merchandising and inventory for Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, VP of Marketing and VP GMM with Frank’s Nursery & Crafts. She is a graduate of the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program.
