Easton, MD. — Decorating Den Interiors, which is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year, also is marking significant anniversaries of key executives.
Sue Pelley, director of communications, is the longest serving employee having started in 1974.
(left to right) Jim Bugg, Jr.; Carol Bugg; Jim Bugg, Sr.
James S.Bugg, Sr., chairman, his wife, Carol, vice president and director of design, and his son James S. Bugg, Jr., president and chief executive officer, joined the company in 1984.
Under their leadership, Decorating Den Interiors has grown to become North America’s largest interior design and home furnishings franchise company. Located throughout the U.S. and Canada, its more than 300 design professionals represent more than 80 suppliers of window treatments, furniture, wall and floor coverings, lighting, accessories and other decorative home products.
“I was working for a hotel in Indianapolis where Decorating Den Interiors’ founder Steve Bursten frequently held meetings to recruit and train new franchise owners,” recalls Pelley. “He recruited me to join the company and I eventually became a franchise owner, regional director, and design spokesperson to publications and TV programs.” Pelley also develops workshop and seminar formats for their design professionals to use in local markets.
Mr. Bugg, Sr.was drawn to the firm because of the opportunity to combine his expertise in franchising with his wife’s experience in interior design. “Together, we saw the opportunity to grow a young company by helping others, mostly women, turn their love for decorating into an independent career.” While doing that, Mr. Bugg found time to also become chair of the International Franchise Association, to be active in the African Wildlife Foundation, and to co-found The Yellow Ribbon Fund. He has been honored as a Washingtonian of the Year and was selected to the Franchise Hall of Fame and voted the leading Pioneer of Franchising.
Mrs. Bugg has provided leadership and insights for new product initiatives. She has designed special fabrics for First Ladies Barbara Bush and Hillary Clinton, and created a fabric to raise funds for service dogs for the blind, and has authored five books and overseeing the company’s annual international Dream Room Competition (see www.decoratingden.com/dream-room-showcase).
Mr. Bugg, Jr.’s first role in the company was in franchise development in the National Capital Region, which he and his father created to be the model for the firm’s regional approach to franchise recruitment through master licensees. He progressed through various responsibilities to being named president and chief executive officer in 1994, the position he still holds.
Decorating Den Interiors’ business model consists of design professionals providing complimentary in-home or in-office design consultations, selling a wide variety of home furnishings, and personally seeing projects through to completion. Most of its franchise owner operate from home studios using the firm’s proprietary business systems, educational programs, and Preferred Supplier Program.
