The Mattress Industry Network Facebook group has slowly grown into one of the biggest resources for smaller independent retailers, and it has no plans of slowing down.
Founders Steve Houk and Greg Jent are both dedicated to honoring the idea that started it all: a member-only group where mattress retailers and manufacturers can share information with those who are in the same boat.
From business advice to pillow selection comparisons, solving logistical issues and putting rumors to bed, the platform serves as community business club rather than a simple Facebook group.
“There’s a unique driving force behind this group because every post is moderated to keep the group as professional as possible,” Houk tells Bedding News Now. “It might not seem like much, but it takes thousands of hours of work to do that.”
Several others have tried to start side groups that were based on the same idea. Still, Covid was a catalyst for the Mattress Industry Network and grew it into something unlike anything else in the industry.
“No other Facebook group focused on mattresses has been able to get to where we are,” said Houk. “We have over 3,000 members and other groups couldn’t even crack 100. That’s because we have worked hard to make this group useful to everyone in the industry.”
Most recently, the group has instituted a vendor registry so that all vendors who want to post on the page for Manufacturer Monday—the one day of the week where manufacturers can post ads and content promoting their own brands—are verified. This has been an important process in keeping the posts on target for the group.
All of this hard work has led to the Mattress Industry Network’s biggest event, the Victory Burger meet-up at the Circa that the group has held for the last 5 years during Las Vegas Market.
Notably, the group has gained sponsors for the dinner each year, starting with HFA and this year sponsored by 3Z Brands and Bedding News Now. The event started with just 9 people attending, and there are now over 100 people who come each season.
“I’m looking forward to meeting up with everyone at the next event,” said Houks. “It will be great to get together with old friends, and it’s actually a very good opportunity to have quality time with some high-level executives who you might not be able to see in the showrooms around Las Vegas Market.”
