Meet the Co-owner - Garner Appliance and Mattress
Rita Hines and her brother Amgad Saad co-own Garner Appliance and Mattress, a second-generation family business.
In 1977, their father Mones Saad started the business with a passion for customer service. As Garner locals, Rita and Amgad continue to prioritize their local customers while offering luxury mattresses and specialty appliances in their stores.
The Shop Local Raleigh team spoke with Rita about the ins and outs of the family business.
Laying the Groundwork
Family is at the heart of this business. Mones Saad founded the business with a love and focus on the customer, always doing everything in his power to gain their trust. His larger-than-life character made everyone feel like his best friend and made every customer feel special.
Amgad joined the business in 1988, with Rita following in 1996 after working a few other jobs. Their father’s passion for his business and customers shone through, and these values are what Rita and Amgad strive to mirror during their ownership. They want every customer to be treated well when visiting their stores.
Garner Appliance and Mattress offers a wide range of products, from memory foam mattresses to coffeemakers and garbage disposals, all with the customer’s needs in mind. Rita shared that she’s a “nerd for appliances.” She and her brother have always paid attention to the needs of their community when selecting products.
They used to rent and sell videotapes, TVs, and car phones. Listening to customer feedback, they eventually added mattresses to their inventory. Since its opening, they have expanded, adding an outlet location in Raleigh and a location in North Raleigh.
Giving Back
Not only are they customer-focused, but they are also community-focused. Rita and Amgad are always looking for ways to give back to their community. According to Rita, philanthropy is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
By working with nonprofits, civic organizations, schools, and first responders, Rita ensures that the people around her are taken care of. She said her father always gave back, and she wants to do the same. Her family is especially supportive of education, particularly the public schools in Garner that her family and children attended.
Family First
Outside of co-owning a business, Rita loves spending time at the beach with her family. Over the years, she has learned to put family first and find a balance between life and work. She described the most challenging part of the business as worrying about doing right by both her customers and employees, whom she cares deeply about.
“While there are logistical challenges, owning a business has taught her that not everything is black and white. She values the customer and believes that sometimes you must spend money to make money. Rita’s advice for other business owners is to love what you do.
“You need to love what you’re doing to be fulfilled to the fullest potential.”
