OUR STORY &
BUSINESS ROOTS

Ron Shovlin and Kara Shovlin are a husband and wife duo who own and run the business. Formerly known as “The Mattress Factory,” the business was founded by Brian Strell in 1972. Marlene and Richard Shovlin, Ron’s mother and father, eventually bought the business as their own in 1987.

The Shovlins had been a part of The Mattress Factory long before taking ownership—prior to becoming CEO, Marlene had been running the office. Meanwhile, a teenage Ron worked there part-time while attending high school, starting at age 13. The business was originally based in Garwood, New Jersey, but moved to Fanwood in 2007. Not long after, its name was changed from The Mattress Factory to the eponymous Shovlin Mattress Factory® and Ron became the sole owner of the flagship store. Swing by our store that’s now been operating for over 50 years! You'll likely meet Ron. Standing 6'7" he's hard to miss.

What’s your role? Dream Queen!

What is something new you’ve learned since working at Shovlin? Sleep is the foundation of overall health and wellness! It impacts almost every part of how you feel and how you go about your day.

What’s the strangest place you’ve ever accidentally fallen asleep? The movie theater. (Can you blame me?)

If you could ban one bedtime habit forever (snoring, hogging the covers, etc.), what would it be? Late-night snacking. No one wants crumbs in the bed or crunching in their ear when they’re trying to sleep.

What’s one thing you enjoy showing or explaining to people who visit the showroom? How an adjustable base can help with snoring! They’re for so much more than just comfort, and I love helping people realize how much adjustable bases can do for them.

If you had to pick: firm, soft, or somewhere in the middle? Cloud-like all the way!

Do you prefer staying up late or waking up early? I would prefer both, but that doesn't always happen. Ideally, waking up early. That way I can get a jump on the day and snuggle into my Shovlin at night.