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? I sew the covers for the mattresses.

How many years have you been part of the mattress-making magic? I’ve been working here for 7 years.

What do you find most rewarding about being part of the Shovlin team? I like that I can work in peace.

What do you enjoy doing with your free time outside of work? I like to fix up my house and work in the kitchen. I like to cook.

What’s something most people don’t know about you? I really like to travel.

Do you have a favorite Shovlin memory? All of Javier’s jokes.