Law school had been the plan for Giff until he unexpectedly found himself loving the family business. Giff Gates assumed the manager position in 1977 and 32 years later continues to manage and enjoy running the operation.

George Gates began Gates Home Furnishings in 1946. Lois continued the day-to-day operations after George was stricken with polio in 1952. Her younger son, Giff, joined her in 1973. Giff remains at the helm today, with Lois still sneaking in on occasion to assist if needed. Lois' eldest son, Gary, spent 30 years at RCC, recently retiring after 20 years as RCC's Science Department Chairman. An active golfer, Lois also enjoys traveling and spending time with her four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Lois is a lovely lady, and everyone she meets is quickly endeared to her.

Nick Gates began working for the family business at the age of 13 helping with organizing the office and doing odd jobs for anyone who needed a little extra help. "When I turned 15 I started working at the warehouse assembling and delivering furniture. After I graduated from Grants Pass High in 2005, I attended college at the University of Oregon. During my summer breaks I came back to Grants Pass and worked for our advertising company on an internship. When I decided to switch majors I began working on the sales floor the summer of 2007. Since then I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Business and Religious Studies from the University of Oregon in 2009. I now work full time as a salesperson and love helping each and every customer that comes into our beautiful store. I plan to work more and more with my father and hope to continue the family legacy my Grandfather began in 1946."

With over 30 years at Gates Home Furnishings, Joanie still firmly believes that customer service is the most important part of the job. With an associate degree in design and a caring, friendly, and fun-loving attitude, she offers customers expertise and a great personality.

Kris is a veteran of Gates Home Furnishings since 1988. Giff Gates met Kris at a local camera shop and was immediately impressed with her professionalism in sales. Her low key, no pressure selling style will kill you with kindness and patience. Her customers simply love her.

Tom has been with us since 2003, and his extensive home improvement experience and dedication to exceeding customer's expectations have proved a perfect fit for Gates. His approach is to put himself in the customer's position, helping him to truly listen to their needs and fulfill them.

Ben came to Gates in 2004 as a member of our Warehouse team. He assembled and repaired furniture as well as assisting in "setting" the floor displays. In September 2007, Ben joined our Sales team, bringing his creative imagination, decorating skills, and attention to color and detail. He will "dazzle" you with his artistic talent as he helps meet your home decor needs. He and his wife welcomed their son on Valentine's Day 2007 and their daughter in 2010. Ben says it is a joy to work at Gates where the "family atmosphere" is very supportive of his new family..

Sherry is originally from Hilmar, California, and moved to the Rogue Valley in 2000. She has three wonderful children whom she loves dearly. Sherry joined the Gates Team January 2009. "It has been great working with everyone here! It has also been a wonderful learning experience in the sales and decorating field. I have to admit that this is my first time working as a salesperson, but what I have come to find that this is more than just a career in sales. I enjoy working with my customers and helping them decorate the homes of their dreams. I am known for my patience and my kind, caring personality. All in all, this job has proved to me that I am where I need to be and that my service to others is greatly appreciated.".

Jay moved to Grants Pass from So. California in 1984. After college, Jay worked at Furniture Row for eight years. During his tenure there, Jay became very knowledgeable on the various types of wood, construction and features on most types of furniture. Jay joined us in 2010 and his expertise, as well as his desire to help customers, ensures that Jay is a valuable asset to the Gates sales team.

Hilda moved from So. California to Grants Pass in 1992. She owned a clothing and accessory boutique for over 10 years. Hilda then entered the Lancome cosmetic world for eight years and joined the Gates sales team in 2009. Hilda's creativity, eye for color and design experience has made her a popular member of our sales team.

Connie: "I started my sales career after being a stay-at-home military mom and wife for 15 years. I loved working in the cosmetic departments at Dillard’s, Macy’s and Nordstrom where I had my first jobs. Being helpful and finding solutions is what I enjoy most about working in sales. I love being a part of the Gates sales team because we share the same philosophy of service-driven sales."

Linda: "Enjoying people and listening to their needs started my career in sales at the age of 15. It’s all about community and friends working together to achieve goals. I love working with color, texture, line and dimension to pull a beautiful room together. It’s great returning to Southern Oregon where my grown children and grandchildren reside; it’s coming home."

In the "background" working for you are Chika and Terri as the Purchasing & Receiving Duo. Chika joined us in 2000 and is our efficient purchasing clerk who monitors and follows up on your orders two weeks in advance of your estimated arrival. She advises your salesperson of any unforeseen changes and assures that your orders arrive as quickly as possible. Terri completes the Duo by receiving your merchandise upon arrival, instantaneously notifying the delivery desk of orders ready for delivery and pick-up. She has been a part of our team since 1989 and can answer any question you may have about the operation.

Diane arrived in 2002 and Frances came in 2005. They co-team to cover the Delivery Desk. Within a day of your merchandise being received, they will call you to schedule delivery or pick-up. It is their goal to set a date as convenient as possible for you. Diane or Frances will efficiently monitor the schedule to ensure your merchandise reaches you in good order. Genera returned to us in 2010 and she is our office receptionist on the weekends.

Your Customer Service Team will efficiently field any of your questions and have you on your way!

Mary Jane has called Gates her home since 1985. She is the Office Manager and coordinates all the administrative functions of the operation. She is proud of having a wonderful office staff that really cares about the quality of their work. Mary Jane is a native Oregonian and enjoys church, gardening, home decorating, and spending time with family and friends.

Joanne is a "veteran" of Gates since 1994. Kathy came to Gates in 2006. Joanne and Kathy run our sales desk, directing the sales staff to customers to be sure they are greeted as quickly as possible. We could not operate without their assistance. In addition, they are the voices you hear the majority of the time when you call our store. They are wonderful assets to our team! Joanne enjoys her time with friends and family, church, loves traveling and her passion is Hawaii. Kathy will keep you laughing and she enjoys family and the great outdoors.

With an amazing sense of style, JoRita and Kristi set our floor each and every day. JoRita joined the Gates family in 2003. Staging homes was her dream; now she is able to stage our showroom. Kristi came on board in 2011 and is the wife of our Sales Manager, Nick. She has a keen eye for a new look and has begun purchasing our accessories at the Las Vegas Market. JoRita and Kristi work their magic so our customers can view our furniture in the best possible settings.

You are looking at the best little service team in Oregon. Ron is the manager and desk-bound member of the team. If you call us with a service issue, you will most likely be talking to him. You can reach him Monday through Friday at 956-8423. Jerry is our field serviceman and has been with Gates since 1983. If you have had an in-home service from us in the last 20 years, you probably already know him. If not, trust us, everybody loves Jerry. Mark is our shop serviceman and the newest member of the service team. He has been with us since May 2006 and can repair most anything. Mark does the in-shop repairs that may be more time-consuming or require specialty tools that Jerry doesn't carry with him.

Ron is also our Service Manager. A native of Southern Oregon, he joined the Navy in 1971. After 26 years, he was getting tired of moving constantly and decided to plant his feet on the ground in the private sector. He joined the Gates team in 1997. He enjoys hunting, fishing, golf and problem solving. His personal goal is to make Gates Furniture the standard for customer service in Southern Oregon. If you have a problem with your furniture or a question on your warranty give him a call at 956-8423.

Jason and Tim co-manage the warehouse. Jason schedules all deliveries that go out the door and Tim oversees all the merchandise moving into the warehouse. They make sure the warehouse is kept tidy and safe for all employees to work and maintain the delivery trucks and equipment. You couldn't find a more dedicated team!

Jason joined us in 1992 and was our lead driver for our fabulous delivery teams until he joined management in July 2007. He enjoys camping and traveling with his wife to Mexico. They welcomed their son in 2009 and are expecting another child mid-year 2012.

Tim came to the team in 1988. He enjoys spending time with his children and the great outdoors. His calm and easy-going demeanor makes him one of the best employees Gates has to offer.

The entire warehouse and delivery team will amaze you from beginning to end. Kelly joined us in 1998 and is an "artist" in the prep room. Tom came in 2003 and is also our local dj on KAJO radio. David came in 2007 and will dazzle you with his big smile. Scott came on board in Nov 2009 and couldn't be a nicer guy. Tyler joined us in 2010 and is a wonderful addition to the team. The 'prep' team will assemble and detail your furniture with 'white gloves' the day before delivery, making sure everything is tip-top before leaving the warehouse. They will also greet you and load your furniture when you come for pickup. They all assist in delivering six days per week and are the last impression of Gates when they walk into your home. You couldn't ask for a more wonderful group of guys.

Our freight guys are very unique. Tim, who unloads freight, is also one of the warehouse managers. He's been a part of our team since 1988. The second half of the freight duo is Dave. His hearty laugh is heard all through the warehouse. Since 1994, Dave has become our "jack of all trades". This handyman can do it all. These two unload freight trucks and fill up our 26,000 square foot warehouse with additional inventory for you.

Wayne came on board in 2005 and he brings on, unpacks, preps and displays all the merchandise on our showroom floor. Wayne hustles all day long to make sure our store is full and looking at its best. When you come for pick up he will gladly load your furniture into your vehicle with a smile.