Decorating Den Marks Anniversaries of Executives

June 9, 2014  by in Furniture Retailing, Industry, Special Events   

Sue Pelley, director of communications, is the longest serving employee and joined the company in 1974.

James Bugg Sr., chairman, his wife, Carol Bugg, vice president and director of design, and his son James Bugg Jr., president and CEO, joined the company in 1984.

Under their leadership, Decorating Den Interiors has grown to more than 300 design professionals represent more than 80 suppliers of window treatments, furniture, wall and floor coverings, lighting, accessories and other decorative home products.

“I was working for a hotel in Indianapolis where Decorating Den Interiors’ founder Steve Bursten frequently held meetings to recruit and train new franchise owners,” Pelley said. “He recruited me to join the company and I eventually became a franchise owner, regional director, and design spokesperson to publications and TV programs.” Pelley also develops workshop and seminar formats for the company's design professionals to use in local markets.

James Bugg Sr.was drawn to the firm because of the opportunity to combine his expertise in franchising with his wife’s experience in interior design.

“Together, we saw the opportunity to grow a young company by helping others, mostly women, turn their love for decorating into an independent career,” he said.

While doing that, Mr. Bugg found time to also become chair of the International Franchise Association, to be active in the African Wildlife Foundation, and to co-found The Yellow Ribbon Fund. He has been honored as a Washingtonian of the Year and was selected to the Franchise Hall of Fame and voted the leading Pioneer of Franchising.

Carol Bugg has provided leadership and insights for new product initiatives. She has designed special fabrics for First Ladies Barbara Bush and Hillary Clinton, and created a fabric to raise funds for service dogs for the blind, and has written five books and oversees the company’s annual international Dream Room Competition. 

James Bugg Jr.’s first role in the company was in franchise development in the national capital region, which he and his father created to be the model for the company's regional approach to franchise recruitment. He progressed through various responsibilities to being named president and CEO in 1994, the position he still holds.