Jake Jabs, a self-taught businessman and philanthropist, built one of the largest privately-held furniture companies in the U.S. from the ground up. The fourth of nine children born to Russian and Polish immigrants, Jabs was raised in rural Montana. He credits his family with instilling in him a strong work ethic, a deep sense of family, and a love of music that would shape his early career.

Jabs's entrepreneurial journey began in guitar sales, a nod to his lifelong passion for music. After a brief stint selling electronics, he launched his first major venture in 1968, Mediterranean Galleries, a high-end furniture store with multiple locations. When the Mediterranean trend faded, Jabs closed the Galleries and took a chance on a struggling local business. In 1975, he purchased the American Furniture Company, rebranding it as American Furniture Warehouse (AFW).

Under Jabs's leadership, AFW grew from a single store into a retail powerhouse with locations across Colorado, Arizona, and Texas. Jabs attributes AFW's remarkable success to "the basic American philosophy of hard work, long hours, self-confidence, the courage to take risks, and the desire to give value and service to every customer." He remains responsible for the company’s day-to-day operations and oversees the team of buyers.

Beyond his business success, Jabs is a dedicated philanthropist and community leader. He is actively involved with numerous non-profit organizations, and also served as National Vice-President of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Throughout his career, Jabs has been honored with many accolades, including:

• American Legion Community Service Award
• American Red Cross Community Heroism Award
• Businessman with a Heart
• Colorado Easter Seals' Champion Award
• Colorado Veterans of Foreign Wars Citizenship Award
• Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year
• InFurniture's Retail All-Stars
• Montana Small Business Person of the Year
• Montana State University Alumni Award
• Muscular Dystrophy Association Humanitarian Award in Honor of 25 Years of Dedication
• National Home Furnishings Association Retailer of the Year 2000
• 2005 Colorado Top Company Award
• InFurniture's 2006 Retail All-Stars
• Denver Business Journal 2007 Power Book Industry Leader in Category of Retail & Marketing
• Furniture Today's Retail Giants of Bedding 2007
• Furniture Today's Retailer of the Year 2007
• 2010 Montana State University announces the naming of the Jake Jabs Center for Entrepreneurship for the New West
• 2011 Colorado Motor Carriers Green Fleet Award
• 2012 Colorado Business Hall of Fame
• 2012 Honorary Doctorate Degree from Montana State University
• 2012 American Heritage Award - Anti-Defamation League
• In 2013 The University of Colorado Business School named the University's Entrepreneurial School the Jake Jabs Center for Entrepreneurship
• In 2015 the opening of the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship - Jabs Hall Montana State University
• 2015 Easter Seals Honoree of the Year
• 2017 HFA Trail Blazer Award
• One of Newsweek's Most Trustworthy Companies in America 2023
• Just to name a few.....

Jake's Words of Wisdom

Jabs is also a prolific writer and speaker, sharing his wisdom on business and success with students and professionals. He has authored two books, his autobiography "An American Tiger" and his latest work, "Thriving in Tough Times," and has traveled to more than 50 countries, studying various forms of government and business.