Grounded in Midwestern values, Nancy Rhodes learned early on the value of hard work and the need for financial security from her parents on their family farm. With a strong will to succeed Ms. Rhodes has worked for the past 19 years to create her own successful furnishings business in Phoenix, Arizona.

Her first “home” after graduating from Southern Illinois University was a garage that she rented for $80 dollars a month. She rose through the job ranks, first in public relations and later to land a position with Merrill Lynch in Phoenix, Arizona. Feeling the freedom of entrepreneurship, Nancy thrived on the market action and enjoyed all of the financial aspects of the business. After the stock market crash of 1987, a trusted friend and client - and later her husband – encouraged her to go into business for herself.

Deciding on just what business to begin was the dilemma. She dreamed of owning a beautiful home one-day and would scout model homes for fun. It finally clicked…she would provide a space for the builders to sell their model home furniture directly to the public. Her idea was born.

In October of 1989, just nine months after her idea was born, Nancy purchased an old panel van and moved furniture into her original space on Bell Road in Phoenix. FURNITURE AFFAIR, The Model Home Furniture Outlet was open for business.

From day one people got it. They loved the designer selected model home furniture at the discounted prices and the business thrived. Today Furniture Affair has moved into a 22,000 square foot space and is the number one re-seller of model home furniture in the Valley. And to think it all began on a farm in the Midwest.

In 2002 through 2005, The Business Journal of Phoenix ranked Furniture Affair Inc. one of The Top 50 Women-Owned Businesses in the Valley. In 2006 Nancy was honored as NAWBO Business Owner of the Year and Furniture Affair was chosen as Small Business of the Year by the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce.

Ms. Rhodes contributes to many charities locally and nationally including specifically Homeward Bound and Starshine Academy of Phoenix.

Nancy is an active member in: National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), Women Presidents Organization (WPO), Women In The Home Furnishings Industry Today (WITHIT), Home Builders Association of Central Arizona (HBACA), and American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). She recently graduated from the Academy for the Advancement of Small, Minority and Women Owned Enterprises(AAAME).