Eggs 264: Thriving through adversity and successful living with Bew White

Bew graduated from Auburn University in 1972 with a degree in textile engineering, then went to work for Avondale Mills — his family-owned textile manufacturer. After 6-years, at just 28 years old, Bew left the nest and founded his own company, Vista Corporation, specializing in selling outdoor furniture. Keep in mind that this was at a time when “outdoor furniture” was thought of as little more than a table and chairs left on the deck.

After a series of wins — and losses — Bew set to work on expansion hoping to take his business from selling furniture on the road to a national brand. His idea, Summer Classics, was built on a consumer-driven approach of manufacturing the kind of products that would stand the test of time and never go out of style. This concept panned out and his company officially took flight in 1987.

Since then, Bew has received numerous awards, including a lifetime achievement award from the International Casual Furnishings Association, and has become the subject of a well-received biography — A Summer Classic: The Bew White Story — written by Christopher Taunton.

Joining us today for a conversation about his standout career in the outdoor furniture industry, what it means to live a truly successful life, how to thrive in turbulent times, and of course, about his book. Please join us in welcoming to the show, Bew White.