Rene Sutyla marks 30 years at Smitty’s as store nears 50th anniversary
As Smitty’s Furniture & Appliances prepares to celebrate 50 years in business this May, one of its longest-serving team members is marking a milestone of his own.
Rene Sutyla is celebrating 30 years of customer service at the locally owned business — a career defined by product knowledge, steady professionalism and a commitment to helping customers make informed decisions.
Over three decades, Sutyla has assisted thousands of customers, many of whom return time and again — sometimes bringing the next generation with them.
“It’s always been about taking care of people,” Sutyla said. “You see families come back generation after generation. That trust means everything.”
Sutyla actually began his career at Smitty’s on the delivery truck before quickly transitioning into sales, where his primary focus became electronics and mattresses.
His interest in mattresses, however, stemmed from a personal experience that predated his time at the store.
Five years before joining Smitty’s, Sutyla was involved in a car accident that left him with lingering back issues. After beginning his training at the store and learning more about sleep systems and proper support, he was able to apply that knowledge to his own situation.
“With the information I was taught after starting at Smitty’s, I was able to find the right mattress for me,” Sutyla said. “It almost eliminated the issues from my accident.”
That firsthand experience gave him a deeper understanding of how the right mattress can affect comfort and overall well-being — something he continues to share with customers today.
From traditional spring mattresses to modern hybrid and foam technology, Sutyla has seen the industry evolve significantly.
“Products have changed a lot,” he said. “There are more options now than ever before. My job is to help people understand what works for them.”
Current owner Larry Kornelsen said Sutyla’s consistency and approach have helped define the customer experience at Smitty’s.
“He has been dedicated and loyal throughout the years,” Kornelsen said. “He has built many loyal customers through his friendly personality. Customers feel cared for because he listens rather than pushing sales.”
That listening approach, Kornelsen said, is what builds long-term relationships in a locally owned business.
“Customer trust is very important,” he said. “It is key to long-term success.”
Longevity like Sutyla’s is increasingly rare in today’s retail landscape, where staff turnover can be high and customer relationships fleeting.
“Thirty years is rare,” Kornelsen said. “He loves his job, so that helps a lot.”
Kornelsen added that Sutyla’s strengths extend beyond mattress sales.
“Rene is very knowledgeable in all the products,” he said. “He is patient with customers and not pushy.”
Over the years, Sutyla has worked under two owners — founder Don Smith and now Kornelsen — witnessing firsthand the evolution of the family-run business while maintaining its community roots.
Kornelsen said Sutyla reflects the values established when the store first opened.
“He does well,” he said, noting Sutyla’s steady presence and customer-first mindset.
As the retail environment has shifted through economic ups and downs, changes in consumer trends and the rise of online shopping, Smitty’s has continued to focus on personal service — something both men say remains the store’s greatest strength.
To mark Sutyla’s 30 years, Smitty’s is hosting a one-day celebration sale on March 27 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Customers are invited to stop in for coffee and doughnuts, sign a banner with a message for Sutyla and take advantage of special anniversary discounts.
The event will feature a minimum 10 per cent discount on all beds and 30 per cent off bedding accessories. The store will also introduce its new 50th Anniversary Edition Mattress with a special introductory offer.
Customers can always expect “friendly service,” Kornelsen said.
The celebration comes just weeks before Smitty’s reaches its own major milestone.
In May, the business will mark 50 years of serving the community.
“It represents an established business that has been able to weather the ups and downs in business,” Kornelsen said. “It’s stable, it’s here to stay and it will continue to serve the community.”
For Sutyla, the focus remains where it has always been — on helping customers make confident, comfortable choices.
“I have enjoyed the opportunity to assist our customers over the past 30 years and look forward to the future,” he said. “And keep an eye out for another milestone — Smitty’s turns 50 in May.”
Three decades in, Sutyla’s dedication continues to reflect the steady, relationship-driven approach that has helped sustain Smitty’s Furniture & Appliances for nearly half a century — one customer, and one good night’s sleep, at a time.
