Creative Concepts Furniture Celebrates 50 Years in Business in Sussex Co.
Photography by Svetlana Leahy
The year was 1973, a year in which the United States ended its involvement in the Vietnam War; The Odd Couple was the No. 1 show on television; and the average cost of a new home was $32,500. It was also in 1973 that Wayne and Bobbi Lednum opened Creative Concepts in Sussex County with a simple yet profound philosophy to offer the best possible price at all times to their customers for quality service and products.
Much has changed in the past 50 years, and unfortunately, Bobbi and Wayne have passed on (in 2017 nd 2022, respectively), but the company they founded and built together remains strong and successful, thanks in large part to their business model and principles.
“This is a new chapter for us, yet their legacy continues,” said son Craig Lednum, who has led the operations of Creative Concepts for many years with his brother, Steve, and Steve’s wife, Gail. “Not a lot changed, and there are a couple of reasons for that: We have a solid business model that we’re constantly improving; we believe in and empower our employees to succeed; and we truly value the relationships we’ve built with our customers.
Photo by Pamela Aquilan
“[My parents] believed in people and supporting the community. They also believed in letting us take the reins many, many years ago,” Craig continued. “Dad was a good teacher because he let you make mistakes as opposed to telling you were going to make a mistake. To me, every individual learns more from their mistakes as opposed to being told that something is wrong. That mindset has filtered down through our company over the years, and it builds a strength in people.”
Craig also credits the Creative Concepts team, from its designers and support staff to warehouse crews, for much of the company’s success, saying that without their “dedication, stability and input, we certainly wouldn’t be where we are today.” He also praised the company’s loyal customer base, stating that he thoroughly appreciates the genuine relationships that have been created with them over the years
“[My parents] believed in people and supporting the community. They also believed in letting us take the reins many, many years ago. Dad was a good teacher because he let you make mistakes as opposed to telling you were going to make a mistake.”
– Craig Lednum
Creative Concepts was one of the very first furniture-and-home-accessory stores on the entire Shore to provide complimentary design services to their customers. From its humble beginnings in a 1,200-square-foot space in the York Beach Mall in South Bethany (and “our living room as a warehouse!” Craig recalled) to beautiful showrooms in Ocean View and Lewes totaling more than 27,000 square feet, Creative Concepts continues to operate in the very manner it had when its doors first opened 50 years ago — with honesty and integrity.
“Dad and I frequently discussed strategy, as it relates to the daily challenges, some beyond our control,” Craig said. “Agree or disagree, he would always ask, ‘Now what are you going to do about it?’ My answer has always been: Get up tomorrow and do the right thing.” CS