By Tyler Allen Explore Big Sky Staff Writer
BOZEMAN – Walking into Gallatin Valley Furniture on North Seventh Avenue in
Bozeman, one is struck by the sheer expanse of the 36,000-square-foot showroom
floor. From buffalo hide couches to ornate dressers and modern, colorful Norwegian
recliners, the showroom is a feast for the eyes.
Brian and Greg Cattin began working for their family business when the handles of
the lawnmowers they pushed around the yard for $10 a day were still over their
heads. The brothers now own Gallatin Valley Furniture with their parents, continuing
the tradition their grandfather Don DeCosse began on Main Street 67 years ago. In
those days, the business used yardsticks to measure if a couch would fit a room and
a customer only needed to dial ‘160’ to reach the store.
DeCosse moved the showroom to Seventh Avenue in 1976, to a space that was
previously an indoor motorbike racetrack and repair garage. Shortly thereafter, he
brought on his son Jim and son-in-law Dennis Cattin – Brian and Greg’s father – as
partners.
The store now has 38 employees and an 18,000-square-foot warehouse north of the
showroom building.
“We’ve been able to stay in business because we’ve found the right price point on
products that don’t surpass people’s budget,” Brian says, noting that although they
will customize any piece on the showroom floor, they’re more than just a high-end
furniture store.
Brian, 34, has been working there for eight years and Greg, 29, came on board
two-and-a-half years ago – both officially became partners a year ago. The brothers
graduated from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn. – Brian with a degree
in operations management and entrepreneurship, and Greg in entrepreneurship and
marketing management.
A member of Carpet Once since 1992, Gallatin Valley Furniture, has access to more
lines and resources than their competitors, according to the brothers, and sales are
currently half furniture and half floor coverings. In addition to carpet, the store
offers hardwood, laminate vinyl and luxury vinyl tile (LVT), as well as granite,
limestone or marble slab.
“We’re a soup to nuts operation,” Brian said. “[We’re] practically a one-stop shop for
someone looking to build, or rebuild, a home.”
“What makes them stand out is both their knowledge of their projects and attention
to detail,” said Damon Rao, a partner in the Bozeman-based construction company,
PRG Group. Gallatin Valley Furniture provides finishes and flooring – primarily
carpet, tile and hardwood – as a subcontractor for PRG, which builds homes mainly
in the Yellowstone Club. “They’ve helped us with some complicated and time-sensitive projects,” Rao said.
“Their performance is what brings me back to them.”
From 1998-2006, Gallatin Valley Furniture also had a store in the Big Sky Meadow
Village, but shuttered it due to the cost of rent, Brian said. A month ago they hired
an interior designer, Susie Tetta, who works in Big Sky full time.
“I really enjoy putting together someone’s dream home or putting a final touch on
it,” Greg said. “Whatever that dream home is to someone – $200,000 or $15
million.”
