Ashley Began As A Hardware Business In Pelham, Ga In 1915.

The Founders of the company were the late Moses Wright Turner, Sr and his late son Moses Wright Turner, Jr.

Growing Strong Through Generations

1915 South is a family-owned and privately held home furnishings retailer, proudly operating Ashley stores across the Southeastern United States as an independent Ashley licensee.

Our history began in 1915 with a single hardware store in Pelham, Georgia, founded by Moses Wright Turner, Sr. and his son, Moses Wright Turner, Jr. Over more than a century and with the influence, investment and vision of Scott and Russell Turner, 1915 South has become the growing retailer we are today – ranked #50 on America’s Top 100 Furniture Stores list as of 2025.

We opened our first Ashley store in 2002 and now operate 30 locations, supported by a team committed to exceptional service, operational excellence, and building lasting customer connection.

Current Retail Footprint:

Florida: 12 stores

Georgia: 7 stores, 1 distribution center

Alabama: 5 stores, 1 distribution center

North Carolina: 4 stores, 1 distribution center

Mississippi: 1 store

Virginia: 1 store

Growth Timeline:

1915: Turner family opens original hardware store in Pelham, GA

1940s–50s: Expansion into furniture with stores in Bainbridge and Tifton, GA

2002: First Ashley store opens in Tallahassee, FL

2003–2007: Rapid expansion adding 10 stores across 5 states

2014–2015: Stores added in Albany, GA and Danville, VA

2017: First Ashley Outlet opens in Greensboro, NC

2018: Acquisition of Macon and Warner Robins, GA stores

2020: Five-store acquisition expands presence in the Gulf Coast region

2022: Acquisition of the Jacksonville, FL market

2023: Opening of the Ashley store in Valdosta, GA

2025: Opening in Yulee, FL and St. Augustine, FL

We’re proud to serve our guests and associates across the Southeast and are actively investing in people, real estate, and communities to shape the future of home furnishings retail.

A Commitment to Quality and Service

We are proud of the broad range of distinctive home furnishings offered through Ashley. Hard work, passion and pride in providing our customers with the best product, for the best value, with the best service translates into providing our customers with the best experience.

Our goal at 1915 South is to provide a superior level of service for our customers and in the industry. With our steady growth, we have been named as one of the Top 100 Furniture Stores in America. Our proud past and drive have allowed us to grow and to provide many new jobs in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Virginia. We are proud to be a part of your community and look forward to servicing our customers and neighbors for many years to come.

Meet The 1915 South Team

Russell Turner

Owner and Chairman

Russell is the Owner and Chairman of 1915 South, where he represents the fourth generation of leadership. He earned his degree in Home Furnishings Marketing and Business Administration from High Point University.

Having moved from Chief Executive Officer into the Chairman role, Russell advises on long-term strategy, guides and mentors the executive team, and stewards the relationships that position 1915 South to take advantage of growth opportunities, while preserving and protecting the company’s foundation.

Justin Woods

President and Chief Executive Officer

Justin joined 1915 South as President in 2025 and was promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer in July 2026. He is accountable for developing and overseeing the strategy, growth, and operational performance for the company. He is passionate about delivering an exceptional retail experience in the 1915 South operated stores.

He brings nearly two decades of management and leadership experience from General Electric, Walmart, Advance Auto Parts and Ashley Global Retail.

Justin has an MBA from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business and a BS in Business Administration from Marquette University.

Brady Smallwood

Chief Finance and Strategy Officer

Brady joined 1915 South as Chief Finance and Strategy Officer in 2026 and is responsible for leading the company’s finance function while also shaping enterprise strategy to support growth, performance, and long-term value creation.

He brings extensive experience from some of the country’s leading retail organizations, including Walmart and Kroger, in addition to past roles in financial services, e-commerce, and food distribution.

Brady holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He is originally from southern Virginia and now resides in Bentonville, AR with his wife and five children.

Leah Odom

Chief People Officer

With 17 years of service to 1915 South, Leah Odom has served in every capacity of administrative assistance. As Chief People Officer, she supports the president and other executive members, helping drive the communications, visions, and operational goals. Her attention to detail ensures that the executive team remains focused on key priorities and improves the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization.

Outside of work, Leah enjoys Saturday lunch dates with family and running.

Amanda Hall

Chief Commercial Officer

Amanda joined 1915 South in 2025 and currently serves as Chief Commercial Officer, leading merchandising, marketing, and visual for the company. She is accountable for ensuring 1915 South has the right product, the right price and promotion, and the right message, all driven by data and analytics. In addition to those areas, she plays a leadership role in the company’s growth initiatives.

She brings a strong background in retail and furniture retail, including Advance Auto Parts and Ashley Global Retail.

Amanda has a master’s degree in Data Analytics and a bachelor’s degree in Finance, both from West Virginia University.

Frank Pina

Chief Operating Officer

Frank joined 1915 South in 2025 and serves as Chief Operating Officer, where he leads the sales organization with a focus on growth, performance, and investing in people. With over 20 years of experience in furniture retail, Frank has built his career from the sales floor up, bringing hands-on leadership and a deep understanding of what it takes to drive results.

He’s passionate about developing strong teams, building a winning culture, and helping others grow both personally and professionally.

Frank’s greatest motivation is his family – his wife Merrie, his rock, and their three children: Frankie, Lilly, and Levi, who inspire him every day. Outside of work, Frank enjoys personal development, staying active at the gym, and participating in community activities.

Alyson Nohelty

Chief Transformation Officer

Alyson joined 1915 South as Chief Transformation Officer in 2026 and is responsible for leading enterprise transformation initiatives, organizational design, and strategic integration efforts that support the company’s continued growth and evolution.

She brings extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, company integrations, and business transformation, including leadership roles at General Electric and other top-tier organizations.

Alyson holds a proven track record of leading complex organizational change and helping businesses successfully navigate periods of growth and transformation.