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 operating Ashley stores across the Southeastern United States.

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 Chief Executive Officer

Russell is the CEO and Owner 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 transitioned from daily operational leadership, Russell now concentrates on long-term strategic direction, real estate, and select investment initiatives, partnering with the management team to guide the company’s future.

Justin Woods

President

Justin joined 1915 South as President in 2025 and is accountable for developing and overseeing the strategy, growth, and operational performance for the company. He is passionate about home furnishings retail and delivering an exceptional, modern guest experience in the 1915 South Ashley stores.

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

In his spare time, Justin enjoys spending time with his family, traveling and enjoying the hidden gem that is Thomasville, GA.

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

Josh Beaupre

Chief Financial Officer

Josh Beaupre joined 1915 South in 2025 as Chief Financial Officer, bringing nearly two decades of experience across finance, operations, and retail leadership. He leads the company’s financial strategy, planning, and analysis with a focus on disciplined management and supporting long-term growth. Josh began his career in the specialty food industry, becoming the youngest general manager in company history and developing the finance infrastructure for corporate-owned, franchised, and joint-venture operations. He went on to spend eight years in finance leadership roles at Southeastern Grocers and later served as Vice President of Finance for Ashley Global Retail, where he led financial operations and supported the integration of a major Ashley licensee into the national retail platform.

Originally from southern Maine, Josh holds a degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Southern Maine. He lives in Jacksonville, FL, with his wife and four children and enjoys strength training, health and wellness, and coaching his kids’ competitive soccer teams.

Leah Odom

Vice President of People and Technology

With 17 years of service to 1915 South, Leah Odom has served in every capacity of administrative assistance. As Chief of Staff, 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

Vice President of Merchandising, Marketing and Analytics

Amanda Hall joined 1915 South in 2025 as Vice President of Merchandising, Marketing and Analytics. In this role, she leads the visual merchandising and in-store experience strategy, oversees marketing and media investments to drive traffic, and heads the company’s data and analytics efforts.

She brings a strong background in retail and furniture retail and is passionate about creating smart, guest-focused strategies that blend data with creativity to drive growth.

Originally from West Virginia, Amanda earned her bachelor’s degree in Finance and her master’s in Data Analytics from West Virginia University. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and getting lost in a good book.

Frank Pina

Vice President of Sales

Frank Pina joined 1915 South in 2025 as Vice President of Sales, 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.

Melanie Stephens

Vice President of Guest Experience and Business Enablement

Melanie started with the company in 2003 and was immediately hooked on understanding the operations of the company and coming up with ideas on how to improve. Being part of such growth over the years has been an incredible journey and one that has been such a blessing in Melanie’s life!

Melanie has been married for over 25 years to her best friend, Cameron. Together they have two children that spark such joy in their lives. Her daughter Paxton lives in L.A. and her son Preston lives in Thomasville, GA. Both are thankfully taller than Melanie.

Melanie’s hobbies include eating, helping others tidy their homes and lives, and watching random shows on Netflix.

Andrew Crawford

Senior Director of Distribution

Andrew joined 1915 South in August 2025 as Senior Director of Distribution, bringing more than two decades of experience in distribution, logistics, and retail operations. He oversees inbound and outbound planning across the Distribution Centers in Loxley, Kernersville, and Thomasville, focusing on operational excellence, strong team development, and efficient product flow to stores. His career includes leadership roles with Ashley Global Retail, Watson’s of Cincinnati, Morris Furniture Company, and Raymour & Flanigan, where he built deep expertise in large-scale operations and continuous improvement initiatives. Andrew holds a Business Management degree from Tri-State University, an associate degree in Engineering Science from Monroe Community College, and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification.

Originally from Wayland, New York, Andrew now resides in Thomasville, GA. He is a proud father of four—Dominic, Cameron, Corbin, and Anistyn—and enjoys golfing, kayaking, attending local festivals and concerts, and tackling hands-on DIY projects.