Kalona Furniture Co. is developing a line of quality, wood office furniture with the help of a na…

By News Dept.

Kalona Furniture Co. is developing a line of quality, wood office furniture with the help of a native Californian with a broad background in the office furniture business.

Michael K. Thompson, whose wife, Judy (Grout) is a native of the Kalona area, has joined Kalona Furniture as director of commercial sales, according to president-owner Charles Graves. Thompson has over 20 years experience in office furniture product development in the Los Angles area.

Thompson gave up the fast paced life in an upper management position to move closer to his wife’s family and enjoy the good life in Iowa.

“Iowa is so beautiful,” he remarked. “Just the beauty here shows God’s hand at work in everything. Life is everywhere here.” He said he enjoys being away from the “rat race” of California, noting there are more people in Orange County than there are in the entire state of Iowa.

Thompson said he is working with Graves to develop a line of furniture for the office and home. This will include roll-top desks, flat desks, bookcases, etc. They are also working on a line of mission style furniture that can be free standing. This will include desks, file cabinets, tables, book cases, and a few seating products.

“All the furniture is of quality construction that just can’t be beat,” Thompson said.

“I’m really glad Michael is here to help us further develop our commercial and home office furniture line,” Graves added.

Judy Thompson, who is employed at Kalona Locker, was born in Kalona and is a Mid-Prairie graduate. Her mother is Veryle Grout.

Thompson is a native of Pasadena and a graduate of Cal State at Los Angles.