Pioneer Linens stands as a testament to enduring family values and a commitment to quality in the retail linen industry. For over 111 years and spanning three generations, this business has been outfitting homes, yachts, and private aircraft with exquisite linens, while also catering to those seeking the perfect small gift. This remarkable versatility truly sets Pioneer Linens apart in a competitive market.
“We have people that come in who just want small gifts, and we also have people who want to outfit all of their homes, their boats, their planes,” explains Camille Murphy-Kubicek of Pioneer Linens, highlighting the breadth of their clientele. Store Manager Ronnie Rubin further emphasizes this unique positioning, stating, “Which makes us very unique.”
The story of Pioneer Linens is rooted in the pioneering spirit of its founder, an Austrian immigrant who established the business as a hardware store. Penny Murphy, the current President and Owner and granddaughter of the founder, reflects on this heritage: “People who are pioneers are resourceful and they find a way to be successful. My grandfather came over here as an Austrian immigrant and he built that business as a hardware store.” Her father later transitioned the business to specialize in linens, laying the foundation for the company’s current focus. Interestingly, Penny Murphy initially did not foresee herself joining the family business. However, after gaining experience in public relations and marketing, she found herself drawn to contribute to Pioneer Linens. “When I was growing up, I never really envisioned myself working at Pioneer Linens,” she admits. An opportunity arose when her father recognized her marketing skills, leading her to join the company.
Similarly, Camille Murphy-Kubicek’s path to Pioneer Linens was not initially planned. Graduating in 2008 during an economic downturn, she stepped in to assist with marketing and advertising, eventually finding her place within the family business. “I never really thought I would work here, but I graduated in 2008. My mom needed some help, so I started here doing the marketing and advertising, so I just kind of fell into place,” she recounts.
The family’s resilience and adaptability, core tenets of a pioneering spirit, have been crucial to navigating economic challenges. Penny Murphy recalls the impact of the 2007-2008 downturn and the importance of their relationship with Wells Fargo, stating, “The downturn and 2007, 2008 took down a lot of our clients, and Wells Fargo was kind enough to give us a line of credit at that point…” Marissa Murphy-Adriaanse, handling operations and e-commerce, also emphasizes the ongoing collaboration with Wells Fargo. Camille Murphy-Kubicek further underscores the strength of this long-term banking relationship, particularly highlighting Wells Fargo’s support during the pandemic. “I think our relationship with Wells Fargo is pretty special. It’s pretty wild to be with the same bank for all that time, but they’ve always helped us get what we need, especially during the pandemic with the PPP loans and everything has always been pretty easy.”
Pioneer Linens is more than just a business; it’s a cherished part of the Murphy family. As Penny Murphy affectionately notes, “We often joke that Pioneer Linens is like that imaginary friend in our family.” Looking to the future, Camille Murphy-Kubicek expresses her hope for continued family involvement, “I have two beautiful daughters that are two and four right now, and I’m so special that we’re at four generations. It would be amazing to get to the fifth generation, too.”
In conclusion, Pioneer Linens embodies the spirit of a pioneer through its century-long journey of adaptation, family dedication, and unwavering commitment to providing exceptional linens and customer service. Just as Wells Fargo has been a pioneer in banking, Pioneer Linens has navigated numerous transitions while maintaining its core values and family legacy, poised to continue serving customers for generations to come.
