Irv Blumkin

Irv began work at the age of 8 at Nebraska Furniture Mart. Guided by his grandmother, the legendary Mrs. B, and his father, Louie, he worked in all areas of the company.

Irv went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Arizona in 1974. He returned to Omaha and the family business in 1975 after a major tornado demolished the store. He was instrumental in not only rebuilding the facility, but in growing the business into what it is today—one of America’s largest home furnishings businesses.

Managing the operation along with his brother, Ron Blumkin, the Omaha campus has grown to 77 acres with a state-of-the-art distribution warehouse and an ongoing program of updating the sales areas with the latest in retail innovations.

In 1983, a majority of the business was sold to Berkshire Hathaway, headed by legendary investor Warren Buffett.

In 1993, Irv and Ron played a vital role in opening a 24,000 square foot Nebraska Furniture Mart showroom in Clive, Iowa, with an emphasis on contractor sales. Irv was also instrumental in the 2000 acquisition of the Homemakers Furniture Store in Des Moines, Iowa, which has expanded to a 215,000 square foot state‑of‑the‑art retail furniture showroom.

Irv helped guide the planning and 2003 opening of a new Nebraska Furniture Mart in Kansas City, Kansas, which covers 80 acres and has more than 1,000,000 square feet of combined retail and distribution center space.

Irv remains involved in the company's strategy and vision, store layout/design, as well as mentoring our merchandising staff.