ProWomen Luncheon

About the Speaker:  Denise Haney, President/Co-Owner/Co-Founder of Newport Furnishings  started her business on a whim.  In April 1998, Denise took an idea she had and acted on it.  She saw that people loved the furniture they found at upscale lifestyle marketers such as Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware and Z Gallerie, but often experienced “sticker shock.”  Furthermore, she discovered that most consumers dreaded the buying experience at traditional furniture stores, second only to shopping for a car.  With this in mind, Denise set out to create a friendly, relaxed environment in which people would actually feel comfortable shopping, as well as be able to afford the stylish furniture they loved!     

Denise created a way for consumers to have the styles of furniture they wanted in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere at great prices in a low overhead warehouse showroom.  Newport Furnishings’ concept has been a big hit with consumers and has rapidly expanded in just six years.  In early 2001, the company moved into a much larger facility in Phoenix.  Additional Newport stores can be found in Albuquerque, Denver, Houston, Kansas City, Minneapolis, San Antonio and Seattle, with more to follow.  Newport is expanding utilizing a proprietary unique and innovative joint venture partnership program developed by Denise and her husband.  

Denise keeps busy networking and working on the infrastructure of her business in order to handle the growth that will graduate it to the next level.  She is actively involved with various organizations within her community including NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners), WPO (Women Presidents’ Organization), FGI (Fashion Group International), WOS (Women of Scottsdale) and GPCC (Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce).  Newport was named Small Business of the Year for Innovation by the GPCC in 2002 and Small Business of the Year in 2003 by the Scottsdale Chamber.  Denise is recognized as one of Arizona Woman magazine’s “Experts” as well as “Who’s Who in Business.”  Furthermore, Denise has authored several articles on home furnishing for local publications.