The Unforgettable Don Johnson

He may not be the 1980s cop from Miami Vice, but Plymouth’s Don Johnson makes an unforgettable impression on everyone he meets.

Don is probably one of the city’s most well known salesmen, working in the furniture industry for more than 20 years. It’s not just his enthusiasm, excellent product knowledge and customer care but the jokes just keep on coming too.

Yet he’s never considered a career in comedy stand-up.

“Life’s too short,’ said Don. ‘I love my job and I’ve built up a wonderful following of regular customers over the years. Plus I enjoy making people laugh.’

Those regulars will now find him putting the fun into furniture in his new sales adviser role at the new flagship Furniture World store on Coypool Retail Park. Some of them already have.

‘I’d only been here for a couple of days when a lady came in, took one look at me and promptly remembered I’d sold her a toaster more than 20 years ago.’

Customer care is very close to Don’s heart.

‘I treat people as I would like to be treated,’ he said. ‘Great service costs nothing. A welcome, a smile and a cup of coffee are so important when people are making big decisions about their home.

‘A lot of companies are becoming too corporate and too aloof from their customers especially when something goes wrong. I was delighted to move to Furniture World because it’s a family firm with strong core values. We really care about our customers because we want to see them again and again. That’s why I’m here.’

Don’s career began in the Royal Navy, serving 17 years and two days as a Leading Seaman (Sonar). It also gave him an opportunity to spend time playing his beloved rugby. At 56, Don’s still playing for Devonport Service Vets.

Furniture World managing director Ryan Long is delighted that Don has joined the ranks.

‘He’s a great ambassador for the company,’ he said. ‘Customer service has always been and always will be the key to our success. Don is simply one of the best in the business.’

Furniture World began as a family business selling furniture from a barn back in 1984. Since then, company has steadily grown, with stores in Redruth, Newquay, St Austell, Penzance and Plymouth employing more than 50 staff.