Southern Motion™ was founded in 1996 in Pontotoc, Mississippi, by Guy Lipscomb and Larry Todd. Guy’s leadership in the sales, marketing and financial arenas combined with Larry’s expertise in manufacturing and operations made up a winning combination that has endured for 14 years.
The idea was simple: manufacture only reclining furniture and make it better than anyone ever had. All they needed was a name. One day while Guy and his wife, Sandy, were shopping, they happened across a painting entitled “Southern Motion” by a Birmingham, Alabama, artist. The painting served not only as the inspiration for the company’s name, it also embodies the spirit of the product to be manufactured—relaxed and comfortable furniture.
Since 1996 when the first sofa was produced, audited results tell the story as the company closed in on being one of the top 5 manufacturers of reclining furniture. In 2001, the merchandising, marketing and sales skills of Davy Crockett and G Lipscomb were added to the executive team, and Pat and Wayne Patterson shouldered the financial responsibilities. In 2008, Guy moved up to Chairman and Southern Motion™ brought in Roger Bland as president, a veteran of the reclining furniture industry with 29 years experience. That same year, Danny McClellan was brought in to head up operations.