Wickline Company History

San Diego's last electric streetcar completed its final run from Union Depot in 1949. But just as one longtime San Diego tradition came to an end, another was born in the same year when three fishing buddies formed a business partnership that still thrives today. First, Vincent James "Jim" Navarra opened a furniture store called Strep's Warehouse. Then, Roy Wickline founded Wickline Bedding Company to supply Strep's with quality mattresses. Finally, Jack Thorvick formed San Diego Spring to manufacture springs for Wickline. Together, the three friends worked faithfully to support each other.

In the past half-century, the three businesses experienced tremendous success, due largely to their owners' entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to quality products and service. Today, Wickline is recognized as the premiere independent bedding manufacturer in the western United States. Meanwhile, Strep's Warehouse – now called Jerome's Furniture in honor of Navarra's son – is one of the fifty largest independent furniture companies in America and the largest in Southern California. Similarly, San Diego Spring has expanded significantly and functions under the ownership of Leggett & Platt, a multi-billion dollar company.

Despite its steady growth over the last fifty years, Wickline Bedding Company remains family owned and operated – just as Roy Wickline intended. Wickline, who began handcrafting mattresses without pay during the Great Depression, managed operations until the age of 77. Then, with no heir to assume his duties, Wickline sold the company to Ray Malkiewicz in 1978.

Ray Malkiewicz, the former Vice President of Simmons Mattress Company and onetime Chairman of the International Sleep Products Association, brought both industry expertise and a commitment to maintaining Wickline's standard of excellence and innovation. Malkiewicz was also determined to preserve the company's family atmosphere, and in the early 1980s invited sons Mike, Mark, Jim and son-in-law Tony Colantono to manage production, sales and marketing. Presently, Wickline Bedding Company boasts factories in Escondido, California and Sacramento, with satisfied retail and contract customers throughout the eleven western United States.

So, what began over 50 years ago as a means for three close friends to collaborate has resulted in an enduring and successful partnership that is now in its second generation. And while the three companies continue to expand, they have maintained the family business values upon which they were founded – high quality, unparalleled service and affordable pricing.

 

Home  l  Magnetic Therapy 

Education About Sleep  l  Products/Services    

About Us  l  Contacts  l  news/ads