Old Time Pottery is the Business Pulse Feature Member of the Month

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Scott Peterson always knew he wanted to be a part of a family business. When his parents, Jack and Sallie, decided to leave their home in Myrtle Beach, S.C. to open a family business in Murfreesboro, Scott was already very much a part of the planning. Twenty-five years later, Scott is the president and CEO of Old Time Pottery. What started in Middle Tennessee in 1986 as a single, home décor bargain store has expanded to 29 stores located across the Southeast and Midwest.

A Family Affair

Jack Peterson worked in retail most his life. He always wanted to open his own business, a business that his children would eventually take over. Jack and his son, Scott, traveled across the Southeast to find a location for the family store. Travels took them to Orlando, Charlotte, Knoxville and various areas in the Middle Tennessee region. A nearby outlet mall already attracting their ideal customer base paired with the growth and tourism in Rutherford County, made the space on River Rock Boulevard the perfect location. Construction began in 1985 and in early 1986 Old Time Pottery was born. With their belief that bargain shopping is a hobby and home decorating an even bigger one, the Peterson’s found success with a no frills, low-priced way of doing business.

While there were no original plans for expansion, the success of the flagship store led the privately-held, family-owned company to develop in new cities. The company found its niche by occupying second generation retail spaces and anchoring outlet malls. 

Over the years, Jack served as president while Sallie managed the corporate office. They both worked until 2006 when Jack was diagnosed with leukemia. He passed away in 2008. Scott, committed to carrying on his father’s dream, became president in 2006 and was named CEO in 2010.

Today, with 29 stores, the company still feels much like a family. Advertising Manager Nancy Stockwell shares, “Our corporate office is a very close-knit group. Many staff members have been here since the beginning and many who have left have come back. Scott leads the company with an integrity that Jack would be proud of. He is truly a team player. It’s not a surprise to see Scott helping cashiers wrap and bag merchandise.”

Scott’s willingness to lend a hand extends to the community as well. Whether it’s helping fight cancer by supporting a company team in a Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, making donations at Room in the Inn Day Shelter during the holidays or helping those affected by the Nashville flood get back on their feet, Scott and his staff understand the importance of giving back to those in need.

Plans for the Future

Although there are no immediate plans, Scott wants to continue store expansion in the Southeast and Midwest, and is hopeful of a presence in the Northeast. Scott and his staff keep a close eye on the competition, but are confident that Old Time Pottery’s uniqueness, variety and low prices will remain appealing to anyone who wants to decorate on a budget. Currently, the company is working on a plan to develop a greater internet presence that will allow customers to experience Old Time Pottery in a new, interactive way – including online shopping.

This year, Old Time Pottery celebrates 25 years of business. For those same 25 years, Scott has been very happy to call Rutherford County home. “Murfreesboro is a great place to be. My family was well aware of the potential this region had and I still feel that way today. I was born and lived in Los Angeles until I was 15. People often ask me if I miss it and if I’d rather be living there. I always say no. We have hills. We have seasons. I’d take Murfreesboro over Los Angeles any day.”