Specialties
Your Hometown Source for Appliances, Bedding, Recliners, & Lawn/Garden. Why? Cause Sensei said so!!
Serving the TN/KY/VA Tri-State Area!
History
Established in 2022.
Our store history began over 12 years ago when David Barnard and his family from Barbourville, KY started the Sears Hometown Store in Middlesboro, KY.
I came on as a part time job in August of 2017, learning the business and working my way up to Store Manager.
In 2022, I bought the store, only for Sears Corporate to file bankruptcy months later.
Looking for Gods guidance, and lots of prayer & reflection, we became an independent store:
Fortner’s Home Connection
Basically a Sears without the tools & Lawn and Garden, offering appliances, bedding & furniture, or any other needs for the home.
We strive to continue the tradition this store started over the previous 10 years, while we continue looking for new areas and products that our customers want and need. Come on in and let us give you the “Red Carpet VIP Treatment” you deserve!
Meet the Business Owner: Jim F.
I was born in Middlesboro KY & raised in across the state line in Harrogate TN. I graduated from Powell Valley High School, & I received 2 degrees from LMU, but my biggest education was working in my family business. Here I learned from my Dad the meaning of hard work and how to treat people and do the right thing. I have worked in 4 Fortune 50 jobs, the last being Sears when I started there as a part time job in 2017, learning this business.
In 2022, bought the store, only for Sears to file bankruptcy months later.
Looking for Gods guidance, and lots of prayer & reflection, we became an independent store.
We strive to continue the tradition this store started over the previous 10 years.
I have one daughter, Elayne, who is a graduate of the University of Louisville, and our Vice President.
I believe in treating people and the products they buy from us like I would want to be treated, with integrity and respect, with the “red carpet treatment” they deserve. Come let us show you!