Thrifty Office Furniture was founded in Durham, NC, in 1993 by Joel Gillis, driven by a vision to provide affordable office furniture for entrepreneurs. His deep industry expertise and commitment to customer service fueled the company’s rapid growth, evolving from selling used furniture to establishing partnerships with leading manufacturers for high-quality new products. Over the years, Thrifty expanded to three North Carolina locations, building a dedicated team of 21 employees and strong relationships with over 100 manufacturers. A new chapter began when Hannah Cresimore joined as a marketing associate. Her innovation and determination quickly propelled her into leadership roles, and within five years, she became President. Undeterred by industry challenges, she implemented strategies that enhanced profitability and operational efficiency. When the opportunity arose, she acquired Thrifty, making history as the company’s first female owner. Today, Thrifty Office Furniture is a thriving, women-owned business that remains dedicated to delivering quality products and exceptional service. With a strong foundation and a bold vision for the future, Thrifty continues to grow, champion diversity, and empower the next generation of leaders.