Rising Star has been around forever, down on the edge of the Old Mill District before it was “The Old Mill District.” Good to know they’re still going strong.

(And for what it’s worth, I generally have no problem running press releases… I’ll be marking them as such and handle them the way I’ve handled the past few…)

No Plans to Change Eclectic Furniture Retailer & Futon Manufacturer

Rising Star Stellar Home Furnishings has been purchased by Bend residents Mike and Kirsten Goldstein. But according to the Goldsteins, little else will change at Rising Star, which has been a fixture in Bend’s business community for more than two decades.

“Rising Star is one of the most recognized and successful retailers in Bend, and it enjoys one of the most loyal customer bases you’ll ever find,” says Kirsten Goldstein. “The last thing we want is to change that.”

“We share the same vision and values that Leslie Blok built Rising Star around,” adds Mike Goldstein. “A commitment to our employees, the environment and to the Bend community will continue to be the foundation, and Rising Star will continue to be the source of Central Oregon’s most eclectic, stylish and sustainable home furnishings.”

Kirsten Goldstein owns Great Clips hair salon franchises in Bend, Redmond and other Oregon locations, and her husband Mike Goldstein was formerly vice president of operations at Deschutes Brewery. At Deschutes Brewery, Mike helped implement changes that were recognized by Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality for Environmental Leadership. Mike currently serves on the boards of directors for the Central Oregon Family Resource Center and for the Jewish Community of Central Oregon.

The Goldsteins have lived in Bend for eight years, and Kirsten is a fourth-generation Oregonian – her ancestors came to Oregon in the 1850s on the Oregon Trail. They have three children, Hannah, age 12; Riley, age 11; and Lauren, age 9.

Rising Star founder Leslie Blok started making futons in her Bend garage in 1985, and for more than 21 years, Rising Star has been a pioneer in the green furniture market. Its Wellspring™ futon line has been cited by the Wall Street Journal for its use of fill made from recycled plastic beverage bottles and other innovative materials.

The company’s commitment to the environment — and to healthier living for both customers and employees — extends to its retail facilities and to general business operations. Rising Star’s rooftop solar system generates electricity from Central Oregon sunshine, reducing the need for power generated from high-impact sources such as fossil fuels. High-efficiency lighting also saves hundreds of dollars per year on utility bills and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Unusual in a retail business, Rising Star provides its employees with comprehensive benefits, including 100-percent company-paid healthcare insurance, paid vacation, 401k, and profit sharing and offers a flexible scheduling policy to support families and encourage healthy lifestyles. Employees receive incentives for walking, biking or carpooling to work, and a core team of long-term employees helps make management decisions.

Previous owners, the mother and daughter team of Rosamond and Leslie Blok, are “very excited about the new owners, and we are expecting Rising Star to continue to thrive and expand its good fortune.” According to Leslie, they are both presently studying at the School of Life/Earth Sciences and expect to graduate with degrees in Sustainable Fine Living and Feline Stewardship.

About Rising Star Stellar Home Furnishings
For 21 years, Rising Star Stellar Home Furnishings has sold stylish furniture and made green futons in Bend, Oregon. The company is committed to providing consumers with sustainable, green and organic product choices. For seven years running, readers of The Source Weekly have voted Rising Star “Best Furniture Store in Central Oregon.” Besides its retail operations, Rising Star also manufactures and distributes its Wellsping futon line throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond. For more on Rising Star, visit www.risingstarfurniture.com or call 800-828-6711 (local 541-382-4221).